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Unrealistic Expectations
When a relationship therapist gets dumped right before her new dating handbook hits shelves, she fake dates to save face in this spicy romantic comedy.
There are a lot of things that can go wrong on an author's publication day, but breaking up with her long-term boyfriend might just be at the top of Jessica Gallagher’s list. She also didn’t expect to run into her old crush, Galvin Baker, the very next day. When Jessica goes into crisis mode about the PR nightmare, she proposes the first solution that comes to fake dating. Luckily, Galvin seems game.
Galvin Baker is used to being a constant disappointment, which is why he can’t—and won’t—commit to a relationship. Unfortunately for him, his last girlfriend used her vast social media power to make sure everyone knows how much Galvin "underperforms.” Fake dating for Jessica’s book promotion seems like the perfect cover—and maybe she can teach him something along the way.
Hookups “for science” and some seriously sweet gestures later, Jessica and Galvin’s fake dates are feeling more authentic than any of their previous relationships did. Have they replaced unrealistic expectations with unexpected realness?
There are a lot of things that can go wrong on an author's publication day, but breaking up with her long-term boyfriend might just be at the top of Jessica Gallagher’s list. She also didn’t expect to run into her old crush, Galvin Baker, the very next day. When Jessica goes into crisis mode about the PR nightmare, she proposes the first solution that comes to fake dating. Luckily, Galvin seems game.
Galvin Baker is used to being a constant disappointment, which is why he can’t—and won’t—commit to a relationship. Unfortunately for him, his last girlfriend used her vast social media power to make sure everyone knows how much Galvin "underperforms.” Fake dating for Jessica’s book promotion seems like the perfect cover—and maybe she can teach him something along the way.
Hookups “for science” and some seriously sweet gestures later, Jessica and Galvin’s fake dates are feeling more authentic than any of their previous relationships did. Have they replaced unrealistic expectations with unexpected realness?
304 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2023
53 people are currently reading
7738 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
September 20, 2023
✨It’s called Unrealistic Expectations because it WILL give them!! Old college classmates are probs not going to be that hot!! Or communicate that well!!✨
Yaaaas this is my new favorite Andie J. Christopher book! It was super fun and felt very adult/mature/healthy but still jazzy and fresh. Also she reamed out her ex in a very public and very bad bitch way and he stood up to her mother for her! Two great tropes 💅
If you’re a fan of Do You Take This Man by Denise Williams or are looking for something similar, I think this is the perfect follow up (I even enjoyed it more)! Further, January LaVoy was the perfect narrator for the story and characters—maybe another reason I’m really feeling the Do You Take This Man vibes!
As all good things are wont to do, the only time I was disappointed was when it ended. It was a bit short, and I wanted to spend more time with the characters. I could’ve easily read 100 more pages.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️.75*/5
*It could’ve been a bit spicier, as the scenes were on the short end and there were some fade to black moments that were a bit confusing. Don’t get me wrong, it’s hot!!! But maybe didn’t reach its full potential.
Thanks to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley and PRHaudio for an ALC. All opinions are honest and my own.
Yaaaas this is my new favorite Andie J. Christopher book! It was super fun and felt very adult/mature/healthy but still jazzy and fresh. Also she reamed out her ex in a very public and very bad bitch way and he stood up to her mother for her! Two great tropes 💅
If you’re a fan of Do You Take This Man by Denise Williams or are looking for something similar, I think this is the perfect follow up (I even enjoyed it more)! Further, January LaVoy was the perfect narrator for the story and characters—maybe another reason I’m really feeling the Do You Take This Man vibes!
As all good things are wont to do, the only time I was disappointed was when it ended. It was a bit short, and I wanted to spend more time with the characters. I could’ve easily read 100 more pages.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️.75*/5
*It could’ve been a bit spicier, as the scenes were on the short end and there were some fade to black moments that were a bit confusing. Don’t get me wrong, it’s hot!!! But maybe didn’t reach its full potential.
Thanks to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley and PRHaudio for an ALC. All opinions are honest and my own.
September 26, 2023
Happy release day~
Thanks to Berkley via Netgalley for a copy to review. Unrealistic Expectations drops September 26th, and unless you enjoy particularly Head Empty, contemporary, L.A.-set het romances, I can't recommend it much.
I think I had unrealistic expectations about this book, frankly. I saw "fake dating" and said sign me up without reading the fine print.
Both main characters were very unlikeable people, with snobby and arrogant personalities, money, and pretentious careers in L.A., so I couldn't connect or sympathize with their plights. These characters were opposites, and it wasn't conveyed in a grumpy sunshine way, convincing me they were in lust, not love. (Jessica purposely kicks her shoes askew from where Galvin has straightened them in the entryway, which made me grind my teeth, lol). Neither character felt legitimately later-30s maturity-wise and they were annoying.
The few steamy scenes were decent but the feelings, I never felt. The pacing was breakneck like it was being crammed into a movie slot. So, this literally checked no boxes for me as a romance. On to the next.
Thanks to Berkley via Netgalley for a copy to review. Unrealistic Expectations drops September 26th, and unless you enjoy particularly Head Empty, contemporary, L.A.-set het romances, I can't recommend it much.
