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fishreads's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
A story about two geeks falling in love after some 15 years of knowing each other. Mike is an IT billionaire, who made it big after getting a scholarship to the right high school and befriending Caleb, rich boy who showed him how to fake it until he made it. But even after years of successfully faking it, Caleb's older brother, James, who Mike had a crush on since meeting him, is the one person in front of whom Mike devolves into a geeky socially awkward mess he secretly is. James, to nobody's surprise, is into it.
This was a cute story, despite Mike's geekiness being too exaggerated at times.
Themes: single POV, best friend's older brother, teenage crush, billionaires, geek/geek
This was a cute story, despite Mike's geekiness being too exaggerated at times.
Themes: single POV, best friend's older brother, teenage crush, billionaires, geek/geek
queenofswordsandwords's review
3.0
this was cute, no angst, fast and uneventful. succesful geeks, best friend's brother, fade to black.
(this is part of my goal of reading the freebies i've accumulated over the years.)
(this is part of my goal of reading the freebies i've accumulated over the years.)
jennifox's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
cherryblossomreads's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Very cute, very short story.
baylan's review
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
phynn's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Didn't know/realize it was a short story. Cute and entertaining nonetheless.
cmira2027's review
4.0
Can't help but smile
This was the happy I needed today. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up. You can't help but smile while reading this!
This was the happy I needed today. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up. You can't help but smile while reading this!
queerlyreading's review
2.0
Fake It ‘Til You Make It by Louisa Masters is a short story about Michael, a tech billionaire who has always been a stereotypical geek at heart, and James, the sophisticated older brother of his best friend. James has been the centre of Michael's fantasies from the moment they met, but he doesn’t think those dreams can ever come true. What would James, who’s suave and successful, want with some who’s just faking his way through life?
The ONLY reason that this book has two stars is because it’s short and somewhat funny. Beyond that, I genuinely didn’t enjoy it.
The writing was alright, but often awkward. This book is chock-full of phrases and instances where Michael seems to prove he’s “A Nerd”. From Michael tripping over himself, speaking in gibberish, and having some very odd narrative thoughts about How Different He Is, way too much was done to make this attractive, rich white man seem socially inept.
It was uncomfortable to read because it was so, SO overdone, and I didn’t enjoy it. Two examples that stuck out to me the most are under spoilers:
Beyond that, the plot moves quickly, though fairly well-paced for a story of its length. I enjoyed how Michael and James came together, and the way it was revealed that Michael hadn’t been the only one with a crush. The plot revolving around their family is fun and wholesome, which was enjoyable to read if not very impactful.
I found the ending a bit strange, and the reveal about James… very unnecessary and handled oddly. Still, the book did end on a happy note, which is something I, personally, always like to see.
Overall, this was a fast, easy read that was hindered by its attempt at being different. It isn’t one I’d recommend, nor is it something I’d read again.
The ONLY reason that this book has two stars is because it’s short and somewhat funny. Beyond that, I genuinely didn’t enjoy it.
The writing was alright, but often awkward. This book is chock-full of phrases and instances where Michael seems to prove he’s “A Nerd”. From Michael tripping over himself, speaking in gibberish, and having some very odd narrative thoughts about How Different He Is, way too much was done to make this attractive, rich white man seem socially inept.
It was uncomfortable to read because it was so, SO overdone, and I didn’t enjoy it. Two examples that stuck out to me the most are under spoilers:
Spoiler
“Did I forget to mention I’m that guy? Totally uncoordinated. Socially inept. Supergeek. Walking cliché. The kind of “character” people see on TV shows and call “unrealistic.””
““Har har nice Geneva home not like.”
Kill me now. That was supposed to be me chuckling suavely and saying that Geneva is nice but not like home, but instead I sound like a demented Yoda.”
Beyond that, the plot moves quickly, though fairly well-paced for a story of its length. I enjoyed how Michael and James came together, and the way it was revealed that Michael hadn’t been the only one with a crush. The plot revolving around their family is fun and wholesome, which was enjoyable to read if not very impactful.
I found the ending a bit strange, and the reveal about James… very unnecessary and handled oddly. Still, the book did end on a happy note, which is something I, personally, always like to see.
Overall, this was a fast, easy read that was hindered by its attempt at being different. It isn’t one I’d recommend, nor is it something I’d read again.
emberjay's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25