Fun but not as intriguing as Timothy’s previous works. Possibly because I’m not as invested in the comedy scene. Would have loved deeper exploration into character development, some of the parts fell flat. All around a not bad read!

I loved this book! I devoured it in only a few sittings and wish there was more to read. The story line was paced very well and the characters were easy to love!

Janovsky does it again. I laughed and got teary eyed throughout this book. The characters are lovable and written so well they feel real to me. I loved the reason for the MC wanting to go on the game show and the scenes itself. That surprise contestant!

If you are looking for a steamy book this one brings it. It is the steamiest book I think I have read by this author.

I recommend anything written by this author. I love how this author writes his characters and brings a story to life.

This story does deal with loss of a parent.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for allowing me to read this book for an honest review..

I read this very quickly. It was fun. The characters were fully realized, and, somewhat surprisingly, spicy! Sometimes sexy scenes are like made for network television, telling the story but leaving a lot for the imagination. But these were much more…descriptive. In the best way. Really loved seeing Holden and Leo’s chemistry build in and (mostly) out of the bedroom.

A very enjoyable, fast read. Highly recommended.

📣 fake dating that turns real on a reality tv show

Thanks to the publisher for the complimentary hard copy & the publisher & Netgalley for the for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

📖 what’s one of your Monday numbers? Mine is 2: 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 Crocs that I’ve been borrowing from my oldest son to take the puppy out since we wear the same size shoe now!

Funny story: I was supposed to post about this book on October 26th, not the November 26th I had written in my notes. So it’s November 27th & here we go 😬🙃💁🏻‍♀️.

The (Fake) Dating Game by Timothy Janovsky has a little bit of everything, from the aforementioned fake dating to madcap antics on a reality tv show to grief over losing a parent to a surprising amount of steam given what I’ve previously read by the author.

Holden James is coming out a longtime relationship when he meets concierge Leo at the hotel he’s staying at while in town for what should have been his fabulous shot at Madcap Market.

He & Leo hit it off & the pieces end up coming together: they’ll pretend to be a couple for the show. They can both get something by competing & hopefully winning.

Feelings turn real & that’s when things get both simpler & more complicated 💁🏻‍♀️.

This book has good communication between leads, a character struggling to process his grief, & a striking scene with a fruit I won’t soon forget. While the pieces are there for everything I adore in a romance, it doesn’t totally come together for me, but it is charming & bright while also dealing with hard topics that can be challenging for so many of us.

4 ⭐️. Out 01/23.

CWs: previous death of mother. Cancer reference. Leo was the other person in a marriage that wasn’t officially open without his knowledge. Loss of job.

[ID: Jess’s white hand holds the book in front of a pink hibiscus tree, yellow mums, & other plants in a greenhouse.]

Oh my GOSH this was another Timothy Janovsky win!! I will need to think long and hard now about which of his books is my favourite, cause this one was basically perfection!

In The (Fake) Dating Game we follow Holden who is holding his life together by threads - his boyfriend just broke up with him, he has a hard time processing his grief over a mother he lost a few years ago, and he is just generally unhappy with his career and where he is in life. Solution? Applying for a grocery game show Madcap Market (a show he used to watch religiously with his mom) with his friend and winning a grand prize. But when the so-called friend bows out due to loyalty to his ex, Holden comes up with a scheme - he will fake a relationship with a concierge Leo (who just lost his job and would love a financial injection as well) and win the show this way. But fake plans turn to real feelings soon enough and Holden is faced with the harsh reality of his life, of how escapism is good for a while, but your hurt will catch up eventually.

While The (Fake) Dating Game is a romance novel full of joy and fluff and spice, the whole book is also permeated by Holden's deep grief over losing his mom which hits deep. You can feel his unending love for her in every chapter, every line. Holden is stuck in this grief spiral and I loved how his solution in the end was not moving on, but accepting that the grief will always be there and learning to live beside it. I am teary-eyed just writing this, but Holden's story really struck a chord; the readers are really made to feel his emotions, his pain and love.

The other important actor in Holden's arc is of course Leo, the unexpected new guy who due to some similar experiences in the romance department, understands and stands with Holden from the get-go. Be it by distracting him when the memories of his past relationship snotty Buckley become to much, or by fake dating for a popular reality TV show, Leo was a ripped golden retriever boyfriend from the start and my heart was so there for it.

I could go on and on about why I adore this book so much, but I will condense it into some of my favourite tropes present in this book:
- Fake dating (high stakes!!)
- Sunshine x midnight rain (it works SO WELL okay)
- reality TV show
- SO MANY Taylor Swift references. Timothy, I love you, okay!

