440 reviews for:

The Faking Game

Olivia Hayle

3.99 AVERAGE

slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Nora and West are a match made of chaos. A conveniently, inconvenient situation that comes together and finds it's home. Hayle takes over the top drama and finds a sense of humor in the irony of it all. The Faking Game is tart and sweet with a hint of sass and a dash of heart.
adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective tense 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

This book was absolutely adorable and emotionally rich—Olivia just keeps outdoing herself. Fake dating, brother’s best friend, roommates, enemies to lovers, and dating lessons—it has all the tropes we love, and they’re executed to perfection. I was hooked from the first page and couldn't put it down, even if it meant sacrificing sleep (totally worth it).

Nora and West are electric together. She’s vulnerable yet strong, learning to choose herself after years of people-pleasing. (Girl same)! He’s protective, emotionally mature, and completely devoted. From teaching her self-defense to praising her constantly, West shows up for Nora in every way. Their wealth is just background—this is a story about emotional growth, not privilege.

The chemistry between them is off the charts, building in a slow burn that feels organic and intense. Their banter crackles, the pacing is perfect, and their emotional connection hits hard. It’s romantic, grounded, and full of heart.

Also—West’s group of friends? Instantly obsessed. I’m already hoping for spin-offs.
This book made me laugh, swoon, and feel seen. Five stars, no question.
funny lighthearted 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
lighthearted medium-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

This was fun but it had a lot of issues. Mainly everything got solved very quickly and not in an interesting way. It was like going up a roller coaster and then before you get to the drop you descend slowly. At no point was I hooked nor did I feel like I couldn’t put it down. 
lighthearted medium-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
funny lighthearted fast-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
emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes