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shhchar's review
5.0
God, I loved this book! It was completely amazing, and had me reading NONSTOP. Honestly, I've been reading for over 3 hours straight. This is the ideal celeb-lit book. Their bickering never got old, and partly because you could tell their emotions were giving in over the time period. The writing was perfect, and I especially loved all the references. It is nice not to see that it's a part of a series as well; because sometimes sequels and so forth can ruin the original novel. But I will be looking forward to reading more books of the author!
stephxsu's review
2.0
I gave this book a try, despite its predictable synopsis, because, hey, who doesn’t enjoy a he-said/she-said formula romance every once in a while, if it’s done well? Unfortunately, JENNA AND JONAH’S FAUXMANCE was a solid miss for me. Clunky writing, undeveloped characters with minimal chemistry, and an ambitious but failed conclusion all contributed.
Let’s talk about the characters first. YA has seen its fair share of Hollywood teen divas. Charlie and Fielding failed at being distinct or memorable. Charlie is supposedly this uptight overachiever who, when relaxed, can be a lot of fun. But when she was relaxed in the book, she was flat and uninteresting, and the only time I felt like she had fun all happened in brief flashbacks. Fielding is an ordinary boy who hails from the Midwest, and who is only in this industry to make enough money so that he doesn’t have to work hard like his dad for the rest of his life and can enjoy his books in anonymity. Now, I like my boys smart, but again, Fielding’s bookishness didn’t ring true for me. The authors seemed to portray Fielding’s literary knowledge only in extremely awkward quotes that fell flat and didn’t lend to his bookish credibility at all.
In fact, that was probably the problem I had with the whole book. Tiny details were fine—Hollywood, Fielding’s bookishness, the Shakespearean performance—but they all lacked cohesiveness. Imagine two people having a conversation in which both just talked about their own interests instead of engaging in a flowing back-and-forth. That was kind of how I felt, reading Charlie and Fielding’s supposed get-to-know-ya interactions. Uh, whut? Fielding, are you really seeing who Charlie is, or are you still attempting to talk at your idea of who she is? That just…doesn’t work for me. The writing was jarring and off-putting.
I can think of better examples of Hollywood drama, he-said/she-said romances, or plots involving acting. JENNA AND JONAH’S FAUXMANCE didn’t have a bad premise, being what it intended to be, but little within the book had the seemingly effortless chemistry that I want in a good book.
Let’s talk about the characters first. YA has seen its fair share of Hollywood teen divas. Charlie and Fielding failed at being distinct or memorable. Charlie is supposedly this uptight overachiever who, when relaxed, can be a lot of fun. But when she was relaxed in the book, she was flat and uninteresting, and the only time I felt like she had fun all happened in brief flashbacks. Fielding is an ordinary boy who hails from the Midwest, and who is only in this industry to make enough money so that he doesn’t have to work hard like his dad for the rest of his life and can enjoy his books in anonymity. Now, I like my boys smart, but again, Fielding’s bookishness didn’t ring true for me. The authors seemed to portray Fielding’s literary knowledge only in extremely awkward quotes that fell flat and didn’t lend to his bookish credibility at all.
In fact, that was probably the problem I had with the whole book. Tiny details were fine—Hollywood, Fielding’s bookishness, the Shakespearean performance—but they all lacked cohesiveness. Imagine two people having a conversation in which both just talked about their own interests instead of engaging in a flowing back-and-forth. That was kind of how I felt, reading Charlie and Fielding’s supposed get-to-know-ya interactions. Uh, whut? Fielding, are you really seeing who Charlie is, or are you still attempting to talk at your idea of who she is? That just…doesn’t work for me. The writing was jarring and off-putting.
I can think of better examples of Hollywood drama, he-said/she-said romances, or plots involving acting. JENNA AND JONAH’S FAUXMANCE didn’t have a bad premise, being what it intended to be, but little within the book had the seemingly effortless chemistry that I want in a good book.
christiana's review
2.0
Great set up right? I mean, read the book summary, it sounds adorable and rom com gold. In actuality? I think it missed the mark hard.
I think the writing was lazy or maybe over edited. I would flip back a page, see that I was reading straight through, but not understand how we got there. The romance was built really badly where I only really caught glimpses of their good times together through flashbacks instead of present time, even though they were supposedly falling in love in real time. There was also this almost kiss scene where the girl has her feet on top of his feet while in the water, but then somehow wrapped her legs around him? Or something? I read the description THREE TIMES because I wanted to be on board with a kiss scene, but it still made no sense.
