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Go Fake Yourself
Help Wanted: Romance author will pay $20k for 60 days of fake dating a stranger. PS - You have to live together (and there's only one bed)
AUDREY
Okay, so I’m more than a little starstruck when I show up for my interview to discover Victoria-freaking-Trulette is my prospective employer. That shock is nothing compared to her job offer—fake date a stranger for sixty days, as “research” for her next novel? Not to mention that I have to live with him… in a condo with only ONE BED!? I mean, I barely have any experience being a real girlfriend!
But you know what they say about desperate times. I’m out of options; it’s either this, or moving back home with my overcontrolling mother. And I refuse to choose door number two.
Now, I just have to survive the next sixty days without making a complete fool of myself. Or falling for my fake boyfriend. Hot, intimidating, and completely out of my league, Walker is the kind of guy I usually avoid out of sheer self-preservation. He can also be a jerk, which helps with remembering we’re fake—it’s the glimpses of his softer side that are dangerous to my Feel Nothing for Walker plan.
(Don’t even get me started on his droolworthy abs, or tendency to walk around shirtless!)
WALKER
Twenty grand, to be some girl’s fake boyfriend for two months?
This author lady might be certifiable, but if playing along with her little experiment is what it will take to finally quit working for my dad and start my own business, I guess I can chill in the weird lane for a couple of months.
As far as “falling in love?” If that’s Victoria’s hope, she’s in for a disappointment. (Good thing I’m no stranger to disappointing people… just ask my dad.) I am not that guy. Then there’s Audrey, who is the most awkward girl I’ve ever met. Definitely not my type… no matter how cute she looks in her glasses, or how much I like her crazy hair.
(I mean, she’s a vegetarian. How am I supposed to pretend I love a woman who doesn’t eat bacon?)
429 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 11, 2022
198 people are currently reading
2303 people want to read
About the author
Elle Maxwell
2 books170 followersElle Maxwell is an unrepentant metaphor addict, a believer in hard-fought happy endings, and she still refuses to accept the death of the Oxford Comma.
Go Fake Yourself
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 314 reviews
January 17, 2023
There’s nothing better than when a rom-com actually makes you laugh right? I laughed so hard at some points I was literally gasping for air. I’d laugh over the stupidest shit so don’t come at me if you don’t find it funny lmao.
Anyway, the plot was really unique and I loved it. It was fun reading smth fresh.
Tbf I did get sorta bored at the 60% mark but then it picked back up and I liked it again discounting the third act bc he needed to grovel more. It wasn’t nearly enough after him acting like such a dumbass but whatever.
I liked some things. Then didn’t particularly like other stuff like all the exclamation points in the writing. It reminds me of something I would read on Wattpad and that’s not necessarily a bad thing but just not what I prefer.
Walker was this brute of a guy but I liked his bluntness. I liked that he took ownership of his actions. But the guy was so horny all the time I kept thinking bro chill. Like where’s the decency? WHERE IS THE DECORUM?! But then again I realise that was the point of how his character was made: to have no etiquette lmao.
Audrey was cute and a little annoying. But I got over it after a while. I didn’t like that she based her entire self-worth on other ppls thoughts of her bc of her past. But I love that Walker knew her well enough to give her daily affirmations (that’s mad cute)
Overall it was fun and entertaining (lots of drama)
𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲:
Callie and her guy’s story sounds cute
𝗦𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘀: 🎧
Liar — Camila Cabello
𝗙𝗮𝘃 𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
“There’s that blush again. It’s cute. If I saw it under other circumstances, I might even say real fucking cute.”
“True story: happiness is a good look on Audrey Mitchell.”
“When I kiss the top of Audrey’s hair before getting off the bed, she tips her chin up and gives me a smile so soft and fond it hits me right in the motherfucking feels—something I didn’t even know I had until recently.”
“Was that Luke’s car in the driveway?”
“Yeah. Late 2000s Mustang,” (As if that means anything to me!)”
~LMFAO I FEEL THAT SO BAD
“there’s no room in my mind, in my universe, for anything but Audrey.”
𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝗯𝗲𝘀:
Things we never got over — Lucy score
Shortcake — Lucy Watson
Under one roof — Ali hazelwood
Anyway, the plot was really unique and I loved it. It was fun reading smth fresh.
Tbf I did get sorta bored at the 60% mark but then it picked back up and I liked it again discounting the third act bc he needed to grovel more. It wasn’t nearly enough after him acting like such a dumbass but whatever.
I liked some things. Then didn’t particularly like other stuff like all the exclamation points in the writing. It reminds me of something I would read on Wattpad and that’s not necessarily a bad thing but just not what I prefer.
Walker was this brute of a guy but I liked his bluntness. I liked that he took ownership of his actions. But the guy was so horny all the time I kept thinking bro chill. Like where’s the decency? WHERE IS THE DECORUM?! But then again I realise that was the point of how his character was made: to have no etiquette lmao.
Audrey was cute and a little annoying. But I got over it after a while. I didn’t like that she based her entire self-worth on other ppls thoughts of her bc of her past. But I love that Walker knew her well enough to give her daily affirmations (that’s mad cute)
Overall it was fun and entertaining (lots of drama)
𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲:
Callie and her guy’s story sounds cute
𝗦𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘀: 🎧
Liar — Camila Cabello
𝗙𝗮𝘃 𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
“There’s that blush again. It’s cute. If I saw it under other circumstances, I might even say real fucking cute.”
“True story: happiness is a good look on Audrey Mitchell.”
“When I kiss the top of Audrey’s hair before getting off the bed, she tips her chin up and gives me a smile so soft and fond it hits me right in the motherfucking feels—something I didn’t even know I had until recently.”
“Was that Luke’s car in the driveway?”
“Yeah. Late 2000s Mustang,” (As if that means anything to me!)”
~LMFAO I FEEL THAT SO BAD
“there’s no room in my mind, in my universe, for anything but Audrey.”
𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝗯𝗲𝘀:
Things we never got over — Lucy score
Shortcake — Lucy Watson
Under one roof — Ali hazelwood
October 13, 2023
loved this book! It was so hilarious - all the texts and journal entries had me laughing out loud. It was kind of a different twist on fake dating and I really loved it! I really love this author's writing style I wish she would write more books!
November 16, 2022
Rating: 4,5 stars
Romance: 3/5
Chemistry: 5/5
1st kiss: +-44% in
Spice: 4/5
Humour: 3/5
Cry factor: 1/5
Drama: 1/5
Foul language: 3,5/5
Positive thoughts:
-It's definitely a unique structure with not only the characters POV's, but journal entries, recordings, messages back and forth from the author. It made the book's vibe move in a fast pace.
- Yes, the one bed trope and forced proximity is not always what romance novels make them out to be. In this book we got how real it is and it's not insta! it's not easy, it isn't even mind-blowing. Here we get the real picture and it's hilarious and heartbreaking and take linger then we thing and a lot of work. Proximity alone doesn't do the job!
Negative thought:
- It kinds bugged me that in Audry's POV you'r "hear" her gawking over other men. I know they are in a fake relationship and it's kinda allowed, but not when she starts to have feelings for Walker.
- I loved the journal entries and recordings we had in the first half of the book, I missed them in the second half.
- I didn't get closure with his dad or her mom.
Tropes:
- Fake relationship
- Forced proximity
- One bed
- Overbearing mother
- Dominant father
- Insecure FMC
- Twin
Romance: 3/5
Chemistry: 5/5
1st kiss: +-44% in
Spice: 4/5
Humour: 3/5
Cry factor: 1/5
Drama: 1/5
Foul language: 3,5/5
Positive thoughts:
-It's definitely a unique structure with not only the characters POV's, but journal entries, recordings, messages back and forth from the author. It made the book's vibe move in a fast pace.
- Yes, the one bed trope and forced proximity is not always what romance novels make them out to be. In this book we got how real it is and it's not insta! it's not easy, it isn't even mind-blowing. Here we get the real picture and it's hilarious and heartbreaking and take linger then we thing and a lot of work. Proximity alone doesn't do the job!
Negative thought:
- It kinds bugged me that in Audry's POV you'r "hear" her gawking over other men. I know they are in a fake relationship and it's kinda allowed, but not when she starts to have feelings for Walker.
- I loved the journal entries and recordings we had in the first half of the book, I missed them in the second half.
- I didn't get closure with his dad or her mom.
Tropes:
- Fake relationship
- Forced proximity
- One bed
- Overbearing mother
- Dominant father
- Insecure FMC
- Twin
November 4, 2022
I've received an ARC in exchange for my honest
review, but there's only one bed your honour, that's like, three stars already.