I think I had unrealistic expectations about this book, frankly. I saw "fake dating" and said sign me up without reading the fine print.
Both main characters were very unlikeable people, with snobby and arrogant personalities, money, and pretentious careers in L.A., so I couldn't connect or sympathize with their plights. These characters were opposites, and it wasn't conveyed in a grumpy sunshine way, convincing me they were in lust, not love. (Jessica purposely kicks her shoes askew from where Galvin has straightened them in the entryway, which made me grind my teeth, lol). Neither character felt legitimately later-30s maturity-wise and they were annoying.
The few steamy scenes were decent but the feelings, I never felt. The pacing was breakneck like it was being crammed into a movie slot. So, this literally checked no boxes for me as a romance. On to the next.
March 23, 2024
Review coming soon.
September 22, 2023
This was one of my most anticipated reads since I fell in love with the cover months ago, so enjoying the inside as well is the absolute best feeling.
I looove love love the reformed playboy trope. Galvin was so obsessed with Jessica since the beginning! His character development has been the biggest highlight for me. He learns how to navigate his feelings and starts to recognize toxic patterns thanks to Jessica, but she also discovers a whole new world in her relationships thanks to Galvin. This isn’t a second chance romance but I got the same vibes since they knew each other since college but it was like a right person, wrong time situation. I have to say, I would have liked to know why Galvin hated Luke, Jessica’s ex, so much since college because I got a sense that their animosity had something to do with her. Anyway, I really loved Jessica and Galvin’s relationship and the sense of intimacy the book exudes.
The only thing that left me feeling a bit cold is that the ending feels a bit abrupt. I also don’t think Galvin was the one who needed to grovel, or at least, not the only one, because Jessica also let her insecurities control her during their break up. Overall, I wished the book had a few more chapters to see how they fixed their problems in the end. But again, I really enjoyed this book and the romance was awesome.
Rating: 4/5
Steam level: Open door, 3-4 scenes, high level of detail
ARC provided by Berkley and NetGalley. Opinions are my own!
I looove love love the reformed playboy trope. Galvin was so obsessed with Jessica since the beginning! His character development has been the biggest highlight for me. He learns how to navigate his feelings and starts to recognize toxic patterns thanks to Jessica, but she also discovers a whole new world in her relationships thanks to Galvin. This isn’t a second chance romance but I got the same vibes since they knew each other since college but it was like a right person, wrong time situation. I have to say, I would have liked to know why Galvin hated Luke, Jessica’s ex, so much since college because I got a sense that their animosity had something to do with her. Anyway, I really loved Jessica and Galvin’s relationship and the sense of intimacy the book exudes.
The only thing that left me feeling a bit cold is that the ending feels a bit abrupt. I also don’t think Galvin was the one who needed to grovel, or at least, not the only one, because Jessica also let her insecurities control her during their break up. Overall, I wished the book had a few more chapters to see how they fixed their problems in the end. But again, I really enjoyed this book and the romance was awesome.
Rating: 4/5
Steam level: Open door, 3-4 scenes, high level of detail
ARC provided by Berkley and NetGalley. Opinions are my own!
dnf
February 2, 2024Oh cry me a river.
*DNFed 12 pages in*
*DNFed 12 pages in*
October 8, 2023
Sounds more like I had unrealistic expectations for this book :/
September 18, 2023
Quick Breakdown
Opposites Attract
Reformed Playboy
He Falls First
Fake Dating
Friends w/ Benefits
Celebrity Vibes
Dual POV
Open Door - Mild to Moderate Detail
Thank you @PRHaudio for the complimentary audiobook and @berkleryromance for the finished copy in exchange for my honest opinon #berkleypartner #berkleyig
Another great example of how sexy good communication is 🙌🏻
Jessica, a therapist, is about to release a dating self help book for men when her longterm boyfriend abruptly dumps her and moves out of their apartment. Commiserating with her friends at the bar, she runs into Galvin - an old college acquantance. Galvin has been a playboy for his entire adult life. After witnessing the disater that is his parent's marriage, he wants nothing to do with commitment. After breaking up with a famous influencer when things became too heavy, she posts a viral video trashing his manhood & lack of sexual prowess. Jessica & Galvin end up spending the night catching up and escaping their problems.
When her agent spys the pair grabbing breakfast after their fun & flirty night, she decides Jessica and Galvin should fake date to save both their reputations.
I'm new to this author & I loved how sucked in I was to the story. I'm always game for a book with MC's in their 30's. This brought a perfect mix of maturity & realistic "I still don't know what the fluff I'm doing" vibes.
Despite being a therpist herself, Jessica struggled compartmentalizing what she professionally knew and reflecting it into her own life, both with her ex and her troublesome mother. Even though she struggled with making the right decision for herself, she did communicate open & honestly with Galvin & the people around her.
Galvin was such a stern brunch daddy. I loved how we watched him self reflect and realize that he wanted to shed his playboy ways - but only for Jessica. He really was a diamond in the rough, a great man stuck in the pattern of womanizing, but underneath it all he's a thoughtful & supportive man. Watching him focus all his "experience" on the practically inexperienced Jessica was incredibly satisfying.
