Reviews with content warning for Infidelity - Ten Rules for Faking It

this was just okay. i did like the anxiety representation - i can always relate to the catastrophizing part of anxiety, and it makes me feel like i am not alone in that thought process. i thought the book overall and the plot was vvvvvery slow-paced, and it felt like sometimes absolutely nothing was happening. i also just didn't feel like the mcs had much chemistry - yes there was mutual pining, but i just didn't see really see it. TW: SELF HARM - i also related to everly's form of self harm she does in the book, as i have unconsciously done it myself to almost ground myself and get out of that anxiety-riddled thought process.

⚠️: panic attacks/disorders, infidelity, self harm, emotional abuse, toxic relationship, divorce

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thaliareads's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A really fun idea, and from my experience a really accurate look at social anxiety. I also thought that the pace was right on target for the plot and content of this novel.

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readingwithtrey's review

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book really surprised me. If you’re looking for a slow burn, tame romance, this is it. There wasn’t very much spice… but y’all, I loved this so much! It was like a solid, cute little Hallmark movie in book form. I found myself grinning from ear to ear like an idiot at the end😆.

I’m going to start by saying that the way the author portrayed Everly’s battle with social anxiety was so freaking spot on. As someone who has also struggled with social anxiety, I related to so much of Everly’s story. I mean down to worrying that people are going to think you’re a snob when you’re in your shell and standoff-ish, to worrying that you’re missing out on things at work because of your social anxiety, it was just done so well and accurately.

And can we talk about Chris? He was just a solid good guy. Yeah he had his flaws, but he was such a likable character and love interest. Actually, all of the characters are pretty likable and I liked that we were able to see so much development and growth across a lot of them throughout the story.

I took away 1 star because I felt that the beginning dragged on a bit, and “the bachelorette” aspect of it with Everly‘s story just kind of fell flat.

Now this one has mixed reviews, but I think if you’re someone who relates to the anxiety aspect of the book, this is definitely for you. Also if you’re ever in the mood for a good, solid romance that doesn’t have all of the spicy stuff, I for sure recommend this one. And if you like romances and don’t prefer spice, I highly recommend it!

{ a few of my favorite quotes }

It was too rare, in his life, to be exactly where he wanted to be.

“I can’t fall for someone who will run when things get hard.”

“I just want to point out that all this time, I’ve been fighting what I feel for you. Every bump that’s come along with getting closer to you, getting to know you and be your friend? It hasn’t been me running, Everly. Not once. It’s been you, every time.”

“Even if it doesn’t end up perfectly, there will be so many moments of happiness and joy that it’ll offset the imperfections. Just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it’s not worth it.”

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hollowified's review

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emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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foldingthepage_kayleigh's review

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emotional hopeful lighthearted slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This was a sweet, slow burn and closed door romance, intertwined with a deep focus on mental health that makes you feel connected and invested in the characters. It was also FUNNY! There were so many points where I laughed out loud, facepalmed, or cringed on Everly’s behalf. A fun and lighthearted book to close out your summer reading.

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sdavis17's review

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lighthearted slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.25

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kfmcf's review

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lighthearted slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

I'm really not sure what this book wanted. Did it want to deep dive into marriage issues? Did it want to explore different facets of anxiety? Did it want to be a romance? It was so muddled trying to decide what it wanted that everything fell short.

I wish it that it had been more character focused - not just on the leads. The main plot was about this "Bachelorette" style radio dating show and it honestly felt like it didn't matter. Plus, Everly (FL) had no other real character depth besides her anxiety. As someone with anxiety and panic attacks, if that was what I was boiled down to in a book I would be disappointed. Also Chris (ML) seemed to have 0 flaws except his daddy issues.

There was also an overarching theme of parental issues in this book. Parental issues in a story are fine but the parents in this book were so obnoxious that I genuinely didn't know what I was supposed to think. Obviously Chris' dad was supposed to be awful, but Everly's parents with their weird off and on again separation was bizarre. And they were playing her like a weird middleman and then she *finally* spoked to them about 75% into the book. So so so many things could be solved through communication and while this can be a useful device in stories, I feel it was leaned on too heavily here. I also feel that there were just too many problems. There was no steady flow or climax to the story. It was just a bumpy road.

Honestly, I really wish the story had been about Stacey. Her conflict of being afraid of love and relying on dating to feel validated was far more endearing and then her finally having the confidence to take a dive on something more "real" was immensely more interesting.

Overall, I never was able to truly escape into this book. I think another edit and polish and trim could have aided it but really I think it mostly just needed to find a more solid footing.

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decklededgess's review

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lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

trigger warnings: anxiety and panic attacks, harassment, infidelity, alcohol, emotionally immature parents

No listen this had a really promising premise?? I love a Bachelor franchise spoof and the promise of a main character with anxiety?? Sounds like a dream. But dude this was so fucking bland!!!

Chris was an utter dweeb, what's her face the MC was utterly uninspired. The best friend was more a stick in the mud than helpful or inspiring, and a lot of the times came off as toxic and lowkey a bully.

It felt like the main character was just getting pushed around all over the place by her friends, by her job, by her parents, by Chris, and she just seemed to take it all as a criticism of her anxiety and that her feelings were irrelevant. And there was no resolution on that front. No one was called out for being utterly shitty to her and it was all a "hey don't let your anxiety get the best of you" as if feelings are completely invalid due to diagnosed anxiety and panic disorders. Eugh.

And to top it all off, no smut? bruh. Miss me with that.

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