"Maybe love is the cells in your body tuning themselves not to the forces of gravity or the tides but to another person." 🥺
Chapters with titles ✅
Double pov ✅
Closed Proximity ✅
Fake Dating ✅
Opposites Attract ✅
There's only one bed ✅
⭐⭐⭐⭐ and a half
How would you organize your life if you had 3 days to move in with your fake partner into your new home (again, with just *one* bed) for two months in exchange for 20k?
Walker (broody, fascinating, kinda scary) works in the family auto shop - his dream job is to have his own screen printing business. (sidenote: give me book mechanics any day, working with their hands, fixing things, dealing with daddy issues - and I'm all in.)
Audrey (awkward, shy, feisty princess, runs on coffee), studied Communications, and her previous job was as a personal assistant for an attorney.
Not really sure what her dream job is (insert overprotective mother).
Throw the two of them into a nice condo for 60 days, sprinkle with chemistry, abs, banter, cuteness, wild hair, boobs, vulnerability, protection, aaaaand.
Let the games begin *insert maniacal laughter*
"When it comes to potential boyfriends, I stick to butter knives.
Walker? He’s a freaking machete."
The illustration? Spot. ON.
The chapters have titles.
I repeat: the chapters have titles!
There's transcripts of theirs conversations, and I found this genius. It's like a screenplay of sorts. A play. It's not the majority of the book, but it gives a certain rhythm to how the story flows.
I read the first 50 pages before I had to take a break, but then when I actually picked up the book... Six hours non stop.
Walker ranting about women is such a mood. The man just wanted to take a shower and now he's feeling like the bad guy because he lashed out.
His strategy? Give a girl some time and hope she gets over it by morning ... At least he acknowledges it's a faulty strategy.
Audrey is so funny, real and down to earth. She's the type of girl you know is wife material, you know?
(You know.)
She's definitely a bit more awkward than Walker, although he surely has his moments. I like how she doesn't describe his manly smell (thank you! for once, this book boyfriend does not smell of pine!) and he's getting sensory overload for her hair scents (coconut for the win). They're opposites who also complete each other (did you just roll you eyes at me?), like "silk and sandpaper".
The book mentions the Red Sox. I'll be honest, I'll try to be unbiased but Elle is not making my job easy.
(Bogey - one of my favourite players - has just hit a home run. I'm sorry but this book wins at everything)
"Mine"
There. I am deceased.
And yes, you can write steamy sex scenes without mentioning folds, nubs or various others words and still make it hot as all hell.
Also, apparently there are people who aren't good at cuddling?! I can't help but feel this comes from real life experience and now I need to explore this fact.
Walker, we need to cuddle.
I mean, go over this.
Amazon release date: December 11, 2022
review, but there's only one bed your honour, that's like, three stars already.
"Maybe love is the cells in your body tuning themselves not to the forces of gravity or the tides but to another person." 🥺
Chapters with titles ✅
Double pov ✅
Closed Proximity ✅
Fake Dating ✅
Opposites Attract ✅
There's only one bed ✅
⭐⭐⭐⭐ and a half
How would you organize your life if you had 3 days to move in with your fake partner into your new home (again, with just *one* bed) for two months in exchange for 20k?
Walker (broody, fascinating, kinda scary) works in the family auto shop - his dream job is to have his own screen printing business. (sidenote: give me book mechanics any day, working with their hands, fixing things, dealing with daddy issues - and I'm all in.)
Audrey (awkward, shy, feisty princess, runs on coffee), studied Communications, and her previous job was as a personal assistant for an attorney.
Not really sure what her dream job is (insert overprotective mother).
Throw the two of them into a nice condo for 60 days, sprinkle with chemistry, abs, banter, cuteness, wild hair, boobs, vulnerability, protection, aaaaand.
Let the games begin *insert maniacal laughter*
"When it comes to potential boyfriends, I stick to butter knives.
Walker? He’s a freaking machete."
The illustration? Spot. ON.
The chapters have titles.
I repeat: the chapters have titles!
There's transcripts of theirs conversations, and I found this genius. It's like a screenplay of sorts. A play. It's not the majority of the book, but it gives a certain rhythm to how the story flows.
I read the first 50 pages before I had to take a break, but then when I actually picked up the book... Six hours non stop.
Walker ranting about women is such a mood. The man just wanted to take a shower and now he's feeling like the bad guy because he lashed out.
His strategy? Give a girl some time and hope she gets over it by morning ... At least he acknowledges it's a faulty strategy.
Audrey is so funny, real and down to earth. She's the type of girl you know is wife material, you know?
(You know.)
She's definitely a bit more awkward than Walker, although he surely has his moments. I like how she doesn't describe his manly smell (thank you! for once, this book boyfriend does not smell of pine!) and he's getting sensory overload for her hair scents (coconut for the win). They're opposites who also complete each other (did you just roll you eyes at me?), like "silk and sandpaper".
The book mentions the Red Sox. I'll be honest, I'll try to be unbiased but Elle is not making my job easy.
(Bogey - one of my favourite players - has just hit a home run. I'm sorry but this book wins at everything)
"Mine"
There. I am deceased.
And yes, you can write steamy sex scenes without mentioning folds, nubs or various others words and still make it hot as all hell.
Also, apparently there are people who aren't good at cuddling?! I can't help but feel this comes from real life experience and now I need to explore this fact.
Walker, we need to cuddle.
I mean, go over this.
Amazon release date: December 11, 2022
November 7, 2022
“I'm going to pay you twenty thousand dollars to be in a fake relationship for the next two months. And then I'm going to write a book about it."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️ /5
Oh m g! What a booookkkk!
I’ve NEVER EVER READ ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE 💋 what a concept!
An orchestrated fake-dating situation by a romance author and two opposites in a forced proximity with just one bed and romantic challenges to fulfil 😉🤫
Elle is a true genius and a master mind of the fake dating trope ♡
𝐀shley and 𝐖alker are so goddamn made for each other, I want a such a match for myself tooooo🥺 the way their characters were written, it was so REAL! I loved Ashley because I saw myself in her✨. I loved all of her starting from her morning grumpiness and need of caffeine to her insecurities and to her snarky comebacks *whistles (even tho idk how to, but you get the point)* 🙃
Walker and the way he has enlisted all of Ashley’s different versions, his love for his brother and his tendency to walk around in towels 🙃 I love all of him too! Though he used to think with the smaller head of his a couple of times but I’ll let that slide ;) the way he lights up brighter than a Diwali night when he sees Ash and his urge to hit anyone who looks at her wrong 💋 and I love how Elle made him half grumpy-half sunshine 👍🏻
I love this book so so much.
The writing is absolutely perfect and complete in all sense with the perfect dose of humour, laughter and spice with a balance of heartbreak and love so beautiful, I can’t know whether I was crying or laughing or both✨
& when walker went from “you’re not my type” to “it seems I’ve got a new type these days” AGHHHHHHHHHHHH🥹 I had so many moments when I just wanted to scream with satisfaction 😏
tropes~
♡ fake-dating
♡ forced proximity
♡ one bed
♡ slow burn
♡ family drama
♡ amazing side characters
♡ Best-friends for life
♡ twists and heartbreak
♡ Dual PoV
this book HAS TO BE ON YOUR TBR💥
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️ /5
Oh m g! What a booookkkk!
I’ve NEVER EVER READ ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE 💋 what a concept!
An orchestrated fake-dating situation by a romance author and two opposites in a forced proximity with just one bed and romantic challenges to fulfil 😉🤫
Elle is a true genius and a master mind of the fake dating trope ♡
𝐀shley and 𝐖alker are so goddamn made for each other, I want a such a match for myself tooooo🥺 the way their characters were written, it was so REAL! I loved Ashley because I saw myself in her✨. I loved all of her starting from her morning grumpiness and need of caffeine to her insecurities and to her snarky comebacks *whistles (even tho idk how to, but you get the point)* 🙃
Walker and the way he has enlisted all of Ashley’s different versions, his love for his brother and his tendency to walk around in towels 🙃 I love all of him too! Though he used to think with the smaller head of his a couple of times but I’ll let that slide ;) the way he lights up brighter than a Diwali night when he sees Ash and his urge to hit anyone who looks at her wrong 💋 and I love how Elle made him half grumpy-half sunshine 👍🏻
I love this book so so much.
The writing is absolutely perfect and complete in all sense with the perfect dose of humour, laughter and spice with a balance of heartbreak and love so beautiful, I can’t know whether I was crying or laughing or both✨
& when walker went from “you’re not my type” to “it seems I’ve got a new type these days” AGHHHHHHHHHHHH🥹 I had so many moments when I just wanted to scream with satisfaction 😏
tropes~
♡ fake-dating
♡ forced proximity
♡ one bed
♡ slow burn
♡ family drama
♡ amazing side characters
♡ Best-friends for life
♡ twists and heartbreak
♡ Dual PoV
this book HAS TO BE ON YOUR TBR💥
March 3, 2023
Un 5 estrellas va más allá del desarrollo de la historia o el de los personajes, un 5 estrellas es ese que te hace sentir. Y eso hice con este libro, SENTIR. Viví cada momento con ellos, sufrí, reí, gocé. Fue una experiencia maravillosa y listo.
