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A review by kp_hobbitreads
Fakers by May Archer, Lucy Lennox
3.5
#0.5 Flakes: ★★★✮☆ | 3.5 stars
#1 Fakers: ★★★✮☆ | 3.5 stars
The premise of this is pretty great, and I know with a Lucy Lennox and May Archer combo I'm going to get small town shenanigans, steamy scenes, and a satisfying HEA.
Brooks Johnson left Licking Thicket 10 years ago after accidentally outing himself to the whole town and hasn't been back since. But, when his mother calls begging him to return because his father is ill and can't be Head Licker (yeah, you read that right) at the Great Lickin' Festival, Brooks is guilted into doing it. In an attempt to head off his nosy neighbors, a heartbroken ex-girlfriend, and a mom who doesn't believe he's gay he ropes his best friend into being his fake boyfriend for the week. When Malachi Forrester lets his best friend talk him into being her fake boyfriend for a trip home to save face in front of her ex-boyfriend Brooks and her family, the last thing he expects is for sparks to fly between him and said ex-boyfriend. But, Brooks is nothing like he expected and suddenly Mal finds himself falling for the man.
I adore both Brooks and Malachi, and they were so great together. Brooks has spent his whole life being exactly what everyone else wanted and expected him to be so it was lovely to see him really get to be himself with Mal, and for Mal to appreciate the real him with no pretense. And, Mal desperately wants a place to belong, even if he refuses to admit it and Brooks can be that for him, can give him that. I also really like that aside from the miscommunication at the end, this was relatively low-angst. And, the fake-dating hijinks made for some really funny moments.
However, I absolutely hated that Brooks' mom refused to believe he was gay. And, I think that was such an unnecessary plot point. Even though I knew that going in, I had hope for some resolution on it. Or at the very least an apology from his mom for not believing him, but we never got that. Yes, she accepted him and Mal and seemed quite supportive. But, I think denying your child's sexuality for a decade requires an actual apology. (Though I do recognize that this may be partly my own personal baggage talking here.)
Three Thoughts:
1. Once Ava got her head out of her behind, I actually really liked her as a character. And, I really liked her and Mal's friendship. But, I got REALLY tired of listening to her complain about how Brooks coming out ruined her life. Girl, get over it.
2. "This town is a parody of itself, and every single person here is in on the joke." Perfect way to describe this - and I think that's exactly why I found it hilarious rather than irritating.
3. Red and Dunn (Brooks' dad and brother) are fantastic characters. And, I loved every scene they were in.
Overall, this is a great start to a new series. And, the tease about Diesel and Parrish has me really excited about Book 2. If you're looking for a small town romance that's a little bit ridiculous but also rather endearing then give this one a try.
content warnings: characters not believing the MC is gay, homophobic parent of a queer character (mentioned, not shown), homophobic bullying (in the past), sex (on page)
#1 Fakers: ★★★✮☆ | 3.5 stars
The premise of this is pretty great, and I know with a Lucy Lennox and May Archer combo I'm going to get small town shenanigans, steamy scenes, and a satisfying HEA.
Brooks Johnson left Licking Thicket 10 years ago after accidentally outing himself to the whole town and hasn't been back since. But, when his mother calls begging him to return because his father is ill and can't be Head Licker (yeah, you read that right) at the Great Lickin' Festival, Brooks is guilted into doing it. In an attempt to head off his nosy neighbors, a heartbroken ex-girlfriend, and a mom who doesn't believe he's gay he ropes his best friend into being his fake boyfriend for the week. When Malachi Forrester lets his best friend talk him into being her fake boyfriend for a trip home to save face in front of her ex-boyfriend Brooks and her family, the last thing he expects is for sparks to fly between him and said ex-boyfriend. But, Brooks is nothing like he expected and suddenly Mal finds himself falling for the man.
I adore both Brooks and Malachi, and they were so great together. Brooks has spent his whole life being exactly what everyone else wanted and expected him to be so it was lovely to see him really get to be himself with Mal, and for Mal to appreciate the real him with no pretense. And, Mal desperately wants a place to belong, even if he refuses to admit it and Brooks can be that for him, can give him that. I also really like that aside from the miscommunication at the end, this was relatively low-angst. And, the fake-dating hijinks made for some really funny moments.
However, I absolutely hated that Brooks' mom refused to believe he was gay. And, I think that was such an unnecessary plot point. Even though I knew that going in, I had hope for some resolution on it. Or at the very least an apology from his mom for not believing him, but we never got that. Yes, she accepted him and Mal and seemed quite supportive. But, I think denying your child's sexuality for a decade requires an actual apology. (Though I do recognize that this may be partly my own personal baggage talking here.)
Three Thoughts:
1. Once Ava got her head out of her behind, I actually really liked her as a character. And, I really liked her and Mal's friendship. But, I got REALLY tired of listening to her complain about how Brooks coming out ruined her life. Girl, get over it.
2. "This town is a parody of itself, and every single person here is in on the joke." Perfect way to describe this - and I think that's exactly why I found it hilarious rather than irritating.
3. Red and Dunn (Brooks' dad and brother) are fantastic characters. And, I loved every scene they were in.
Overall, this is a great start to a new series. And, the tease about Diesel and Parrish has me really excited about Book 2. If you're looking for a small town romance that's a little bit ridiculous but also rather endearing then give this one a try.
content warnings: characters not believing the MC is gay, homophobic parent of a queer character (mentioned, not shown), homophobic bullying (in the past), sex (on page)