The (Fake) Dating Game is a whole lot of fun, and my favorite Timothy Janovsky novel yet, although it’s hard to deny that the pacing is a little off Surprisingly weighty in spite of its description, the book seems to be about game shows, slow-burning love, and marriages of partnership and convenience that grow into much more. In reality, it’s part love story, part heartbreaking journey through grief. Though I liked it a lot, it’s not the light, zany romp the blurb tries to sell it as.

Holden James has a simple dream – to appear on Madcap Market, a Supermarket Sweep-like game show. His appearance wouldn’t only be a culmination of years of fandom, it would also be a tribute to his late mother. Watching the show with her was a formative memory from his childhood, and he is determined to honor her memory by appearing as a guest. But his boyfriend dumps him during the try-out process, leaving Holden alone, and partnerless in a strange hotel room.

Then a handsome concierge arrives with food to soothe Holden’s broken heart. Leo Min and Holden are instantly attracted to one another – and then Holden realizes Leo will be a perfect substitute for his boyfriend on the game show. Now all they have to do is petend to be together. But is the charade masking real love?

The (Fake) Dating Game is a saucy romance, a heavy meditation on grief, and a physically-minded gameshow romp all at once. It’s also very sexually forward – Leo and Holden think they’re in a simple hook-up situation, so the sex is immediate. But then again, so’s the chemistry.

I really liked Holden and Leo, and it’s clear they’re pretty perfect for each other. The romance is sweet, the scenes between them laden with spice. Holden’s connection to his mother is genuinely touching as well. This book is mostly about his learning to find a place to put his grief for his mother, a concept that is poignant, relatable, and realistically handled.

But the actual game show portion of the book only occurs at roughly the last fifteen percent of the book’s page count, so anyone coming for “the game show antics” promised by the blurb is going to be sorely disappointed.

Yet everything else that The (Fake) Dating Game does, it does so well that you’re liable not to care. This is a big hearted winner of a book.

The sexiest book Janovsky's written yet!

Holden James might be 'Madcap Market's biggest fan. Growing up watching the campy grocery store themed
gameshow with his mother, the two dreamed of competing together for the grand prize one day. When his mother unexpectedly passed, Holden promised to win the game on her behalf. But things don't always go according to plan.

Finding himself suddenly single in Los Angeles, Holden is heartbroken and alone. That is until he meets Leo, an optimistically happy concierge who loves karaoke and Monopoly. Finding himself also down on luck, Leo and Holden decide to apply together for 'Madcap Market.' As a couple.

Will their fake relationship be real enough to get them a spot on the show? Will their real relationship be strong enough to withstand the competition?

Possibly the best trope in all of romance, fake dating is always a fan favorite. Mix in some real feelings and sex, and things get good. This book is Janovsky's spiciest yet, giving us the dirty details about half of the time, with fading to black the other half. And the sexy foreplay that built for the first third of the book was so rewarding and satisfying when the boys finally got to do the deed. My only complaint about any of the sex was the gratuitous use of the word "penis." Clinical, not sexy. But the use of the cucumber? Inspired.

I feel like Janovsky also dealt with grief well, too. I don't have any personal experience losing a parent, but Holden's journey felt respectful and realistic; there is no end to grief.

While the book was about Holden, his journey to fulfill a promise to his mom, that promise was competing in the game show. The first 75% of the book was the build up to it, but once we got to the filming, it felt rushed. I was hoping for a little more of the game, the one that Holden had been prepping Leo for for literal chapters. When the twist came, it felt a little shoe-horned, and the resolution seemed rushed. I think both boys deserved a little more growth and communication than they received, but it was still a delightful happily ever after. Not my favorite of Janovsky's books (that would be "New Adult"), but a good second.

This book was a miss for me. The pacing, especially, was chaotic and this was one of those books where you're expecting one thing, and it's totally different in not-the-best way.

The whole hook of this story is this game show, and yet it doesn't actually start until around 60% in and only takes up maybe 10% of this book. Instead, the book is more of a self-discovery/grief journey for Holden. Not the worst thing - I actually really liked his character arc and how he actually worked on himself - but, since I was sold something totally different, my reading experience was definitely affected, especially since there was so much build up and emotions around this game show. It was such a small sliver of the book, it was almost insignificant.

Leo was fun and relaxed and I appreciated his and Holden's connection. I think there could've been a bit more relationship development, and, again, the pacing of their relationship was very rough (and very much a cold bucket of water multiple times), and it felt choppy. It was like the book was edging us, but the climax was their relationship, you know? Maybe? I don't know. It just wasn't for me.

I think this book could be something solid, but in its current form there's just something missing. Additionally, the game show was such a big selling point for me that the small part of the story it took up just wasn't satisfying. Point for great character development, especially at the end, but not enough for me to say this was an entirely enjoyable read.

TW: grief, sexual content; mentions death of parent, infidelity, cancer, homophobia

Plot: 2.5/5
Characters: 4/5
World Building: 1/5
Writing: 3/5
Pacing: 1/5
Overall: 2/5

eARC gifted via NetGalley by Afterglow Books by Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Stars for another fun and sweet Timothy Janovsky book!

Janovsky has a perfect touch for books that could easily be fun romcom films with a plot that is direct from start to finish. The characters always have dimension to them with backstories and personalities that are seamlessly woven in to the predicament of the book itself in a very natural way.