I loved the chemistry between the two. Initially starting with a fake dating, friends w/ benefits relationship, they transitioned into an actual one knowing outright that they each were going in with messy baggage & openly working through it together.
I listened to this one on audio & I'm really glad I did. The narrators & story was addicting. At only 300 pages, this one was fairly short & I was able to finish it in a day.
Opposites Attract
Reformed Playboy
He Falls First
Fake Dating
Friends w/ Benefits
Celebrity Vibes
Dual POV
Open Door - Mild to Moderate Detail
Thank you @PRHaudio for the complimentary audiobook and @berkleryromance for the finished copy in exchange for my honest opinon #berkleypartner #berkleyig
Another great example of how sexy good communication is 🙌🏻
Jessica, a therapist, is about to release a dating self help book for men when her longterm boyfriend abruptly dumps her and moves out of their apartment. Commiserating with her friends at the bar, she runs into Galvin - an old college acquantance. Galvin has been a playboy for his entire adult life. After witnessing the disater that is his parent's marriage, he wants nothing to do with commitment. After breaking up with a famous influencer when things became too heavy, she posts a viral video trashing his manhood & lack of sexual prowess. Jessica & Galvin end up spending the night catching up and escaping their problems.
When her agent spys the pair grabbing breakfast after their fun & flirty night, she decides Jessica and Galvin should fake date to save both their reputations.
I'm new to this author & I loved how sucked in I was to the story. I'm always game for a book with MC's in their 30's. This brought a perfect mix of maturity & realistic "I still don't know what the fluff I'm doing" vibes.
Despite being a therpist herself, Jessica struggled compartmentalizing what she professionally knew and reflecting it into her own life, both with her ex and her troublesome mother. Even though she struggled with making the right decision for herself, she did communicate open & honestly with Galvin & the people around her.
Galvin was such a stern brunch daddy. I loved how we watched him self reflect and realize that he wanted to shed his playboy ways - but only for Jessica. He really was a diamond in the rough, a great man stuck in the pattern of womanizing, but underneath it all he's a thoughtful & supportive man. Watching him focus all his "experience" on the practically inexperienced Jessica was incredibly satisfying.
I loved the chemistry between the two. Initially starting with a fake dating, friends w/ benefits relationship, they transitioned into an actual one knowing outright that they each were going in with messy baggage & openly working through it together.
I listened to this one on audio & I'm really glad I did. The narrators & story was addicting. At only 300 pages, this one was fairly short & I was able to finish it in a day.
January 11, 2024
I surprised myself by not DNFing at various points. This book is not good.
Dear author - while the premise wasn’t terrible, the execution was. Every basic writing class will tell you to “Show, don’t tell.” The bulk of this was felt like summary with a few scenes where there was dialogue (and of course these were the strongest scenes).
The characters started off as unlikeable and I think the FMc stayed that way the whole way through, though the MMC seemed a touch less cardboard by the end.
I stayed til the bitter end (butter on my part - it was a HEA), hence the 2 rather than 1 ⭐️
Dear author - while the premise wasn’t terrible, the execution was. Every basic writing class will tell you to “Show, don’t tell.” The bulk of this was felt like summary with a few scenes where there was dialogue (and of course these were the strongest scenes).
The characters started off as unlikeable and I think the FMc stayed that way the whole way through, though the MMC seemed a touch less cardboard by the end.
I stayed til the bitter end (butter on my part - it was a HEA), hence the 2 rather than 1 ⭐️
September 13, 2023
A fuckboy with a trashed reputation and a recently dumped relationship therapist about to release her newest dating advice book for men, fake date to help repair both their images.
Former college acquaintances, Jessica and Galvin knew one another but never dated back in the day. Galvin is intrigued by Jessica's take on relationships and agrees to the arrangement, with nothing but good things to gain. Jessica, on the other hand, has a really hard time resisting the hot, charismatic guy from her past.
Steamy with great emotional depth and interpersonal relationship insights. I really enjoyed this latest from Andie J. Christopher!! In fact I'm pretty sure it's my new favorite! Good on audio narrated by January LaVoy and perfect for fans of authors like Sarah Smith.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!!
Steam level: open door slow burn with tons of heat
Former college acquaintances, Jessica and Galvin knew one another but never dated back in the day. Galvin is intrigued by Jessica's take on relationships and agrees to the arrangement, with nothing but good things to gain. Jessica, on the other hand, has a really hard time resisting the hot, charismatic guy from her past.
Steamy with great emotional depth and interpersonal relationship insights. I really enjoyed this latest from Andie J. Christopher!! In fact I'm pretty sure it's my new favorite! Good on audio narrated by January LaVoy and perfect for fans of authors like Sarah Smith.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!!
Steam level: open door slow burn with tons of heat
September 13, 2023
I absolutely loved this romance.
When Jessica, a relationship therapist, gets dumped by her boyfriend of 10 years, she questions everything about her life.
She randomly runs into Galvin, a former college classmate and big F Boy who just had his performance slandered on social media.
They form a plan to fake date to help their reputations.
These two characters are FANTASTIC! I loved everything about them, and their chemistry was off the charts.
I can't recommend this book enough.
