A review by niffler_for_words
Fake Dating & Matchmaking 101: A Sweet Romance by Evie Sterling

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

“Here, in his arms, I feel safe. Cared for. Loved, even.”

Fake-dating and matchmaking 101 was a light and quick read. 

Don’t be lured by the cover or the title. The matchmaking part is only a reference to an online class the MFC follows during the story, and the MMC is everything but a guy who loves to suit up. Even the fake-dating doesn’t feel like the usual one. 

It’s a simple story, although very entertaining, with a fun setting (a yoga retreat, where people sleep in basic yurts). I regret a little bit that it wasn’t more developed in the plot. In the end, Olivia and Cole spend more time doing things outside of the activities proposed by the retreat than being included in the group (which makes the fake-dating part less relevant, as in most scenes they are just the two of them). It’s kind of a shame because there was a lot of humour potential here. 

That being said, it allows a lot of space for Blue –the cutest baby goat ever– who is without any doubt my favourite character. Most of the peripeteia happen around him, and he’s the main responsible for the evolutions of the characters’ relationship.

I was a bit disappointed by the ease of how the main problem is resolved. One phone call solves a whole life of carelessness when it was what triggered the whole plot … Maybe it’s just me who is sensitive to parental negligence, or me loving multi-layered stories, and I’m being picky here. I don’t know. 

In any case, that book is a low-stake, light-hearted and very easy read that can make you have a good time. 

Thank you Evie Sterling and haylingbookstorm for this ARC. My opinions are my own.