All in all, a MUST read for all queer romance lovers! Also, I dare say that this is Janovsky's spiciest book to date, for all of you who like to add that to your reviews hehe.

I liked You're A Mean One, Matthew Price quite a bit, but Janovsky's new book blows it out of the water. The (Fake) Dating Game has it all! There's scenes of emotional vulnerability mixed with downright hilarity, moments of grappling with the struggles of being a young adult in the world when your degree has granted you nothing but debt (relatable) and the person you think you ought to be feels miles away, and on top of it all, there's amazing moments of intimacy both in terms of spice and in terms of interpersonal relationships—from familial to ex-romantic.

And the SPICE. Holy wow, the spice is incredible. It's steamy as hell while also centering safety, healthy, and enthusiastic, informed consent at every turn. It's not quite vanilla, but definitely not kinky enough to warrant a warning to the kink-averse. Overall, the spicy scenes were among my favorite, simply for the moments of connection that they gave to Holden and Leo.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The personal and interpersonal growth, the relationships, the reality show of it all—such a cute premise and a well-written execution.

The Fake Dating Game is a steamy and fun fake dating story. Timothy Janovsky somehow takes themes of grief and turns them into an absolutely charming and hot queer romance.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Holden promised his late mother that he’d appear on their favorite game show, Madcap Market. But when he asks his longtime boyfriend to audition with him, he gets dumped instead. He decides to go to Los Angeles anyway, and while wallowing in his feelings, he meets hottie hotel concierge Leo. Not only do the two have an immediate attraction, Leo is sympathetic listener. So it makes perfect sense for these two to fake date and audition for the show anyway, right? But will their very real feelings derail Holden’s game show dreams?

It’s weird to say a romance that focuses so much on the effects of grief is fun, but this story absolutely is. Holden’s grief is a major force in his life, even when he pretends it’s not. But when he’s with Leo, their ability to live in the moment together is pure joy. It’s also hot hot hot.

I’ve been a Timothy Janovsky fan for a while, and The Fake Dating Game is now my favorite book he’s written. It’s a quick read, but every scene and word has a purpose. It’s also much steamier than previous Janovsky books, in all the best ways.

The Fake Dating Game is fantastic from the first page to the final grand gesture. If you like hot, funny and charming characters who are learning to take each moment as it comes, pick up Timothy Janovsky’s latest romance immediately.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

There were some parts of this fun romance book that had me at the edge of my seat. I was so invested in the story and characters. I’m so happy I was given the opportunity to read this.

Thank you to HARLEQUIN - Romance for this eARC! Timothy Janovsky is always a guaranteed good time with just a little knife twist to hurt your heart. I always think there is such brilliance in having a character that is holding grief and also falling in love, figuring out how to balance the two. Also this was QUITE a step further into spice land then we have gone before in Timothy's books and it was such a good time! I will be so happy when this book is in my hands and added to the shelf next to his other brilliant titles!

This book was really cute. As a big fan of Supermarket Sweep, I loved that this was sort of a nod to that show. I thought the characters had a good story arc, and that the spicier scenes were done well. I recommend this book! Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

This book was such a fun read! I really appreciated the honest and easy to read style. I am a big fan of Timothy Janovsky's work and style. This book is great for fans of the NA/Adult romance crossover. The romance is sweet, honest, and tender. I also really enjoyed seeing the relationships both characters had with their parents.

I love fake dating, and this was such a fun ride. It was hilarious, and the protagonists were completely ADORBS! Timothy Janovsky continues to deliver like room service pizza, giving us another sweet, meet-cute with Holden Leo. The game show setting was a refreshing way to bring the "oh no! I need you to pretend to be my boyfriend!" heat, and it just added to the overall charm of this book. 10/10, no note!

"The (Fake) Dating Game" by Timothy Janovsky is a delightful and steamy romantic novel that takes the trope of "faux dating" to a whole new level. Holden James, our endearing protagonist, is dealing with the aftermath of a painful breakup, but he's determined to participate in his favorite game show, "Madcap Market." The premise of the show, paying homage to "Supermarket Sweep" fans, adds a unique and fun twist to the story.

At first, the pacing of the book might seem like a simmer, but it's during this phase that character development and the connection between Holden and Leo truly shine. Their journey from reluctant partners to a passionate, fake couple is both heartwarming and steamy. The chemistry between them sizzles, and the witty banter adds a layer of fun to their interactions.