And how dumb is it to be like "oh, by the way, Charlie, Aaron told me he loooooovvvves you". YES. THAT IS HOW THE CHARACTERS SUPPOSEDLY FIND OUT THEY LOVE EACH OTHER. Why would you not do that through dialogue? I thought it was a trick other characters were playing on the main characters until I finished the book when it dawned on me IT WAS SUPPOSEDLY A REAL THING. And the teen girl's confidante is a grandfather type character. Not. Buying. It.
Anyway, skip it and wait for the Disney Original Movie. It doesn't exist yet, but it totally could and should because that's what the whole plot sounds like. And learn a lesson from me and skip this read because I want my life back.
I think the writing was lazy or maybe over edited. I would flip back a page, see that I was reading straight through, but not understand how we got there. The romance was built really badly where I only really caught glimpses of their good times together through flashbacks instead of present time, even though they were supposedly falling in love in real time. There was also this almost kiss scene where the girl has her feet on top of his feet while in the water, but then somehow wrapped her legs around him? Or something? I read the description THREE TIMES because I wanted to be on board with a kiss scene, but it still made no sense.
And how dumb is it to be like "oh, by the way, Charlie, Aaron told me he loooooovvvves you". YES. THAT IS HOW THE CHARACTERS SUPPOSEDLY FIND OUT THEY LOVE EACH OTHER. Why would you not do that through dialogue? I thought it was a trick other characters were playing on the main characters until I finished the book when it dawned on me IT WAS SUPPOSEDLY A REAL THING. And the teen girl's confidante is a grandfather type character. Not. Buying. It.
Anyway, skip it and wait for the Disney Original Movie. It doesn't exist yet, but it totally could and should because that's what the whole plot sounds like. And learn a lesson from me and skip this read because I want my life back.
melg14's review against another edition
3.0
So although it was pretty much a good read it still took me so long to read because it didn't keep my attention.
The characters individually were realistic, but their relationship together was at times confusing. Like you would think the other would get mad, but doesn't or they would laugh but gets really mad instead.
There were some comedic parts that made it enjoyable.
The realization of attraction came quickly, but then goes away and comes back again at the end. It was kind of eye rolling. Especially since the ending was rushed and I didn't like the ending so much.
The characters individually were realistic, but their relationship together was at times confusing. Like you would think the other would get mad, but doesn't or they would laugh but gets really mad instead.
There were some comedic parts that made it enjoyable.
The realization of attraction came quickly, but then goes away and comes back again at the end. It was kind of eye rolling. Especially since the ending was rushed and I didn't like the ending so much.
heyjudy's review
3.0
Review? Here!: http://geekyreading.blogspot.com/2011/11/review-jenna-jonahs-fauxmance-by-emily.html
emellis59's review against another edition
3.0
Jenna & Jonah's Fauxmance
By Emily Franklin and Brendan Halpin
3 stars
Call # YA FRA
I'll be honest...I picked this book up because of title. I had never heard the word "fauxmance" used before, and something just drew me. After reading the dust cover summary of the book, I realized that the story and ending were going to be extremely predictable based on the title itself...but still I chose to read. And while I did indeed predict the beginning, middle, and end of the book, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the characters.
Charlie and Fielding are TV heartthrobs Jenna and Jonah of of Jenna and Jonah's How to Be A Rock Star. While they play deeply in love musicians on TV, in real life they are in a fake relationship ("fauxmance") for the cameras to boost ratings and likability. In reality, they can't stand one another. Charlie is a demanding diva. Fielding doesn't seem to care about anyone but himself. As the question of whether or not "Jenna and Jonah's" will return for a 5th season, their fake relationship starts to unravel, and after an unexpected tabloid expose, the two are forced to flee from the paparazzi and hide out away from the glitz and glam of Hollywood. For the first time in forever, they finally get to know each other outside of the Jenna and Jonah world and struggle to find out who they are without the show that made them stars.
The books is based very heavily on William Shakespeare's play Much Ado About Nothing, which is hands down my favorite play by the bard. Two sparring individuals pretend to hate one another when in fact they are each other’s soul mate. They play actually plays a huge role in their journey to understand themselves and each other. That's probably why, in the end, I really enjoyed the book despite it's pretty normal plot line. Sometimes you can't see what's right in front of your face. Jenna and Jonah’s Fauxmance is a likeable, sweet romantic story complete with endearing characters and smart dialogue. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a quick, light read
By Emily Franklin and Brendan Halpin
3 stars
Call # YA FRA
I'll be honest...I picked this book up because of title. I had never heard the word "fauxmance" used before, and something just drew me. After reading the dust cover summary of the book, I realized that the story and ending were going to be extremely predictable based on the title itself...but still I chose to read. And while I did indeed predict the beginning, middle, and end of the book, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the characters.