When Jessica, a relationship therapist, gets dumped by her boyfriend of 10 years, she questions everything about her life.
She randomly runs into Galvin, a former college classmate and big F Boy who just had his performance slandered on social media.
They form a plan to fake date to help their reputations.
These two characters are FANTASTIC! I loved everything about them, and their chemistry was off the charts.
I can't recommend this book enough.
September 26, 2023
Unrealistic Expectations
By Andie J. Christopher
Pub Date: 26 Sep 2023
Berkley Publishing Group, Berkley
Romance
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Rating: 4/5
Andie J. Christopher's Unexpected Expectations is a fun, fast-paced read. In this spicy rom-com, a relationship counselor fakes dates to save her reputation after getting dumped right before her dating book hits the shelves. With her newfound mission of proving that her book works, she must navigate a web of misadventures, heartbreaks, and hilarious faux pas.
During Jessica Gallagher's debut book release, her long-term boyfriend Luke ended their relationship. Despite feeling devastated, Jessica stands strong in her convictions, trusting that her work will empower others regardless of her own romantic situation.
In an unexpected turn of events, Jessica reunites with Galvin Baker, who has been exposed as an unreliable boyfriend on social media. Jessica's publicist Abby sees the situation as an opportunity for good press. She encourages them to rekindle their friendship despite Galvin's shabby reputation. Abby is convinced that Jessica and Galvin will improve their public image by entering into a fake relationship. Will this plan backfire?
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the opportunity to review this book! I was touched by the story and hope a sequel will follow.
By Andie J. Christopher
Pub Date: 26 Sep 2023
Berkley Publishing Group, Berkley
Romance
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Rating: 4/5
Andie J. Christopher's Unexpected Expectations is a fun, fast-paced read. In this spicy rom-com, a relationship counselor fakes dates to save her reputation after getting dumped right before her dating book hits the shelves. With her newfound mission of proving that her book works, she must navigate a web of misadventures, heartbreaks, and hilarious faux pas.
During Jessica Gallagher's debut book release, her long-term boyfriend Luke ended their relationship. Despite feeling devastated, Jessica stands strong in her convictions, trusting that her work will empower others regardless of her own romantic situation.
In an unexpected turn of events, Jessica reunites with Galvin Baker, who has been exposed as an unreliable boyfriend on social media. Jessica's publicist Abby sees the situation as an opportunity for good press. She encourages them to rekindle their friendship despite Galvin's shabby reputation. Abby is convinced that Jessica and Galvin will improve their public image by entering into a fake relationship. Will this plan backfire?
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the opportunity to review this book! I was touched by the story and hope a sequel will follow.
June 8, 2023
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
This features Jessica, a therapist who never seemed to have any clients, but who was promoting a book she had written, and Galvin, an architect, who never seemed to do any work either, but did receive an award towards the end. They were supposed to be in their late 30s, but felt much less mature than that to me. I thought the writing was good, although the idea that Jessica would live with Luke for 15 years and then fall for Galvin and commit to him within six weeks was a bit worrying, especially as she has just worked out what a bad judge of character she was where Luke was concerned.
I was not the right reader for this book - it sounded as if it was going to be more of a comedy that it turned out to be.
This features Jessica, a therapist who never seemed to have any clients, but who was promoting a book she had written, and Galvin, an architect, who never seemed to do any work either, but did receive an award towards the end. They were supposed to be in their late 30s, but felt much less mature than that to me. I thought the writing was good, although the idea that Jessica would live with Luke for 15 years and then fall for Galvin and commit to him within six weeks was a bit worrying, especially as she has just worked out what a bad judge of character she was where Luke was concerned.
I was not the right reader for this book - it sounded as if it was going to be more of a comedy that it turned out to be.
September 5, 2024
Enjoyed for the most part, but the characters kinda lacked personality, to me, other than their careers.
September 25, 2023
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The book follows Relationship Therapist, Jessica Gallagher. We meet Jessica In the beginning of the book while her boyfriend Luke is ending their relationship. He was trying to sneak out before she got home. She was shocked being that they just went to a celebratory dinner the night before for the release of her book.
Jessica runs into Galvin who was a former classmate. They never dated before but after Galvin is exposed on social media they engage in a fake relationship to repair their images. Galvin is intrigued by Jessica’s view and Jessica can’t stop herself from falling for him. The only catch is the more Galvin is around Jessica he realizes he is falling for her and is ready to drop his player status. This was my first dread from the author and I was entertained
Thank you Berkley Publishing Group, Berkley
and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
The book follows Relationship Therapist, Jessica Gallagher. We meet Jessica In the beginning of the book while her boyfriend Luke is ending their relationship. He was trying to sneak out before she got home. She was shocked being that they just went to a celebratory dinner the night before for the release of her book.