As Holden and Leo navigate the challenges of the game show, the reader is taken on a rollercoaster of emotions, from laughter to heartache and back again. The last few chapters are where the true magic of character development unfolds. Both characters grow not only individually but also as a couple. The slow buildup is worth it, as it solidifies the genuine bond they share and the personal growth they undergo.

"The (Fake) Dating Game" may seem slow-going at times, but readers should stick with it, as the journey is just as important as the destination. This book is a celebration of love, healing, and self-discovery. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected connections can lead to the most profound transformations. Timothy Janovsky has created a unique and engaging story that will leave readers with a smile on their faces and warmth in their hearts. Ready, set, read!

Thank you Timothy Janovsky, HARLEQUIN, & NetGalley for the eARC.

Another fun read from Janovsky :)

This book was probably the most lighthearted that I’ve read from this author, which is surprising since grief was a major theme of the book. I think he did a great job capturing the experience of grief on a long term scale.

This was also the steamiest of Janovsky’s books, which I LOVED. I think the scenes were all written perfectly and didn’t feel forced at all. What I appreciated the most was that even though the characters were having a fair amount of sex, and were experiencing a budding romance, it did NOT feel like insta-love. Their relationship came across as pretty realistic, which is such an accomplishment with this storyline.

I wasn’t a massive fan of the game show, but that’s just me. It was still entertaining and I’m sure there are other readers who really loved it.

Job well done!

Thank you Harlequin Romance and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. I enjoyed this one from the first page! Holden has been grieving his mother since she died six years ago. He thought he could surprise his boyfriend with a trip and a chance to be on the game show Madcap Market. His boyfriend, now ex, had other plans. Since the show was so important to him and his mom he decides to go anyway, there just one problem he had to have a partner. He thinks a friend might help but she cares more about his ex. Feeling down he drowns his blues in booze and music, Leo the concierge, helps him out of his funk. It doesn’t hurt that he’s super hot. Eventually Leo, facing difficulties of his own, suggests they pretend to be in a relationship and go on the show. It’s not that simple though, they have to come up with a plausible story and even convince their families that they’re really dating. It helps that their chemistry is off the charts. Once on the show though Holden is faced with a surprise that will throw him through a loop. Can they win? And what happens if they begin to catch real feelings? Can a few day old relationship turn into more? I think Timothy Janovsky has another hit with this one! Like his other books it’s funny, charming, and heartwarming but the spiciness is kicked up a notch! A fun fast paced romance that readers won’t be able to put down! Can’t wait to read it again.

Thank you to netgalley and HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada), Afterglow Books by Harlequin for an arc in exchange for an honest opinion. I enjoyed this book. It was cute and simple nothing more nothing less.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC of The (Fake) Dating Game. While I enjoyed the book, there wasn't much to drive the story or build a connection with the main character. It's a fast read and very spicy. There are some moments of nostalgia and some elements of dealing with (or consequences of not dealing with) the death of a loved one. Unfortunately it was all just a bit blah - other than the sexy parts. There wasn't any great tension, the stakes weren't very high. The return of a character from the beginning, while important to the main character's arc, seems really contrived and unlikely.

There were some fun moments and the love interest is actually more interesting than the main character, So that was enjoyable. Unfortunately, overall, it was just a little... meh.

I always love the characters Timothy creates, they are so perfectly imperfect. Sweet people that are just looking for a hea and this one also to be on a network shopping game show. Two shows I always wanted to be on growing up were American Gladiators and Super Market Sweep- so I know the mania. Esp when it is something you share with someone you have lost. This does have loss of a parent and if you are sensitive to that, like I am, keep that in mind. I tend to find them cathartic as I forget my Dad is gone sometimes cause it hurts too much to remember. But keeping them alive trying to do something you had wanted to do together is also the sweetest… and finding romance in the process is a bonus.
Their chemistry and open door scenes are steamy!
Loved the growth after some bad breakup issues and drama too! Sometimes it's hard to see that making things right is for your piece of mind and not always for them.

Definitely add this to your 2024 TBR - out January 23, 2024!

Thank you HarlequinPublicityTeam & HarlequinBooks for including me in this book tour and this gorgeous #gifted copy. We are also celebrating the upcoming launch of Afterglow Books and the release of THE (FAKE) DATING GAME by Timothy Janovsky!

This book was so good! You have the surface level fun of the game show and the fake dating scheme. Holden and Leo have amazing chemistry. They are sweet and supportive of each other. On top of that there is a really lovely story about dealing with grief and family. Holden’s dad and Leo’s mom were incredible characters! They were real standouts. I would have loved a little more time spent on the actual game show. But that might just be me being a Supermarket Sweep fan.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.