Charlie and Fielding are TV heartthrobs Jenna and Jonah of of Jenna and Jonah's How to Be A Rock Star. While they play deeply in love musicians on TV, in real life they are in a fake relationship ("fauxmance") for the cameras to boost ratings and likability. In reality, they can't stand one another. Charlie is a demanding diva. Fielding doesn't seem to care about anyone but himself. As the question of whether or not "Jenna and Jonah's" will return for a 5th season, their fake relationship starts to unravel, and after an unexpected tabloid expose, the two are forced to flee from the paparazzi and hide out away from the glitz and glam of Hollywood. For the first time in forever, they finally get to know each other outside of the Jenna and Jonah world and struggle to find out who they are without the show that made them stars.
The books is based very heavily on William Shakespeare's play Much Ado About Nothing, which is hands down my favorite play by the bard. Two sparring individuals pretend to hate one another when in fact they are each other’s soul mate. They play actually plays a huge role in their journey to understand themselves and each other. That's probably why, in the end, I really enjoyed the book despite it's pretty normal plot line. Sometimes you can't see what's right in front of your face. Jenna and Jonah’s Fauxmance is a likeable, sweet romantic story complete with endearing characters and smart dialogue. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a quick, light read
lckrgr's review
2.0
I read this because one of my favorite tropes is fake dating. This was not quite that, but since my expectations were pretty low this was an amusing enough thing to listen to while driving.
_camk_'s review
3.0
A book that came through to my recommendations but isn't something I would gravitate to ever - it only a two hour read so I thought I would fly through it. It's a read for a secondary school student really.
It has a lot of banter and you can't really hate the characters but is overall a vapid story with no real meaning.
It has a lot of banter and you can't really hate the characters but is overall a vapid story with no real meaning.
kaitrosereads's review
4.0
Jenna & Jonah's Fauxmance was a cute, quick read but there was nothing special about it. It's a story that's been done before but I will say that it was hilarious. The banter between Jenna and Jonah (Charlie and Fielding/Aaron) cracked me up.
Charlie Tracker (Jenna) and Fielding Withers (Jonah) can't stand each other. Too bad they not only have to pretend to be in love on TV but also in real life. When rumors start that Fielding is gay they have no choice but to escape from the public eye. Together. Spending time alone together makes Charlie and Fielding (whose real name is Aaron) question whether they actually have feelings for each other. Can they find true love or did their fauxmance ruin those chances?
These characters held no real appeal to me. Charlie was a pretty big bitch sometimes and Aaron confused me. I wanted more from them. I actually liked the supporting characters like Al and Kyana much more than Charlie and Aaron.
The plot was ehh (yes I know that isn't a word but it's all I can think of). There was nothing new to it. I really wanted something original and this was not it. Sure it was a quick read and it had it's "aww!" moments but nothing spectacular.
Overall, Jenna & Jonah's Fauxmance is one of those books that I suggest getting from the library. I hope their other books are better than this one.
Charlie Tracker (Jenna) and Fielding Withers (Jonah) can't stand each other. Too bad they not only have to pretend to be in love on TV but also in real life. When rumors start that Fielding is gay they have no choice but to escape from the public eye. Together. Spending time alone together makes Charlie and Fielding (whose real name is Aaron) question whether they actually have feelings for each other. Can they find true love or did their fauxmance ruin those chances?
These characters held no real appeal to me. Charlie was a pretty big bitch sometimes and Aaron confused me. I wanted more from them. I actually liked the supporting characters like Al and Kyana much more than Charlie and Aaron.
The plot was ehh (yes I know that isn't a word but it's all I can think of). There was nothing new to it. I really wanted something original and this was not it. Sure it was a quick read and it had it's "aww!" moments but nothing spectacular.
Overall, Jenna & Jonah's Fauxmance is one of those books that I suggest getting from the library. I hope their other books are better than this one.
rads_reads's review
1.0
Some of the last contemps I have read were not that great, this one was one of the not greats too. It was fun at times, entertaining, but overall I didn't enjoy it, I didn't like the characters at all, the plot was a bit odd and unbelievable and we are talking books people, the stuff that was happening here I had a harder time imagining than dragons. But that is just my opinion. Some people have really enjoyed it.