Jessica runs into Galvin who was a former classmate. They never dated before but after Galvin is exposed on social media they engage in a fake relationship to repair their images. Galvin is intrigued by Jessica’s view and Jessica can’t stop herself from falling for him. The only catch is the more Galvin is around Jessica he realizes he is falling for her and is ready to drop his player status. This was my first dread from the author and I was entertained
Thank you Berkley Publishing Group, Berkley
and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
January 22, 2024
This one wasn’t for me. I liked the setup initially but just wasn’t my taste. Finished the book anyways and it just kinda ended after the big romantic gesture. The similes were insane like “With just a few words her entire basement was completely flooded, the simple picture that he’d planted turning her upside down with want.” 🙃
May 4, 2025
Sto apprezzando molto questi contemporary romance con personaggi che hanno comportamenti e riflessioni da adulti – per quanto disfunzionali... ma è la ragione per cui c'è una storia da raccontare!
Mi sono piaciuti molto i protagonisti, il disastro che erano e come sono diventati alla fine ♥️
Mi sono piaciuti molto i protagonisti, il disastro che erano e come sono diventati alla fine ♥️
February 20, 2024
I thought it was really good ! Wasn’t expecting the spice at all but it delivered. But I wasn’t satisfied with the ending 🥲
Read
August 21, 2024This book started off really promising but quickly fell flat. The writing style, while unique, just didn't work for me. Unfortunately, a DNF after 100 pages.
January 30, 2024
3.5/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️
4/5 ❤️🔥
Though there were a lot of Unrealistic Expectations in this novel, I had a lot of moments where I felt like this relationship might actually work in real life. The communication by the end of the book showed real progress for the two MCs and I appreciated how the author touched so much on sexism in society.
I felt heard, which I wasn't expecting from a fictional contemporary romance. For that alone, this is a great book to pick up. Plus, the MMC has a bad boy rep who was shot on social media, and the FMC is the author of a dating book to help men understand women but she just got broken up with by her longtime live-in boyfriend. I loved that the MCs knew each other from college but he knew he wasn't good enough for her.
2.5/5 🌶️
4/5 ❤️🔥
Though there were a lot of Unrealistic Expectations in this novel, I had a lot of moments where I felt like this relationship might actually work in real life. The communication by the end of the book showed real progress for the two MCs and I appreciated how the author touched so much on sexism in society.
I felt heard, which I wasn't expecting from a fictional contemporary romance. For that alone, this is a great book to pick up. Plus, the MMC has a bad boy rep who was shot on social media, and the FMC is the author of a dating book to help men understand women but she just got broken up with by her longtime live-in boyfriend. I loved that the MCs knew each other from college but he knew he wasn't good enough for her.
August 31, 2023
I enjoyed the basic plot points of Unrealistic Expectations and I had some high hopes on the spin of a fake dating trope. However it felt like the pacing of this book was way off the mark, and the characters’ inner desires were conflicting in ways that made me, the reader, disconnect from the story.
Read
September 7, 2023Disclaimer if you’ve read other reviews by me and are noticing a pattern: You’re correct that I don’t really give starred reviews because I don’t like leaving them. Most often, I will only leave them if I vehemently despised a book.I enjoy most books for what they are, & I extract lessons from them all.
Everyone’s reading experiences are subjective, so I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not, regardless if I add stars or not. Find me on Instagram: @bookish.millennial or tiktok: @bookishmillennial
This was a sweet romcom, with dual third-person limited POV of the love interests. Therapist and author Jessica was left by her long-term boyfriend (she literally caught him moving out and he was going to leave without telling her in person). She watched her mom choose boyfriend after boyfriend, move houses, and be incredibly inconsistent, so she is not one to casually hook up in order to get over her ex. She feels safest with structure, routine, and her inner circle that she can depend on. She is also promoting her new book, Ten Things Not to Do If You Ever Want to See a Naked Girl Aaain: The Straight Man's Guide to Not Dying Alone in a Pile of Dirty Underwear. Her goal is to help more straight men to see women as PEOPLE, rather than commodities, trophies, maids, mothers, or sex objects. WHAT A CONCEPT! WRITE THE BOOK!
Meanwhile, interior architect Galvin was recently in the limelight since his ex, mega influencer Kennedy, claimed in her Instagram stories that Galvin is really bad in bed (also, this is disgusting behavior from an ex from any sex or gender - please stop doing this!). This has obliterated his game with dating and hooking up, and he then runs into Jessica, whom he knew in college! He also knew her ex, and makes it clear he never vibed with him hahaha.
They enter into a fake dating scenario to help with both of their PR: Jessica isn't exactly selling the concept of her book as a *single* woman which infuriates me, but alas! Obviously, Galvin wants to prove to the public that he is worthy boyfriend material. Then real feelings come, and they have to navigate that! I appreciated the individual growth from each of the characters, and I strongly agree with everything Jessica wanted to promote in her book. This just didn't end up being a favorite for me, so while enjoyable, it was just fine!
Steam: 2/5 -- explicit sex on page but it wasn't fully like *smut* if that makes sense? So I still actually feel like it could pass as nearly closed-door.
