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bailyday's review against another edition
funny
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism
proudtobeabookaholic's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
When Lucas Hunt suggests a fake dating arrangement Kate can't believe what she's hearing. Sure, she needs her car repaired and he needs to show his ex that they're truly over. But as the booknerd she is, Kate knows how these books end: with the couple falling in love. And she refuses to be the girl who falls for the guy she's only pretending to date.
Kate and Lucas really have nothing in common. She's the booknerd who works shifts at Books & Beans in between school days, and he's the sport jock who plays baseball for the school team. Kate also needs her alone time, which I definitely can relate to.
"After multiple social interactions and too many sounds, my brain feels like it's gotten sensory overload, and I need this time to recuperate before I face the rest of the day."
But despite being each others opposites they get along great when they meet. It's quite predictable, but I still really enjoy it!
The book is written in first person, from Kate's point of view. I would have liked to have dual POV's, but we actually get to know Lucas well enough, and it's rather easy to imagine what he's thinking. He's both considerate and attentive and he's definitely earned a spot on my book boyfriend list! The author also has a bonus scene you can read, from his POV, and it makes him even more likeable and cute!
As usual, Shore adds some more serious topics into the story as well. Besides Kate's anxiety issues she has to deal with her mother's alcoholism. Lucas' parents are getting a divorce, he's got an ex girlfriend who wants to get back together and his father pressures him on the baseball field. It feels like they both can use some breathing space, and they get that when they're together. This might not be my favorite book by Shore, but I'm still very satisfied!
* I received a free copy of the book from BookSirens and I'm giving my honest review. *
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Infidelity
erinkabez's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Thank you to Jennifer Ann Shore for providing me with an ebook copy of The Fake Dating Trope for me to read and review. This is one of Shore's young adult novels and I have to say each one I read gets better and better! I was hooked on this story right from the very first line and I did not want to put it down! I loved the relateability of the characters that Shore created and seeing anxiety challenges portrayed in a way that I could connect with. The growth and development of the character's personalities through the book was excellent and authentically portrayed. As a book lover, the inclusion of a fellow book lover as the female main character was refreshing in the way she was written. Including discussions and humor about many literary romantic tropes in the thoughts and dialogue of the characters, was an intriguing characteristic of the story that made the plot that much more humorous and interesting. This is definitely one that I will be recommending!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Addiction, and Vomit
Minor: Infidelity
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