December 15, 2022
If you’re like me, you’ve seen Elle’s romance covers for authors like Sarina Bowen, Jen Morris, Kate Canterbary, and more. I was very excited to hear she was releasing a book herself and jumped at the chance to read it.
A famous romance author wants to write a romance book, using the fake dating trope, that has something new and not played out. She hires MCs Audrey and Walker to be in a fake relationship that she contrived so she can watch it play out and then write a book about it. She has a condo for them to live in (with only one bed) and will give them tasks and challenges.
If they can pull off living together for 60 days and convince family and friends they’re in an actual relationship, she will give them $20,000 each. Oh, and they’re complete opposites. What could possible go wrong?
I love the creativity put into the book. Not only is the take on the fake dating trope unique, the book is interspersed with chat transcripts, text messages, and journal entries. You really feel immersed in the author’s experiments with the two MCs.
Go Fake Yourself is funny and cute, but also a sexy and steamy slow burn. Overall, this book was really fun and I enjoyed it immensely.
I voluntarily reviewed an early copy of this book.
4.5 Stars
A famous romance author wants to write a romance book, using the fake dating trope, that has something new and not played out. She hires MCs Audrey and Walker to be in a fake relationship that she contrived so she can watch it play out and then write a book about it. She has a condo for them to live in (with only one bed) and will give them tasks and challenges.
If they can pull off living together for 60 days and convince family and friends they’re in an actual relationship, she will give them $20,000 each. Oh, and they’re complete opposites. What could possible go wrong?
I love the creativity put into the book. Not only is the take on the fake dating trope unique, the book is interspersed with chat transcripts, text messages, and journal entries. You really feel immersed in the author’s experiments with the two MCs.
Go Fake Yourself is funny and cute, but also a sexy and steamy slow burn. Overall, this book was really fun and I enjoyed it immensely.
I voluntarily reviewed an early copy of this book.
4.5 Stars
January 3, 2024
4.5⭐️s
This really put the com into romcom. I haven’t laughed this much in ages - that alone is worth 5 stars. Elle Maxwell takes the typical romcom tropes (fake dating, one bed etc) head on and twists them up into something absolutely hilarious, ridiculous, and delightful. The set up is completely absurd and there are countless ethical issues with the “arrangement” but I’m not sure that actually matters, since romcoms often require a suspension of reality.
The first half of the book is really the best part - especially with the letters and notes between Audrey, Walker, and Vicky/Victoria. You can FEEL Audrey’s awkwardness and Walker’s jerkiness (is that a word?). Victoria is also hilarious (and extremely unethical).
The problem with the book is that in the last third, it becomes exactly like the book it’s trying not to be. The third-act break up is especially unnecessary and EM really should have come up with something a little more creative there. I’m also not convinced about them actually falling that deeply in love. Finally, Victoria all but disappears near the end and that seems a little odd too. So that takes it down to 4 stars. Buuuuut, I like Audrey and even Walker… and then there’s Luke and that’s a whole other twist to this - esp Audrey’s relationship with him. So half a star is gained for that relationship and what it represents.
Read this for some escapism, laughs, a fair amount of steam (more talk than action though there is action), and of course, some romance. Oh, the bonus chapters you can download are hilarious - esp. the second one, which I think falls around Day 30. In fact, I would suggest you actually download them and try to read them where they should have been rather than at the end. There’s also a calendar you can download to actually read this in 60 days (the length of their fake relationship) but I wouldn’t have the patience for that. I read it in less than 24 hours. 😂
Glad this was my first read of 2024.
This really put the com into romcom. I haven’t laughed this much in ages - that alone is worth 5 stars. Elle Maxwell takes the typical romcom tropes (fake dating, one bed etc) head on and twists them up into something absolutely hilarious, ridiculous, and delightful. The set up is completely absurd and there are countless ethical issues with the “arrangement” but I’m not sure that actually matters, since romcoms often require a suspension of reality.
The first half of the book is really the best part - especially with the letters and notes between Audrey, Walker, and Vicky/Victoria. You can FEEL Audrey’s awkwardness and Walker’s jerkiness (is that a word?). Victoria is also hilarious (and extremely unethical).
The problem with the book is that in the last third, it becomes exactly like the book it’s trying not to be. The third-act break up is especially unnecessary and EM really should have come up with something a little more creative there. I’m also not convinced about them actually falling that deeply in love. Finally, Victoria all but disappears near the end and that seems a little odd too. So that takes it down to 4 stars. Buuuuut, I like Audrey and even Walker… and then there’s Luke and that’s a whole other twist to this - esp Audrey’s relationship with him. So half a star is gained for that relationship and what it represents.
Read this for some escapism, laughs, a fair amount of steam (more talk than action though there is action), and of course, some romance. Oh, the bonus chapters you can download are hilarious - esp. the second one, which I think falls around Day 30. In fact, I would suggest you actually download them and try to read them where they should have been rather than at the end. There’s also a calendar you can download to actually read this in 60 days (the length of their fake relationship) but I wouldn’t have the patience for that. I read it in less than 24 hours. 😂
Glad this was my first read of 2024.
December 11, 2022
4.75 ⭐️
tropes – fake dating, forced proximity, one bed, opposites attract, semi slow-burn
thank you to Elle for the ARC! here's my honest review of it :)
“Maybe love is the cells in your body tuning themselves not to the forces of gravity or the tides but to another person.”
i can’t put into words how much i LOVED this book, it hit me HARD and i wasn’t expecting it to. the idea was sooo original and executed perfectly! the fake dating trope is hard to execute well without it being repetitive and predictable, but the author put an interesting twist on the genericness. this book showed the reality of the situation and it’s not instant comfort/attraction at all, nor is it easy by any means. it’s confusing, it’s messy, it’s heartbreaking, it’s frustrating and it requires a hell of a lot of effort from both sides. both the characters were flawed and there was plenty self-depreciation from both MCs which just made it so much more relatable.
the chapter’s having titles made my little heart so happy because it gets me excited to see where it links in the chapter. it’s also dual POV which is a golden point because i love getting into the heads of both MCs especially in romance books so no emotions are missed from either of them. i would sell my soul to get a glimpse inside a guy’s mind when he’s falling in love, it’s the best part imo.
not only do we get both Audrey and Walker’s POVs, but we also get journal entries from both MCs, text and email conversations between the MCs and the author, Victoria, determined to set them both up lol and conversation transcripts of scenes we didn’t get to see were so entertaining and wholesome and added to the flow of the story really well!
Audrey’s shy, people pleasing, awkward, conflict avoidance personality paired with Walker’s no BS, grumpy, blunt one was an interesting combo but it felt right and unavoidable. i related so much to Audrey and that got me even more attached to the story. Audrey slowly lets her feisty, confident side show around Walker and Walker ended up letting his guard down and opened up to her about his family trauma. there were some scenes i was frustrated at Walker and was like “wtf are you doing?!” but i still ended up falling head over heels for the grump. and the fact that he noticed that when she’s caffeine deprived, she’s basically a moody zombie, so he made sure to keep her caffeinated without her having to ask🥹🥹 the banter between these two was hilarious and the attraction/tension was so believable and had me screaming into my fist (in a good way) and the spice was giving!! also the nickname Walker gave her, “FRECKLES”, had me smiling everytime it showed up. i’m a sucker for nicknames, they make me weak at the knees.
both had dysfunctional families, one overbearing, overprotective parent and one controlling, unpleasable parent which reflected in both MCs in the way they dealt with relationships and sensitive topics. they came across roadblocks, but both came out on top and developed healthy communication. one thing i would’ve liked to see was Audrey and Walker both getting closure and creating boundaries with their respective parents to heal and move on. otherwise i can’t fault this at all! i also adored Luke and the relationship he formed with his brother and Audrey, the story wouldn’t have been the same without him and i would love to see his story in the future.
“I’m starting to realise I’ve done that too often in my life, subverted my own feelings and needs to smooth things over for other people and keep the peace.”
“Holy fuck, she looks… I don’t have the words. What even are words?” the fact that she had him so speechless when he saw her AHHH I CAN’T DEAL.
“She’s silk and I’m sandpaper.”
“Straight up witchcraft; a minute ago I was coming out of my skin with frustration, but one cute move from her and here I am with a big goofy grin.”
“I swear to you, I’ll give it everything I’ve got and then some, because you’re worth it.”
“I don’t care who you are. If you fuck with her or hurt her, I have no problem using my truck and shovels and making sure it’s your ass they never find.”