Content Warnings: toxic relationship, sexism, misogyny, gaslighting, miscommunication
Everyone’s reading experiences are subjective, so I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not, regardless if I add stars or not. Find me on Instagram: @bookish.millennial or tiktok: @bookishmillennial
This was a sweet romcom, with dual third-person limited POV of the love interests. Therapist and author Jessica was left by her long-term boyfriend (she literally caught him moving out and he was going to leave without telling her in person). She watched her mom choose boyfriend after boyfriend, move houses, and be incredibly inconsistent, so she is not one to casually hook up in order to get over her ex. She feels safest with structure, routine, and her inner circle that she can depend on. She is also promoting her new book, Ten Things Not to Do If You Ever Want to See a Naked Girl Aaain: The Straight Man's Guide to Not Dying Alone in a Pile of Dirty Underwear. Her goal is to help more straight men to see women as PEOPLE, rather than commodities, trophies, maids, mothers, or sex objects. WHAT A CONCEPT! WRITE THE BOOK!
Meanwhile, interior architect Galvin was recently in the limelight since his ex, mega influencer Kennedy, claimed in her Instagram stories that Galvin is really bad in bed (also, this is disgusting behavior from an ex from any sex or gender - please stop doing this!). This has obliterated his game with dating and hooking up, and he then runs into Jessica, whom he knew in college! He also knew her ex, and makes it clear he never vibed with him hahaha.
They enter into a fake dating scenario to help with both of their PR: Jessica isn't exactly selling the concept of her book as a *single* woman which infuriates me, but alas! Obviously, Galvin wants to prove to the public that he is worthy boyfriend material. Then real feelings come, and they have to navigate that! I appreciated the individual growth from each of the characters, and I strongly agree with everything Jessica wanted to promote in her book. This just didn't end up being a favorite for me, so while enjoyable, it was just fine!
Steam: 2/5 -- explicit sex on page but it wasn't fully like *smut* if that makes sense? So I still actually feel like it could pass as nearly closed-door.
Content Warnings: toxic relationship, sexism, misogyny, gaslighting, miscommunication
September 25, 2023
I need everyone's full attention for this one...
Unrealistic Expectations
Just the title alone had me giddy with excitement!
Having read "Not The Girl You Marry" made me a fan of Christopher but reading Unrealistic Expectations has set the bar for books to come. This book packs a punch that will have you so full of emotion. My heart raced with the steam, I was bellied over laughing with the humor and my emotions were tugged on watching a relationship develop between Jessica and Galvin. What might have started out as fake dating turned into something a whole lot more genuine than most "real" relationships.
I LOVED this book and can not wait to see what the future holds for Christopher.
Check out this teaser :
When a relationship therapist gets dumped right before her new dating handbook hits shelves, she fake dates to save face in this spicy romantic comedy.
There are a lot of things that can go wrong on an author's publication day, but breaking up with her long-term boyfriend might just be at the top of Jessica Gallagher’s list. She also didn’t expect to run into her old crush, Galvin Baker, the very next day. When Jessica goes into crisis mode about the PR nightmare, she proposes the first solution that comes to mind: fake dating. Luckily, Galvin seems game.
Galvin Baker is used to being a constant disappointment, which is why he can’t—and won’t—commit to a relationship. Unfortunately for him, his last girlfriend used her vast social media power to make sure everyone knows how much Galvin "underperforms.” Fake dating for Jessica’s book promotion seems like the perfect cover—and maybe she can teach him something along the way.
Hookups “for science” and some seriously sweet gestures later, Jessica and Galvin’s fake dates are feeling more authentic than any of their previous relationships did. Have they replaced unrealistic expectations with unexpected realness?
Unrealistic Expectations
Just the title alone had me giddy with excitement!
Having read "Not The Girl You Marry" made me a fan of Christopher but reading Unrealistic Expectations has set the bar for books to come. This book packs a punch that will have you so full of emotion. My heart raced with the steam, I was bellied over laughing with the humor and my emotions were tugged on watching a relationship develop between Jessica and Galvin. What might have started out as fake dating turned into something a whole lot more genuine than most "real" relationships.
I LOVED this book and can not wait to see what the future holds for Christopher.
Check out this teaser :
When a relationship therapist gets dumped right before her new dating handbook hits shelves, she fake dates to save face in this spicy romantic comedy.
There are a lot of things that can go wrong on an author's publication day, but breaking up with her long-term boyfriend might just be at the top of Jessica Gallagher’s list. She also didn’t expect to run into her old crush, Galvin Baker, the very next day. When Jessica goes into crisis mode about the PR nightmare, she proposes the first solution that comes to mind: fake dating. Luckily, Galvin seems game.
Galvin Baker is used to being a constant disappointment, which is why he can’t—and won’t—commit to a relationship. Unfortunately for him, his last girlfriend used her vast social media power to make sure everyone knows how much Galvin "underperforms.” Fake dating for Jessica’s book promotion seems like the perfect cover—and maybe she can teach him something along the way.
Hookups “for science” and some seriously sweet gestures later, Jessica and Galvin’s fake dates are feeling more authentic than any of their previous relationships did. Have they replaced unrealistic expectations with unexpected realness?
September 13, 2023
Unrealistic Expectations features one of my very favorite tropes and has a fun premise. Jessica is a therapist who is about to release a self help book for men about dating and how to not be a jerk to women. And she was just dumped. Her publicist realizes that fact may not go over well with the press, and decides Jessica should fake date Galvin, a man she knew from college and had a steamy make out session with recently. Galvin was also dumped recently by a social media influencer, and a video of her trashing his reputation has gone viral, necessitating an image overall for him. The pair agree to give their fake relationship a try.
