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A review by emileereadsbooks
My Phony Valentine by Courtney Walsh
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
Poppy is trying to best a high school bully in line at the local coffee shop when he claims the man in front of her is her boyfriend. But when he turns around and is Dallas Burke, the "bad boy of hockey", she is flabbergasted. And she is even more flabbergasted when he plays along. Take that Margot!
But when Dallas' spunky grandma and matter-of-fact manager get wind of what has happened, they convince Dallas and Poppy that continuing this fake relationship would be mutually beneficial for them. So a contract is drawn up, terms negotiated, and fake dates (and PDA) is planned.
But as they spend more time together, Dallas and Poppy both have to remind themselves this is only fake... Or is it not?
_____
This is one of the most realistic fake dating set ups I have read. It's not an instantaneous decision. They really contemplate why and how, which made the tension ratchet up and made reading more enjoyable. Plus in a lot of fake relationship books only one character benefits externally from the arrangement. Here they both benefit in a public facing way which adds so much interest.
I highlighted so many funny one liners and quips, as well as poignant and sweet moments while reading. Some right after each other. I was there with the characters experiencing every emotion, good or bad.
Poppy and Dallas will live in my brain for some time. Their chemistry and vulnerability with one another juxtaposed with their cheesiness and awkward comments made them relatable and oh so loveable.
Also, so many bonus points to this book for having a curvy heroine who doesn't make her identity about her weight. It was the perfect balance of acknowledging her size without obsessing over it.
More bonus points because Poppy's dad is deaf and the characters communicate in sign language which was well written and didn't feel forced. I loved this representation.
_____
This is a closed door, kisses only rom com.
Content warning for: incarcerated parent, car accident, bullying
But when Dallas' spunky grandma and matter-of-fact manager get wind of what has happened, they convince Dallas and Poppy that continuing this fake relationship would be mutually beneficial for them. So a contract is drawn up, terms negotiated, and fake dates (and PDA) is planned.
But as they spend more time together, Dallas and Poppy both have to remind themselves this is only fake... Or is it not?
_____
This is one of the most realistic fake dating set ups I have read. It's not an instantaneous decision. They really contemplate why and how, which made the tension ratchet up and made reading more enjoyable. Plus in a lot of fake relationship books only one character benefits externally from the arrangement. Here they both benefit in a public facing way which adds so much interest.
I highlighted so many funny one liners and quips, as well as poignant and sweet moments while reading. Some right after each other. I was there with the characters experiencing every emotion, good or bad.
Poppy and Dallas will live in my brain for some time. Their chemistry and vulnerability with one another juxtaposed with their cheesiness and awkward comments made them relatable and oh so loveable.
Also, so many bonus points to this book for having a curvy heroine who doesn't make her identity about her weight. It was the perfect balance of acknowledging her size without obsessing over it.
More bonus points because Poppy's dad is deaf and the characters communicate in sign language which was well written and didn't feel forced. I loved this representation.
_____
This is a closed door, kisses only rom com.
Content warning for: incarcerated parent, car accident, bullying