(i am aware all these quotes show is my unhealthy obsession with Walker Garrison lmaoo)
tropes – fake dating, forced proximity, one bed, opposites attract, semi slow-burn
thank you to Elle for the ARC! here's my honest review of it :)
“Maybe love is the cells in your body tuning themselves not to the forces of gravity or the tides but to another person.”
i can’t put into words how much i LOVED this book, it hit me HARD and i wasn’t expecting it to. the idea was sooo original and executed perfectly! the fake dating trope is hard to execute well without it being repetitive and predictable, but the author put an interesting twist on the genericness. this book showed the reality of the situation and it’s not instant comfort/attraction at all, nor is it easy by any means. it’s confusing, it’s messy, it’s heartbreaking, it’s frustrating and it requires a hell of a lot of effort from both sides. both the characters were flawed and there was plenty self-depreciation from both MCs which just made it so much more relatable.
the chapter’s having titles made my little heart so happy because it gets me excited to see where it links in the chapter. it’s also dual POV which is a golden point because i love getting into the heads of both MCs especially in romance books so no emotions are missed from either of them. i would sell my soul to get a glimpse inside a guy’s mind when he’s falling in love, it’s the best part imo.
not only do we get both Audrey and Walker’s POVs, but we also get journal entries from both MCs, text and email conversations between the MCs and the author, Victoria, determined to set them both up lol and conversation transcripts of scenes we didn’t get to see were so entertaining and wholesome and added to the flow of the story really well!
Audrey’s shy, people pleasing, awkward, conflict avoidance personality paired with Walker’s no BS, grumpy, blunt one was an interesting combo but it felt right and unavoidable. i related so much to Audrey and that got me even more attached to the story. Audrey slowly lets her feisty, confident side show around Walker and Walker ended up letting his guard down and opened up to her about his family trauma. there were some scenes i was frustrated at Walker and was like “wtf are you doing?!” but i still ended up falling head over heels for the grump. and the fact that he noticed that when she’s caffeine deprived, she’s basically a moody zombie, so he made sure to keep her caffeinated without her having to ask🥹🥹 the banter between these two was hilarious and the attraction/tension was so believable and had me screaming into my fist (in a good way) and the spice was giving!! also the nickname Walker gave her, “FRECKLES”, had me smiling everytime it showed up. i’m a sucker for nicknames, they make me weak at the knees.
both had dysfunctional families, one overbearing, overprotective parent and one controlling, unpleasable parent which reflected in both MCs in the way they dealt with relationships and sensitive topics. they came across roadblocks, but both came out on top and developed healthy communication. one thing i would’ve liked to see was Audrey and Walker both getting closure and creating boundaries with their respective parents to heal and move on. otherwise i can’t fault this at all! i also adored Luke and the relationship he formed with his brother and Audrey, the story wouldn’t have been the same without him and i would love to see his story in the future.
“I’m starting to realise I’ve done that too often in my life, subverted my own feelings and needs to smooth things over for other people and keep the peace.”
“Holy fuck, she looks… I don’t have the words. What even are words?” the fact that she had him so speechless when he saw her AHHH I CAN’T DEAL.
“She’s silk and I’m sandpaper.”
“Straight up witchcraft; a minute ago I was coming out of my skin with frustration, but one cute move from her and here I am with a big goofy grin.”
“I swear to you, I’ll give it everything I’ve got and then some, because you’re worth it.”
“I don’t care who you are. If you fuck with her or hurt her, I have no problem using my truck and shovels and making sure it’s your ass they never find.”
(i am aware all these quotes show is my unhealthy obsession with Walker Garrison lmaoo)
November 3, 2022
I received an ARC of this and OH My GOD! I loved it. I am a very experienced reader, especially in the fake dating trope. All I can say is this idea was brilliant. First things first, I love a table of contents and actual titles on chapters. The dual points of view allow insight into the minds of Walker and Audrey which is always important. When you tell a story from only one point of view you miss the emotions of others.
The characters were formed very well. Audrey was truly a shy character and not over the top or unbelievable in any way. Walker was experienced in the bedroom but not the typical "man whore". The relationship was built at a speed that was very realistic and made their story believable. Fake dating is a hard trope to manage and Maxwell succeeded in creating a convincing course of events.
The couple had respective dysfunctional families. It appeared that one was more accepting and welcoming to a love interest and the other wanted control. The couple really stood up for each other. They accepted and embraced each other's differences.
This book will have you on your toes up until the end, truly wishing for a happily ever after, or maybe not. What happens in the real world?
READ THIS BOOK.
P.S. I am so glad that this book does not have a tiny girl and a Huge guy as that has gotten very predictable with mainstream books. Represent for the tall women out there.
The characters were formed very well. Audrey was truly a shy character and not over the top or unbelievable in any way. Walker was experienced in the bedroom but not the typical "man whore". The relationship was built at a speed that was very realistic and made their story believable. Fake dating is a hard trope to manage and Maxwell succeeded in creating a convincing course of events.
The couple had respective dysfunctional families. It appeared that one was more accepting and welcoming to a love interest and the other wanted control. The couple really stood up for each other. They accepted and embraced each other's differences.
This book will have you on your toes up until the end, truly wishing for a happily ever after, or maybe not. What happens in the real world?
READ THIS BOOK.
P.S. I am so glad that this book does not have a tiny girl and a Huge guy as that has gotten very predictable with mainstream books. Represent for the tall women out there.
April 25, 2023
This book was so refreshing a bit cliche (but who doesn’t like cliche ?) the fact that the MCs, Audrey and Walker are also the MC’s of the Victoria the author of the book in the book. Make an experimental of a real forced proximity, fake dating and roommate trope in a book idk how to explain it but it was original I loved it !!!! I identified to Audrey’s mind like it was mine and walker said that he wasn’t a romantic or nice but he was (I’m not gonna say perfection ) rough outside but sweet inside <3 I saw the plot coming but I enjoy it anyway bc as I always say who doesn’t like cliche ? Anyway go read this book right now !!!!
December 9, 2022
Thank you Elle Maxwell for this ARC!
I really enjoyed the premise behind this book, it's kind of meta, Maxwell's wrote a fake relationship novel about an author writing a fake relationship novel, and although I was excited about it, I sadly did not care for its execution.
My main problem here was Audrey. I really really tried to like her but she's so naive and silly, the girl just has no backbone at all. And what about her and Walker constantly ogling each other all the time? They stare at each other for such long periods of time and then snap back to reality and are like "ohmigod I was totally ogling!" Yeah, it was annoying. And while Walker wasn't a bad character (he's actually an alright dude), I didn't feel giddy and excited with him.
And what about all the exclamation points every other sentence??? Along with the trying-too-hard jokes and puns in brackets, it felt dramatic and over the top.
I felt many times that their fears and insecurities were not addressed enough, and although it doesn't affect their relationship that deeply, it was lost a bit on the narrative.
The only highlight for me in this story was Luke, can we please have a book for him? He was so adorable and charming, I was so excited everytime he appeared. And the only reason I didn't root for him to be with Audrey instead of Walker was, well... Audrey. There's no way a irresistible man like Luke could be happy with such a pushover (yeah, she's described as pushover TWICE and let me tell you it is accurate).
I also felt as if Audrey and Walker didn't really changed throughout this experiment, and I'm not saying they were supposed to change and achieve great epiphanies or anything. All I'm saying is, if it wasn't for dumb sheer luck and the proposal from Victoria, this couple wouldn't end up together at all, they just don't match.
The third act conflict was a little random and frustrating to me. There's nothing worse or more maddening than a couple splitting up because the guy thinks the girl's better off without him. Without meaning to hurt Audrey, Walker screwed up bad trying to decide what was best for her. The ending was alright, I guess.
Although I didn't enjoy this story as much as I would like to, I was very interested in reading Maxwell's debut Us, Again, so we'll see how that goes.
I really enjoyed the premise behind this book, it's kind of meta, Maxwell's wrote a fake relationship novel about an author writing a fake relationship novel, and although I was excited about it, I sadly did not care for its execution.
My main problem here was Audrey. I really really tried to like her but she's so naive and silly, the girl just has no backbone at all. And what about her and Walker constantly ogling each other all the time? They stare at each other for such long periods of time and then snap back to reality and are like "ohmigod I was totally ogling!" Yeah, it was annoying. And while Walker wasn't a bad character (he's actually an alright dude), I didn't feel giddy and excited with him.
And what about all the exclamation points every other sentence??? Along with the trying-too-hard jokes and puns in brackets, it felt dramatic and over the top.
I felt many times that their fears and insecurities were not addressed enough, and although it doesn't affect their relationship that deeply, it was lost a bit on the narrative.
The only highlight for me in this story was Luke, can we please have a book for him? He was so adorable and charming, I was so excited everytime he appeared. And the only reason I didn't root for him to be with Audrey instead of Walker was, well... Audrey. There's no way a irresistible man like Luke could be happy with such a pushover (yeah, she's described as pushover TWICE and let me tell you it is accurate).