This was fake dating for grown ups- the pair both quickly realize that their feelings for each other are real, and they are constantly communicating about how they feel and what their needs are. Their attraction is instantaneous, with the chemistry to match. Let’s just say that Galvin is a giver.
Jessica being a therapist added some interesting layers to the book, particularly when she was attempting to analyze her own feelings towards her mother or towards Galvin. She knew exactly what she would tell a patient in those situations but found it difficult to follow her own advice.
The third person POV is always tricky for me. I don’t feel as connected to the characters, which makes it harder to have an emotional connection to the story. I found that to be true here. It was an enjoyable and quick read, though I did find the ending to be a bit abrupt.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This was fake dating for grown ups- the pair both quickly realize that their feelings for each other are real, and they are constantly communicating about how they feel and what their needs are. Their attraction is instantaneous, with the chemistry to match. Let’s just say that Galvin is a giver.
Jessica being a therapist added some interesting layers to the book, particularly when she was attempting to analyze her own feelings towards her mother or towards Galvin. She knew exactly what she would tell a patient in those situations but found it difficult to follow her own advice.
The third person POV is always tricky for me. I don’t feel as connected to the characters, which makes it harder to have an emotional connection to the story. I found that to be true here. It was an enjoyable and quick read, though I did find the ending to be a bit abrupt.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 9, 2024
i'm actually baffled by how excruciating this was. the main characters had exactly zero chemistry which was made worse by the fact that they kept talking about how much chemistry they had?? this has been one of the only times fake dating hasn't hit for me because mr floppy dick was down bad before they even agreed to start fake dating AND it wasn't a mutually beneficial fake dating agreement at all like that man could have happily lived his life without needing a fake gf. i would have preferred a 500 page lit fic adaptation about both of their parents.
side note it took me exactly a year to read this and i didn't even know. i had it as an arc and clearly i did not get to it before publication date
side note it took me exactly a year to read this and i didn't even know. i had it as an arc and clearly i did not get to it before publication date
October 26, 2023
DNF'd at 43%.
[Insert wordplay about the title here]
Anyway, I, unfortunately, did not enjoy this book. The plot was heavy on the instalove and ran with it for the entire book. Too many times, I've rolled my eyes at the Righteous Fury Galvin felt on behalf of a woman he'd met less than a month ago. And the prose is repetitive with sharing how Jessica was hurt by her floozy mother over and over, in the same exact dry, clinical delivery. I had even skipped a bit to see if the payoff I was looking forward to was worth it, but I feel like it wasn't.
[Insert wordplay about the title here]
Anyway, I, unfortunately, did not enjoy this book. The plot was heavy on the instalove and ran with it for the entire book. Too many times, I've rolled my eyes at the Righteous Fury Galvin felt on behalf of a woman he'd met less than a month ago. And the prose is repetitive with sharing how Jessica was hurt by her floozy mother over and over, in the same exact dry, clinical delivery. I had even skipped a bit to see if the payoff I was looking forward to was worth it, but I feel like it wasn't.
September 28, 2023
DNF. The therapist voice of the heroine didn't feel realistic to me; it came across as a therapist on TikTok. The sex scenes were mehh and for a book/story centered around therapy relationships, the characters didn't feel progressive, well-educated, or sex-positive. This was not for me.
"It probably said something fucked up about her that she enjoyed him using diminutives and treating her like she was a puppet, and her pleasure was all in service of his. But she did." (p. 164)
"It probably said something fucked up about her that she enjoyed him using diminutives and treating her like she was a puppet, and her pleasure was all in service of his. But she did." (p. 164)
February 18, 2024
2.5 ⭐️ This wasn’t for me. The characters were in their 30s but acted half their age most of the book. Overall, quick and easy to read but incredibly frustrating at times.
June 14, 2024
for millennial heterosexual people who think that this book is full of revolutionary dating advice when i could have told you this shit at age 16
May 29, 2025
I bought this book thinking I was going to love it and I unfortunately didn’t.
It got to a point where I had to ask myself if we were even supposed to like these characters or the story itself. The concept started off promising and I thought I might enjoy it but it went downhill from there.
The story follows Jessica who is a therapist who gets dumped by her long term boyfriend a day before her dating advice book was supposed to be released and Galvin, whose ego is bruised and has become a dating pariah of sorts after his ex blasted him on social media about his terrible performance in bed (which isn’t true). The two end up bumping into each other at the bar and later wind up in a situation where they both agree to fake date for mutual benefits. Jessica would get to seem like she has the right to give out advice because with this relationship, she’d seem to have dating experience and Galvin would be able to salvage his image.
First things first i must ask , were we supposed to like these characters? I want to point out that Jessica’s friends were terrible friends and so unlikeable. Abby,Jessica’s Pr agent, was even more unlikeable and I went from being able to tolerate Jessica and completely disliking her as the story progressed.
The romance was subpar . They talked about having chemistry more than it showed the actual chemistry they had. Also they seemed to just be lustful toward each other and nothing else.
