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bookishkarina's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was a really cute enemies/rivals to lovers. It was a quick and easy read and I enjoyed it.
kyjfinn's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.0
kelkelkelhart's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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? It's complicated
5.0
kay_rose's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.5
jessicabeel's review against another edition
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.0
saf_k's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
I loveddddd this book.
It was exactly what I needed for my reading slump 😭
The characters are likeable, even the ‘enemy’ (aside from two).
The only gripe I have iswhat did Miss Soe-Cooke’s say to him for him to have a whole ass personality chnage? I really want to know 👁️👄👁️… shouldn’t be surprised, she’s a lawyer 🤣
It was exactly what I needed for my reading slump 😭
The characters are likeable, even the ‘enemy’ (aside from two).
The only gripe I have is
iamleighbot's review against another edition
2.75
I feel like this book "deserves" a better rating but I even bumped up from what the CAWPILE method gave it. The adults in this book are RIDICULOUS, to the point where it feels like a terrible parody. The main characters - Devin and Julian - are wonderful and I would read *them* again but the Seo-Cooke family history is absolutely off-putting, there's no way I would retaliate with semi-serious "fun" winter games with a neighbor who did that.
I would absolutely recommend this to a young reader and would read more from this author. I just won't read this book again
I would absolutely recommend this to a young reader and would read more from this author. I just won't read this book again
drakoulis's review against another edition
4.0
A trope-y, intense fake-dating rivals-to-lovers romance, lighthearted and easy to devour!
Caught in Bad Fauxmance uses several common traits of rom-coms, some more successfully than others, to deliver a story with a sweet ending carried by the chemistry and cuteness of Devin and Julian together.
There's a band-aid that needs to be ripped which prevents me from giving a 5-star review: the premise of the family rivalry is silly. Grown adults orchestrating childish pranks, the sister organising drill sergeant style training for a funny competition, everyone taking said competition as seriously as if it's the Olympics..not only this goes way beyond suspension of disbelief but every time it was mentioned it made the whole story and the stakes look cheap. This was a very poor choice of a rivalry foundation by the author.
Rivalry aside, the growing relationship of Devin and Julian as they get to know each other beyond their perceptions and prejudices was an adorable ride (despite its unfortunate interruptions by the whole Winter Games plot) while dealing with grief, toxic parental influence and learning to open up.
The story is light and pleasant, a cheerful and sweet read for lovers of the genre!
Caught in Bad Fauxmance uses several common traits of rom-coms, some more successfully than others, to deliver a story with a sweet ending carried by the chemistry and cuteness of Devin and Julian together.
There's a band-aid that needs to be ripped which prevents me from giving a 5-star review: the premise of the family rivalry is silly. Grown adults orchestrating childish pranks, the sister organising drill sergeant style training for a funny competition, everyone taking said competition as seriously as if it's the Olympics..not only this goes way beyond suspension of disbelief but every time it was mentioned it made the whole story and the stakes look cheap. This was a very poor choice of a rivalry foundation by the author.
Rivalry aside, the growing relationship of Devin and Julian as they get to know each other beyond their perceptions and prejudices was an adorable ride (despite its unfortunate interruptions by the whole Winter Games plot) while dealing with grief, toxic parental influence and learning to open up.
The story is light and pleasant, a cheerful and sweet read for lovers of the genre!
genevieve_eggleston's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.5
I really enjoyed this book. I’m a sucker for good enemies-to-lovers and rivals-to-lovers stories, and I also love the fake-dating trope. With both of those tropes present, loveable characters, and high stakes, this book was one that I liked a lot. I would highly recommend this for anyone looking for a good, lighthearted queer rom-com, especially if you’re a fan of the tropes listed above.