I also felt as if Audrey and Walker didn't really changed throughout this experiment, and I'm not saying they were supposed to change and achieve great epiphanies or anything. All I'm saying is, if it wasn't for dumb sheer luck and the proposal from Victoria, this couple wouldn't end up together at all, they just don't match.
The third act conflict was a little random and frustrating to me. There's nothing worse or more maddening than a couple splitting up because the guy thinks the girl's better off without him. Without meaning to hurt Audrey, Walker screwed up bad trying to decide what was best for her. The ending was alright, I guess.
Although I didn't enjoy this story as much as I would like to, I was very interested in reading Maxwell's debut Us, Again, so we'll see how that goes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2024
(4.75★) ~reread
a book about an author who hires two people to fake date so she can write a novel about the real experience? sign me up.
this was such a unique way to write a fake dating romance. the texts and journal entries were so fun i was laughing out loud. also the chapters have titles which i love !!
audrey was awkward and a little annoying but cute and honestly really down to earth, i really loved that she slowly got more confident and feisty, she finally came to know her own worth and i’m so proud of her standing up for herself by the end of the book.
walker definitely seemed to need character development but it became pretty clear that he was actually just a softie underneath it all and he’s also very honest which i respect. his journals to victoria were hilarious, i was laughing out loud. i hate his dad (for obvious reasons) and i really wish his dad would just accept him for who he is, but luckily he’s got his mother, brother and audrey for that, also the daily affirmations?! that was so adorable omg and i understand his insecurities even tho i don’t forgive him for being a idiot but iguess he’s still a man after all 🙄 and lastly jealous walker is soooo superior i was giggling 🤭
the banter between them was hilarious and they got to know each other so well, especially the little things. i loved all the exercises victoria made them do, they were fun to read about. also the tension wow it was so well written!!!
the side characters were also amazing!!! audrey’s best friend callie was so funny and outgoing, i loved their face time sessions!! and luke my boy, walker’s brother i love him he’s closed off yet somehow not to audrey. the way he and walker showed that they loved each other by giving each other the finger was hilarious. and props to him for talking some sense into walker when he was being an idiot
all in all i really enjoyed the book and would recommend :)
reread thoughts:
SUCH a good book that would’ve been perfect if it weren’t for the third act break up, i laughed out loud and was smiling from ear to ear, but that third act break up, although i understand where he’s coming from i would’ve loved it more without. still such a good book that’s great for a reread :)))
a book about an author who hires two people to fake date so she can write a novel about the real experience? sign me up.
this was such a unique way to write a fake dating romance. the texts and journal entries were so fun i was laughing out loud. also the chapters have titles which i love !!
audrey was awkward and a little annoying but cute and honestly really down to earth, i really loved that she slowly got more confident and feisty, she finally came to know her own worth and i’m so proud of her standing up for herself by the end of the book.
walker definitely seemed to need character development but it became pretty clear that he was actually just a softie underneath it all and he’s also very honest which i respect. his journals to victoria were hilarious, i was laughing out loud. i hate his dad (for obvious reasons) and i really wish his dad would just accept him for who he is, but luckily he’s got his mother, brother and audrey for that, also the daily affirmations?! that was so adorable omg and i understand his insecurities even tho i don’t forgive him for being a idiot but iguess he’s still a man after all 🙄 and lastly jealous walker is soooo superior i was giggling 🤭
the banter between them was hilarious and they got to know each other so well, especially the little things. i loved all the exercises victoria made them do, they were fun to read about. also the tension wow it was so well written!!!
the side characters were also amazing!!! audrey’s best friend callie was so funny and outgoing, i loved their face time sessions!! and luke my boy, walker’s brother i love him he’s closed off yet somehow not to audrey. the way he and walker showed that they loved each other by giving each other the finger was hilarious. and props to him for talking some sense into walker when he was being an idiot
all in all i really enjoyed the book and would recommend :)
reread thoughts:
SUCH a good book that would’ve been perfect if it weren’t for the third act break up, i laughed out loud and was smiling from ear to ear, but that third act break up, although i understand where he’s coming from i would’ve loved it more without. still such a good book that’s great for a reread :)))
November 1, 2022
I got an ARC of this book, and I feel like it was a gift. I'm a sucker for fake dating, but this idea was so original! As a writer, I kept thinking about how fun it would be to write something like this. The concept of an author paying two people who are virtually opposites to date and live together was so fresh and fun!
The way this book panned out was much more realistic than I thought it would be! I love how flawed the characters were. Despite it playing out like real life, it was still incredibly fast-paced and relatable. I was never bored. The humor and the incredible amounts of self-deprecation from both mcs was fantastic. The journal entries and text conversations with the author setting them up were such a fun interlude to the story, too!
There were points where I was really pissed at Walker, but also couldn't help but love him anyway because of how his family trauma really affected him and messed with his head. I would have loved to see a conversation with Audrey about his dad or confirmation that Victoria let her listen to the recording as well as a conversation with his brother about it. He was a bit too closed lipped about his dad with the people who loved him in the end. I assume that conversation would have happened given the ending, but I would have loved to see it play out on paper. I also would have liked to see an actual apology scene for the clothing ordeal. Walker is so realistic that it's painful at times that I want to yell, "What are you doing, idot?!" at my book.
I loved how versatile Audrey was. She was both awkward, shy, and feisty. No one ever understands that women aren't typically just one thing! I also would have loved to see more about Audrey and her mom and more discussions of that with Walker. I would have loved some reaction to the conversation between Walker and her mom too. These two people were so screwed by their parents that it's almost impossible to think they could fall in love. And yet they do, and I love how hopeful that is. Truly, the only thing I wanted from this book was more.
The way this book panned out was much more realistic than I thought it would be! I love how flawed the characters were. Despite it playing out like real life, it was still incredibly fast-paced and relatable. I was never bored. The humor and the incredible amounts of self-deprecation from both mcs was fantastic. The journal entries and text conversations with the author setting them up were such a fun interlude to the story, too!
There were points where I was really pissed at Walker, but also couldn't help but love him anyway because of how his family trauma really affected him and messed with his head. I would have loved to see a conversation with Audrey about his dad or confirmation that Victoria let her listen to the recording as well as a conversation with his brother about it. He was a bit too closed lipped about his dad with the people who loved him in the end. I assume that conversation would have happened given the ending, but I would have loved to see it play out on paper. I also would have liked to see an actual apology scene for the clothing ordeal. Walker is so realistic that it's painful at times that I want to yell, "What are you doing, idot?!" at my book.
I loved how versatile Audrey was. She was both awkward, shy, and feisty. No one ever understands that women aren't typically just one thing! I also would have loved to see more about Audrey and her mom and more discussions of that with Walker. I would have loved some reaction to the conversation between Walker and her mom too. These two people were so screwed by their parents that it's almost impossible to think they could fall in love. And yet they do, and I love how hopeful that is. Truly, the only thing I wanted from this book was more.
unfinished
February 15, 2023DNF @ 60%
It’s not bad and actually an interesting premise, but i lost interest and wasn’t a fan of the H, and haven’t gone back to it in weeks. Maybe I’ll finish it someday!
No OW/OM from what i read up until that point - if you wanna give this a try
It’s not bad and actually an interesting premise, but i lost interest and wasn’t a fan of the H, and haven’t gone back to it in weeks. Maybe I’ll finish it someday!
No OW/OM from what i read up until that point - if you wanna give this a try
April 6, 2025
Audrey y Walker son personajes imperfectos, pero al mismo tiempo maduros. La autora ilustra cómo sus familias disfuncionales impactaron negativamente en sus personalidades y luego desarrolló una trama excelente para su evolución. Aunque ellos son completamente diferentes, su relación les permitió encontrar la fuerza para ser auténticos. La cercanía forzada generó muchas conversaciones llenas de humor, lo cual disfruté mucho. Aunque al principio me costó encariñarme con Walker, al final me conquistó. Es un poco gruñón, pero la manera en que cuidó de Audrey a lo largo de la historia, desde asegurarse de que siempre tuviera café hasta protegerla, me tocó el corazón. También muestra que recibir amor de la manera correcta puede iluminar a otra persona.
Además del tema de la familia elegida que representa Audrey, la historia de ambos se narra con humor y sensibilidad al abordar temas delicados. Los personajes secundarios están bien desarrollados, ofreciendo una visión de los conflictos familiares, los traumas del pasado y las expectativas poco realistas que los padres pueden tener sobre sus hijos. Me impresionó cómo la autora retrató el desarrollo de una comunicación saludable entre los protagonistas.