Also I didn’t find out Jessica was biracial until 50% in which I thought was weird considering that we learn a characters identity usually early on in the story. This may not be a big deal for some but it was for me considering it’s always a joy to read stories about people who look like me or I can closely identify myself with. The cover made me believe that that’d be possible but this was hardly the case in this book because the only true description we got of her early on, was that she had curly hair and we later learn that she’s biracial and that’s literally it.
Also the third act break up or whatever that was , was so unnecessary and the way she lashes out at Galvin was ridiculous. Yes she had every right to be angry at the situation but he also had a right to be concerned because when her ex showed up with his date she forgot Galvin existed. Also she kept admitting over and over that he was a rebound which I thought was terrible.
I just genuinely do not care for this book and it sucks to say that but it’s the truth.
It got to a point where I had to ask myself if we were even supposed to like these characters or the story itself. The concept started off promising and I thought I might enjoy it but it went downhill from there.
The story follows Jessica who is a therapist who gets dumped by her long term boyfriend a day before her dating advice book was supposed to be released and Galvin, whose ego is bruised and has become a dating pariah of sorts after his ex blasted him on social media about his terrible performance in bed (which isn’t true). The two end up bumping into each other at the bar and later wind up in a situation where they both agree to fake date for mutual benefits. Jessica would get to seem like she has the right to give out advice because with this relationship, she’d seem to have dating experience and Galvin would be able to salvage his image.
First things first i must ask , were we supposed to like these characters? I want to point out that Jessica’s friends were terrible friends and so unlikeable. Abby,Jessica’s Pr agent, was even more unlikeable and I went from being able to tolerate Jessica and completely disliking her as the story progressed.
The romance was subpar . They talked about having chemistry more than it showed the actual chemistry they had. Also they seemed to just be lustful toward each other and nothing else.
Also I didn’t find out Jessica was biracial until 50% in which I thought was weird considering that we learn a characters identity usually early on in the story. This may not be a big deal for some but it was for me considering it’s always a joy to read stories about people who look like me or I can closely identify myself with. The cover made me believe that that’d be possible but this was hardly the case in this book because the only true description we got of her early on, was that she had curly hair and we later learn that she’s biracial and that’s literally it.
Also the third act break up or whatever that was , was so unnecessary and the way she lashes out at Galvin was ridiculous. Yes she had every right to be angry at the situation but he also had a right to be concerned because when her ex showed up with his date she forgot Galvin existed. Also she kept admitting over and over that he was a rebound which I thought was terrible.
I just genuinely do not care for this book and it sucks to say that but it’s the truth.
September 28, 2023
Unrealistic Ecpectations by Andie J. Christopher offers a unique take on a romance novel whilst still offering fan favorite tropes such as fake dating & mutually beneficial PR. The author has such an interesting voice.
The heroine of the story is a licensed therapist that just published a dating book for men the day after she was dumped by her college sweetheart of many years. She then crossed paths with an old acquaintance of her college days that also happened to be a known playboy. They are both struggling through rough times & offer the other a ray of light as their story unfolds.
There are breakups, heartaches, self-reflection, growth as well as the feel goods & spice of burgeoning feelings from their happenstance fake romance.
Unrealistic Expectations is great for fans of
🩷Fake Dating
🩷Mutually Beneficial PR Moment
🩷Reformed Playboy meets Unimpressed Academic
🩷Reunited College Acquaintances Later in Adulthood
🩷Therapist/Author & Architect
Because the lead is a therapist & both leads are going through quite drastic life shifts & dealing with some self work, it is more cerebral than other novels I’ve read. It is a lot of talk inside the head of the lead of whoever’s chapter it is. It provides different perspective & allows the reader to do some self-reflecting & learning of their own if they so wanted to along the way.
I found it interesting to read a romance set in the mind of a therapist finding love in her thirties. As a more analytical person, I could relate heavily to the thoughts of the lead. Neither lead is perfect obviously, but I appreciated their maturity, effort & evident chemistry with each other.
Massive thanks to Berkley Publishing for the gifted copy, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.
The heroine of the story is a licensed therapist that just published a dating book for men the day after she was dumped by her college sweetheart of many years. She then crossed paths with an old acquaintance of her college days that also happened to be a known playboy. They are both struggling through rough times & offer the other a ray of light as their story unfolds.
There are breakups, heartaches, self-reflection, growth as well as the feel goods & spice of burgeoning feelings from their happenstance fake romance.
Unrealistic Expectations is great for fans of
🩷Fake Dating
🩷Mutually Beneficial PR Moment
🩷Reformed Playboy meets Unimpressed Academic
🩷Reunited College Acquaintances Later in Adulthood
🩷Therapist/Author & Architect
Because the lead is a therapist & both leads are going through quite drastic life shifts & dealing with some self work, it is more cerebral than other novels I’ve read. It is a lot of talk inside the head of the lead of whoever’s chapter it is. It provides different perspective & allows the reader to do some self-reflecting & learning of their own if they so wanted to along the way.
I found it interesting to read a romance set in the mind of a therapist finding love in her thirties. As a more analytical person, I could relate heavily to the thoughts of the lead. Neither lead is perfect obviously, but I appreciated their maturity, effort & evident chemistry with each other.
Massive thanks to Berkley Publishing for the gifted copy, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.
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