El crecimiento de los personajes, especialmente el de Walker, fue impresionante. También me encantó lo tímida e inocente, pero a la vez tan llena de vida que es Audrey. Este libro tiene todo lo que buscas en una historia de citas falsas. Encontrarás personajes auténticos con sentido del humor y energía. Si sientes desánimo y necesitas algo que te levante el ánimo o simplemente prefieres algo más ligero, definitivamente deberías leer este libro.
Además del tema de la familia elegida que representa Audrey, la historia de ambos se narra con humor y sensibilidad al abordar temas delicados. Los personajes secundarios están bien desarrollados, ofreciendo una visión de los conflictos familiares, los traumas del pasado y las expectativas poco realistas que los padres pueden tener sobre sus hijos. Me impresionó cómo la autora retrató el desarrollo de una comunicación saludable entre los protagonistas.
El crecimiento de los personajes, especialmente el de Walker, fue impresionante. También me encantó lo tímida e inocente, pero a la vez tan llena de vida que es Audrey. Este libro tiene todo lo que buscas en una historia de citas falsas. Encontrarás personajes auténticos con sentido del humor y energía. Si sientes desánimo y necesitas algo que te levante el ánimo o simplemente prefieres algo más ligero, definitivamente deberías leer este libro.
Read
December 5, 2022Thank you Elle Maxwell for the advanced reader copy. In exchange I am leaving an honest review.
Amazon release date: 11 Dec. 2022 & will be available on Kindle Unlimited
Rating: 3.75
Spice: 1.5
The premis: "Help Wanted: Romance author will pay $20k for 60 days of fake dating a stranger. PS - You have to live together (and there's only one bed)"
Fake Dating
One Bed
Forced Proximity
Grumpy x Sunshine
Dual Pov
"She is silk, I am sandpaper"
An interesting new take on the fake dating trope. This is one of the more realistic romance books I have read (excluding the romance author pays you to stay with a stranger as a human experiment part 🤣)
We have Audrey our a bit shy, inexperienced and awkward but also feisty FMC and Walker our close lipped sometimes jerkish MMC. Very differnet personalities, but both have their own family baggage to carry, yet they help each other to grow and to deal with it. I liked how developed their characters where. Its all the small things that make it feel authentic, for example her need for caffeine and morning grumpiness.
The book was mostly dual POV with some audio transcripts and journal entries. Those where really well done, cause you got a feeling for each character. It was versatile and interesting to see the comments from the author in the book to it. I adore the side characters, her best friend and his brother where both hilarious. I would have wished for even more scenes with Luke.
So why did I only gave 3.75 stars? (May I add that is still an amazing rating and I definitely recommend this book)
The beginning was very slow, to slow for my taste. Also I just couldn't get warm with Walker, even with his redemption arc. His inner comments on how girls cuddle or
him saying profanities even though he knows Audrey reacts badly to them. All those little things just kept an inner distance for me from this guy.
I recommend this to everyone who likes a bit more realistic characters and relationships. And for those who are tired of the same occurences with the one bed trope. A funny and cute read, that makes you want to take the deal to get 20.000 dollars in exchange of living with a hot stranger in close quarters.
Amazon release date: 11 Dec. 2022 & will be available on Kindle Unlimited
Rating: 3.75
Spice: 1.5
The premis: "Help Wanted: Romance author will pay $20k for 60 days of fake dating a stranger. PS - You have to live together (and there's only one bed)"
Fake Dating
One Bed
Forced Proximity
Grumpy x Sunshine
Dual Pov
"She is silk, I am sandpaper"
An interesting new take on the fake dating trope. This is one of the more realistic romance books I have read (excluding the romance author pays you to stay with a stranger as a human experiment part 🤣)
We have Audrey our a bit shy, inexperienced and awkward but also feisty FMC and Walker our close lipped sometimes jerkish MMC. Very differnet personalities, but both have their own family baggage to carry, yet they help each other to grow and to deal with it. I liked how developed their characters where. Its all the small things that make it feel authentic, for example her need for caffeine and morning grumpiness.
The book was mostly dual POV with some audio transcripts and journal entries. Those where really well done, cause you got a feeling for each character. It was versatile and interesting to see the comments from the author in the book to it. I adore the side characters, her best friend and his brother where both hilarious. I would have wished for even more scenes with Luke.
So why did I only gave 3.75 stars? (May I add that is still an amazing rating and I definitely recommend this book)
The beginning was very slow, to slow for my taste. Also I just couldn't get warm with Walker, even with his redemption arc. His inner comments on how girls cuddle or
him saying profanities even though he knows Audrey reacts badly to them. All those little things just kept an inner distance for me from this guy.
I recommend this to everyone who likes a bit more realistic characters and relationships. And for those who are tired of the same occurences with the one bed trope. A funny and cute read, that makes you want to take the deal to get 20.000 dollars in exchange of living with a hot stranger in close quarters.
December 4, 2022
I read Us, Again last year and loved it. So when Elle announced this one I was so excited and I was not disappointed!
This was SO funny. A romance author finding two random people, making them move into together, share a bed and start fake dating for two months. Victoria was looking for a fresh take on a relationship for her newest book and this is how she’s going to do it!
Everything that usually happens in a fake dating book outlined in an actual contract and it HILARIOUS. I loved seeing their text messages to Victoria and their diary entries and the conversations that were recorded. It was all so good. I thought both Audrey and Walker were so funny. The narration was perfect, it’s like they were talking right to the reader and I love that.
I did like how Walker stood up for a Audrey time and time again. He was a little emotionally stunted BUT he cared about her and he showed it. And once Audrey saw the whole picture after meeting his family, she really understood why he was the way he was. And she did everything she could to support him.
How different Walker and Audrey is amazing. Victoria couldn’t have picked better people to do a fake dating situation with for research purposes, it wasn’t going to be easy and it was a fresh take!
But since they were SO different I was struggling to figure out how they would get over their insecurities to eventually be together. Walker was crass and a little too outspoken to then be matched with Audrey’s shy, quiet innocence. For a while I just didn’t think it would make sense for them to actually be together. The forced proximity was doing the work in making them FEEL things and for a while I thought that’s all they could be.
BUT the ending was so good! Everything worked out in such a good way (after the dang third act conflict! Walker was an IDIOT!) I was so happy to see Walker groveling and Audrey standing her ground! And the epilogue was so so sweet!
Thank you so much to Elle Maxwell for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
(3.5 🌟 rounded up bc Walker was a little too rough around the edges for a while)
This was SO funny. A romance author finding two random people, making them move into together, share a bed and start fake dating for two months. Victoria was looking for a fresh take on a relationship for her newest book and this is how she’s going to do it!
Everything that usually happens in a fake dating book outlined in an actual contract and it HILARIOUS. I loved seeing their text messages to Victoria and their diary entries and the conversations that were recorded. It was all so good. I thought both Audrey and Walker were so funny. The narration was perfect, it’s like they were talking right to the reader and I love that.
I did like how Walker stood up for a Audrey time and time again. He was a little emotionally stunted BUT he cared about her and he showed it. And once Audrey saw the whole picture after meeting his family, she really understood why he was the way he was. And she did everything she could to support him.
How different Walker and Audrey is amazing. Victoria couldn’t have picked better people to do a fake dating situation with for research purposes, it wasn’t going to be easy and it was a fresh take!
But since they were SO different I was struggling to figure out how they would get over their insecurities to eventually be together. Walker was crass and a little too outspoken to then be matched with Audrey’s shy, quiet innocence. For a while I just didn’t think it would make sense for them to actually be together. The forced proximity was doing the work in making them FEEL things and for a while I thought that’s all they could be.
BUT the ending was so good! Everything worked out in such a good way (after the dang third act conflict! Walker was an IDIOT!) I was so happy to see Walker groveling and Audrey standing her ground! And the epilogue was so so sweet!
Thank you so much to Elle Maxwell for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
(3.5 🌟 rounded up bc Walker was a little too rough around the edges for a while)
December 11, 2022
READ THIS BOOK!
It is easily one of my favorite rom coms like EVER! My review will not do it justice, but here goes...
This is the most original fake dating scenario: a romance author paying 2 strangers to live together for 2 months to get fodder for her next romance novel. It's absolutely brilliant and just perfectly executed.
This book is clever and swoony and funny and knows how to hit someone in the feels. I seriously laughed out loud and actual tears fell! There was so much fun, embarrassing angst, snark, achingly sweet moments, super spicy time, and cussing as a second language and it was chef's kiss perfect!
I love this author's writing style and her wicked-clever wit! There were so many quotable lines I highlighted, and the greedy treasure analogy really got me!🥺
All of the characters were effortlessly brought to life! I totally want to know Walker and Audrey in real life. The dual POV was so well-done, and I ended up really caring about these made-up people way too much! Like, there are even a few characters I'd choose violence with!🤬 Parts were also written as reports from the MCs back to their employer, and it was just so good getting that true-to-character glimpse into their psyche.
The spicy scenes were goldilocks perfection, not fade to black, but also not so graphic that it was an anatomy lesson. Just so good!
I have nothing negative to report. It is truly rom com perfection! Ten gazillion stars!
It is easily one of my favorite rom coms like EVER! My review will not do it justice, but here goes...
This is the most original fake dating scenario: a romance author paying 2 strangers to live together for 2 months to get fodder for her next romance novel. It's absolutely brilliant and just perfectly executed.
This book is clever and swoony and funny and knows how to hit someone in the feels. I seriously laughed out loud and actual tears fell! There was so much fun, embarrassing angst, snark, achingly sweet moments, super spicy time, and cussing as a second language and it was chef's kiss perfect!
I love this author's writing style and her wicked-clever wit! There were so many quotable lines I highlighted, and the greedy treasure analogy really got me!🥺
All of the characters were effortlessly brought to life! I totally want to know Walker and Audrey in real life. The dual POV was so well-done, and I ended up really caring about these made-up people way too much! Like, there are even a few characters I'd choose violence with!🤬 Parts were also written as reports from the MCs back to their employer, and it was just so good getting that true-to-character glimpse into their psyche.
The spicy scenes were goldilocks perfection, not fade to black, but also not so graphic that it was an anatomy lesson. Just so good!
I have nothing negative to report. It is truly rom com perfection! Ten gazillion stars!
July 15, 2023
Fun read!
I really enjoyed my time with the two main characters and ended up really happy with the whole story. The title is actually perfect for this read. It's one of those fake relationship books only with a very unique spin on the trope. I was impressed that the author was able to come up with a different way to do it. That's always a good thing in romance books when most things have been done before-many times. The actual romance between an overly sheltered and very educated woman and a brash man from the blue collar working class was really well written. He's artistic and trying to start a business while working at his father's car repair shop. His father is one of the villains in this story and I wanted to tell him off.
Her mother is the other villain and I just wanted her to STOP already.
I liked this a lot, it will give all of the feels and you might need tissues. Just a heads up. Recommended!
I really enjoyed my time with the two main characters and ended up really happy with the whole story. The title is actually perfect for this read. It's one of those fake relationship books only with a very unique spin on the trope. I was impressed that the author was able to come up with a different way to do it. That's always a good thing in romance books when most things have been done before-many times. The actual romance between an overly sheltered and very educated woman and a brash man from the blue collar working class was really well written. He's artistic and trying to start a business while working at his father's car repair shop. His father is one of the villains in this story and I wanted to tell him off.
Her mother is the other villain and I just wanted her to STOP already.
I liked this a lot, it will give all of the feels and you might need tissues. Just a heads up. Recommended!
December 31, 2022
I LOVED IT SO MUCH!!!! This was exactly the type of book I was looking for that I could get obsessed with instantly! I couldn’t put it down, it was so fun and cute! Fake dating plus journal entries about their experience?! Sign. Me. Up. Gahhhh I can’t wait to read this one again and again.
December 18, 2022
Type… delete… type… delete…
I am having issues putting down in words how much I love this book. Best way I can describe how I feel about it is the Jonah Hill excited screaming meme with a dash of heart eyes emoji.
This def deserves a second read. Or third… etc.
I am having issues putting down in words how much I love this book. Best way I can describe how I feel about it is the Jonah Hill excited screaming meme with a dash of heart eyes emoji.
This def deserves a second read. Or third… etc.
January 8, 2023
words cannot express how much I loved this. 5 ⭐️ from start to finish
November 11, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“Well, of course it would be ideal for you and Audrey to fall in love. Readers do enjoy their happily ever afters.”
Firstly, the concept of an author hiring strangers to participate in a Fake-Dating experiment in order to write an authentic representation of the trope is a fun twist. Though I was skeptical at first, Elle Maxwell proffers ample swoon-worthy moments utilising the predictability of romance tropes in a fresh plot and engaging format; first person, dual POV is interspersed with text messages, emails, diary entries, and conversation transcripts.
Audrey and Walker’s story is delivered with both humour and care for the portrayal of sensitive issues and troublesome relationship patterns. Secondary characters are well-established, offering a window into familial conflicts, past trauma, and the unfair expectations parents can put on children. I was most impressed with how the narrative catalogued the development of healthy communication betwixt its MCs; this book hit me out of nowhere leaving me feeling seen.
“I’m starting to realize I’ve done that too often in my life, subverted my own feelings and needs to smooth things over for other people and keep the peace.”
The brotherly banter and character development with Walker and Luke is a definite highlight; in the spirit of avoiding spoilers, I’ll just say that the notion of love as sacrifice hits hard. I also appreciated how ableism is highlighted and subverted. The character development in the male MC had me cheering as he discovered self-worth, despite the opinion his parent raised him on. Walker is equal parts closed-off-sarcastic-tough-guy and counts-her-freckles-as-she-sleeps. I love his sandpaper soul!
“She’s silk and I’m sandpaper, but I’m going as gentle as I can”
Victoria is the diabolical, witty, feminist romance author we all need in our lives. ‘Nough said.
“It behooves me to inform you that it is never acceptable for a man to dictate what a woman does or does not wear on her body”
Audrey and Callie’s friendship - and the subsequent banter with other characters across the board - will have you simultaneously cackling and giving heart-eyes for the woman who, if you cross Audrey, will break your face.
Audrey comes across as self righteous and naive in the beginning, but stick with her; she is the result of overbearing parenting and will deliver personal growth by the bucketload! I was, however, left questioning whether the mother-daughter relationship itself had grown at all (without interference from other characters).
Overall, an enjoyable and comforting read I will be revisiting over and over! 💕
“Maybe love is the cells in your body tuning themselves not to the forces of gravity or the tides but to another person.”
📖 Dual POV
📖 Emails, text messages, transcripts, diary entries
📖 Fake Dating
📖 Only One Bed
📖 Forced Proximity
📖 MC growth
📖 Disability representation
📖 Healthy communication; therapy 🙌🏻
📖 ‘Touch her and I’ll kill you’ vibes
📖 Sex Positive & Consent Culture
📖 Banter!
📖 Epilogue
⚠️ Mild violence, abandonment, emotional abuse, infidelity (past relationship), sexual harassment, car accident (not on page).
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“Well, of course it would be ideal for you and Audrey to fall in love. Readers do enjoy their happily ever afters.”
Firstly, the concept of an author hiring strangers to participate in a Fake-Dating experiment in order to write an authentic representation of the trope is a fun twist. Though I was skeptical at first, Elle Maxwell proffers ample swoon-worthy moments utilising the predictability of romance tropes in a fresh plot and engaging format; first person, dual POV is interspersed with text messages, emails, diary entries, and conversation transcripts.
Audrey and Walker’s story is delivered with both humour and care for the portrayal of sensitive issues and troublesome relationship patterns. Secondary characters are well-established, offering a window into familial conflicts, past trauma, and the unfair expectations parents can put on children. I was most impressed with how the narrative catalogued the development of healthy communication betwixt its MCs; this book hit me out of nowhere leaving me feeling seen.
“I’m starting to realize I’ve done that too often in my life, subverted my own feelings and needs to smooth things over for other people and keep the peace.”
The brotherly banter and character development with Walker and Luke is a definite highlight; in the spirit of avoiding spoilers, I’ll just say that the notion of love as sacrifice hits hard. I also appreciated how ableism is highlighted and subverted. The character development in the male MC had me cheering as he discovered self-worth, despite the opinion his parent raised him on. Walker is equal parts closed-off-sarcastic-tough-guy and counts-her-freckles-as-she-sleeps. I love his sandpaper soul!
“She’s silk and I’m sandpaper, but I’m going as gentle as I can”
Victoria is the diabolical, witty, feminist romance author we all need in our lives. ‘Nough said.
“It behooves me to inform you that it is never acceptable for a man to dictate what a woman does or does not wear on her body”
Audrey and Callie’s friendship - and the subsequent banter with other characters across the board - will have you simultaneously cackling and giving heart-eyes for the woman who, if you cross Audrey, will break your face.
Audrey comes across as self righteous and naive in the beginning, but stick with her; she is the result of overbearing parenting and will deliver personal growth by the bucketload! I was, however, left questioning whether the mother-daughter relationship itself had grown at all (without interference from other characters).
Overall, an enjoyable and comforting read I will be revisiting over and over! 💕
“Maybe love is the cells in your body tuning themselves not to the forces of gravity or the tides but to another person.”
📖 Dual POV
📖 Emails, text messages, transcripts, diary entries
📖 Fake Dating
📖 Only One Bed
📖 Forced Proximity
📖 MC growth
📖 Disability representation
📖 Healthy communication; therapy 🙌🏻
📖 ‘Touch her and I’ll kill you’ vibes
📖 Sex Positive & Consent Culture
📖 Banter!
📖 Epilogue
⚠️ Mild violence, abandonment, emotional abuse, infidelity (past relationship), sexual harassment, car accident (not on page).
December 5, 2022
*I received an ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily. *
OH MY GOODNESS
I never thought I would like, let alone LOVE a contemporary romance....but here we are! Go Fake Yourself is so fun, and cute, and HILARIOUS, but also just really good. Elle Maxwell did an amazing job of crafting the story, poking fun at romance writers, and creating characters you instantly love, relate to, and root for.
There genuinely was not a part I didn't like in this book. Audrey is every girl I know, insecure about some messed up stuff because of a dickhead ex, which unintentionally colors more of her self view than she realizes. Walker is a bit of an asshole, but in the "will protect you with everything he has and fight ANYONE who dares come at you" way, while not thinking he's good enough...period. They don't seem like they should fit but they do...eventually.
There was an ease to the characters and storyline that really made me happy. It felt as if you were reading each characters actual journal they keep locked up for themselves, where they could be their most authentic selves, which in this storyline is kind of ironic and hilarious. I would not be mad in the least if there was a sequel...or two following this!
It's a fun realistic rom com read that doesn't set the reader up for disappointment or heartbreak...though there are plenty of times to cry ! Don't worry Elle doesn't leave you hanging in the spice department....though this IS a slow burn...kinda lol.
OH MY GOODNESS
I never thought I would like, let alone LOVE a contemporary romance....but here we are! Go Fake Yourself is so fun, and cute, and HILARIOUS, but also just really good. Elle Maxwell did an amazing job of crafting the story, poking fun at romance writers, and creating characters you instantly love, relate to, and root for.
There genuinely was not a part I didn't like in this book. Audrey is every girl I know, insecure about some messed up stuff because of a dickhead ex, which unintentionally colors more of her self view than she realizes. Walker is a bit of an asshole, but in the "will protect you with everything he has and fight ANYONE who dares come at you" way, while not thinking he's good enough...period. They don't seem like they should fit but they do...eventually.
There was an ease to the characters and storyline that really made me happy. It felt as if you were reading each characters actual journal they keep locked up for themselves, where they could be their most authentic selves, which in this storyline is kind of ironic and hilarious. I would not be mad in the least if there was a sequel...or two following this!
It's a fun realistic rom com read that doesn't set the reader up for disappointment or heartbreak...though there are plenty of times to cry ! Don't worry Elle doesn't leave you hanging in the spice department....though this IS a slow burn...kinda lol.
February 23, 2023
4/4.5 ✨!!!
“New life goal—screw the T-shirts and the art and anything else; I’m going to spend the rest of my days making sure this girl never again has a second’s doubt that she is beautiful and desirable and worthy of love.” 🥹
I will not spoil too much but I will say that I had sooo much fun reading this book! Seriously! This was fake dating but the idea for this book and the way the chapters were set up was just so cool and very easy to binge in one day!
Audrey and Walker were so adorable and funny, I felt extremely single reading a few scenes 🤧 I loved how they progressed from strangers to friends and fake dating to actually falling for each other. Walker was so protective of her and hated to ever see her cry and Audrey was so sweet and innocent, I felt for her so much. The only thing I disliked was the miscommunication on Walkers part. I loved him but he was an idiot sometimes 😭 I also understood his character though so I couldn’t blame him too much. Anyway, I’m so happy I decided to read this one! It was simply a great time 💗
Let me go read the bonus chapters 🏃🏽♀️🏃🏽♀️🏃🏽♀️
“New life goal—screw the T-shirts and the art and anything else; I’m going to spend the rest of my days making sure this girl never again has a second’s doubt that she is beautiful and desirable and worthy of love.” 🥹
I will not spoil too much but I will say that I had sooo much fun reading this book! Seriously! This was fake dating but the idea for this book and the way the chapters were set up was just so cool and very easy to binge in one day!
Audrey and Walker were so adorable and funny, I felt extremely single reading a few scenes 🤧 I loved how they progressed from strangers to friends and fake dating to actually falling for each other. Walker was so protective of her and hated to ever see her cry and Audrey was so sweet and innocent, I felt for her so much. The only thing I disliked was the miscommunication on Walkers part. I loved him but he was an idiot sometimes 😭 I also understood his character though so I couldn’t blame him too much. Anyway, I’m so happy I decided to read this one! It was simply a great time 💗
Let me go read the bonus chapters 🏃🏽♀️🏃🏽♀️🏃🏽♀️
December 23, 2022
While i love this troop-all credit goes to Jenny Han and her amazing series "To the all boys i've loved before",i can't say i have the romance or chemistry between these two. Reason?where do i start! I just hated the way they displayed their interest in each other or how they behaved or even when she was demanding more of his life i guess.
Though the book covered some things for me. Like -overprotective parents,or in this case a parent. And the other one has a dad in a shape of an asshole,i really don't know how to talk about Walker's father politely. Audrey 's side of family is more fucked up then ever. But as walker's dad feels like it's his way or no way-alone makes up for all of them.
These were some real problems the book addressed. Often parents forget that children are their own people too,they too have a conscience, heart or ability of understanding things.
Though the book covered some things for me. Like -overprotective parents,or in this case a parent. And the other one has a dad in a shape of an asshole,i really don't know how to talk about Walker's father politely. Audrey 's side of family is more fucked up then ever. But as walker's dad feels like it's his way or no way-alone makes up for all of them.
These were some real problems the book addressed. Often parents forget that children are their own people too,they too have a conscience, heart or ability of understanding things.
December 1, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5
🌶
Fake Dating
Forced proximity
Opposites attract
Dual POV
Only One Bed
The story follows Audrey and Walker who have taken on fake dating job paying 20k for 60 days. Who doesn’t love a good fake dating trope.
I loved how the story was told in many forms. You were able to see text interactions, but also recording transcript text! I loved the whole storyline of an author creating her own faking dating experience.
Audrey was so sweet, shy, sheltered, funny then there was those breakthrough times when she was so fiery. Walker was outspoken, jokester, caring. Past emotional trauma, family issues, history of failed relationships the character development was spot on!
The side characters where also so much a part of the overall story. I loved seeing the relationship between not only Walker and his brother but Lucas interactions with Audrey! Also we all need a best friend like Callie in our lives!
Loved the story only would have enjoyed perhaps Audrey showing some of that fire in interacting with Walker’s father!
But this Line was perfect!
“She’s silk and I’m sandpaper, but I’m going as gentle as I can, and we’re doing this thing day by day.”
I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
🌶
Fake Dating
Forced proximity
Opposites attract
Dual POV
Only One Bed
The story follows Audrey and Walker who have taken on fake dating job paying 20k for 60 days. Who doesn’t love a good fake dating trope.
I loved how the story was told in many forms. You were able to see text interactions, but also recording transcript text! I loved the whole storyline of an author creating her own faking dating experience.
Audrey was so sweet, shy, sheltered, funny then there was those breakthrough times when she was so fiery. Walker was outspoken, jokester, caring. Past emotional trauma, family issues, history of failed relationships the character development was spot on!
The side characters where also so much a part of the overall story. I loved seeing the relationship between not only Walker and his brother but Lucas interactions with Audrey! Also we all need a best friend like Callie in our lives!
Loved the story only would have enjoyed perhaps Audrey showing some of that fire in interacting with Walker’s father!
But this Line was perfect!
“She’s silk and I’m sandpaper, but I’m going as gentle as I can, and we’re doing this thing day by day.”
I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
October 31, 2022
Ok. I've had a few days to sit on this because OOF this book hit me hard and put me in a lovely book hangover but it was so worth it.
Elle is a mastermind with this and this book alone has easily made her a must-read author for me.
I'll write a more in-depth review once the book comes out but DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS BOOK. It has such a unique take on the rom-coms you see and while the 'forced proximity, one bed' may be a popular trope, I promise you haven't seen it like this before.
Also, I know this is such a vague review but my heart rate LITEARALLY spiked multiple times during this book - that's how invested I got into this story. <3
The spice. The banter. The relationships. The character building. The character development. The GROWTH. The heartbreak. The sass. The friendships.
5/5. Hands down. <3 THANK YOU ELLE FOR THIS. SO PROUD OF YOU.
Elle is a mastermind with this and this book alone has easily made her a must-read author for me.
I'll write a more in-depth review once the book comes out but DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS BOOK. It has such a unique take on the rom-coms you see and while the 'forced proximity, one bed' may be a popular trope, I promise you haven't seen it like this before.
Also, I know this is such a vague review but my heart rate LITEARALLY spiked multiple times during this book - that's how invested I got into this story. <3
The spice. The banter. The relationships. The character building. The character development. The GROWTH. The heartbreak. The sass. The friendships.
5/5. Hands down. <3 THANK YOU ELLE FOR THIS. SO PROUD OF YOU.
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