The (Fake) Dating Game was super fun and much spicier than Janovsky's other titles which bring it more in to the NA/Adult genre. It fit well for the characters and story being told. Overall I think the Supermarket Sweep reimagined game show was really fun and something id absolutely watch. I think the characters were great and their budding romance was charming. I got through this one really quickly as it was too good to put down!

I really enjoyed this book! It was fun and entertaining. There were bits that threw me off a little and I don't LOVE when MCs jump RIGHT into bed with another person. But I appreciated their banter, the game show element was really fun and unique for a book (at least to me).

Fake dating is main trope for this novel.

I'd definitely recommend!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this e-book. I didn't realize how much I would enjoy the game show setting. It was so much fun getting to know the characters.

i have a nice relationship with all of the books timothy writes (that relationship being i love every single one of them). i literally stumbled onto Never Been Kissed the day it was published and have been a massive fan ever since.

this book stands really well with all of his others. it has the things you love from a timothy janovsky book - swooney romance, quick comedy, and layered emotional growth. it also adds some new stuff, from some really great spicy scenes to heightened stakes, that make it my favorite book of his so far.

the romance between Holden and Leo is so sweet. there's this hot, instant attraction between them that they give into and let it grow. their differences compliment each other, and their shared interests tie them together really well. also, the cucumber lmao. you'll know when you read it.

Leo's arc in doing things for himself and finding happiness was really well done. i'm always rooting for that guy.

but Holden's arc, centered around holding on to the good parts of the past and not letting the bad things leave you stuck, really hit me. it's a very layered and nuanced conversation that timothy handled really well.

and all the reality TV show game play was so fun.

This was a fun and light read. There was some clunky language at times, but not enough to take you out of the story.
It’s a single POV and our narrator/main character Holden James is hilarious. He’s witty and clever and truly a lot of fun.

Holden gets the chance to audition for his favorite game show and when he proposes the idea to his boyfriend he gets dumped and rejected. First off, I feel for Holden because he lost his mom and it was their thing together to watch the show and his ex basically says it’s silly and he needs to stop grieving. yikes. I would have been mad too!

But Holden persists. Determined to still audition, he travels to Los Angeles—heartbroken but with a dream. His initial backup plan for a game show partner fall through and that’s where the incredibly attractive hotel concierge comes in. *enter Leo Min.*
Leo needs the money that could be won by winning the show and he agrees to fake date Holden to audition for the show.

This book gives you the fake dating trope with the bonus addition of a clear connection from the beginning. The characters never deny that they are attracted to each other and it’s a wildly fun ride from start to finish.

'm going to just straight up admit that it was hard for me to finish this book. The (Fake) Dating Game was my first read from Timothy Janovsky, and it really didn't inspire me to raid his backlist. I struggled the whole way through.

I thought the set up to this book was very cute, but right off the bat, the clunky, awkward language got to me. It just didn't feel natural, and it took me out of every scene. I think it's just the author's style, but it didn't flow for me.

I also didn't like how the MCs just jumped right into sex scene after sex scene (cucumbers??) with very like build-up or chemistry. I like more of a connection before the action begins, and I don't think you get that here.

I was really looking forward to the actual game show stuff, but that came surprisingly late in the story. I was disappointed in that as well.

While this book wasn't terrible, it just felt like it tried too hard and kept missing the mark.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

Read For:
Fake Dating
Light Dom/sub
Strangers to Lovers
Game Show/Reality TV
Insta-Love (but done right)

This book was so much better than I was thinking it would be. Everything was written so nicely. The characters, the relationships, the drama, the plot, it was all so entertaining and enjoyable.

Fake date to get on a game show then realize you caught feelings? Love this idea and how it all played out. It was wholesome, cute, funny, spicy, and just amusing to read.

Holden and Leo have such a great dynamic. I loved their chemistry and how they helped each other. Finding each other when life was less than the best. The self healing was also nice to see. Holden dealing with the grief of losing his mother and getting rid of his ghost-like mindset, and becoming himself again was written really nicely. This book was amazing!

Thank you to the author, NetGalley and HARLEQUIN - Romance, for this eARC of this book.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (5/5)
Release Date: 23, January 2024
POV: First Person
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Rep:MlM, Gay MC, Gay Korean-American LI

⚠️ Content Warnings:
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Cursing and Sexual content
Minor: Toxic relationship (past), Death of parent, Cancer, Terminal illness, and Death

If you’ve ever spoken to me at all, you know that I am a massive sucker for the fake dating trope, and so when I saw that Timothy Janovsky, author of “You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince” had created a novel that combined that trope with game shows, I was hooked. And let me tell you, this didn’t disappoint in the slightest.

You see, much like the main character, Holden James, I, too, grew up watching game shows with my aunt. Her favorite was The Price is Right, but I have always favored Supermarket Sweep with its goofy host, David, and his amazing 90s-era sweaters. And to my surprise, Holden’s game show of choice, ‘Madcap Market,’ swept me into memories of sitting on the couch with my aunt, eating snacks and cheering on the teams as they raced through the aisles to earn a chance at the grand prize.

Javonsky does a great job of combining that fake dating trope with a dash of spice and a hint of true love as his characters work through their problems to come together to solve them. I truly enjoyed every moment of this fast-paced book, which never dragged and had just the right amount of hurt to keep me connected to the characters.

If you’re looking for something to keep you entertained as the weather grows colder, then keep an eye out for “The (Fake) Dating Game” by Timothy Javonsky. It’ll warm you better than any cup of coffee or tea would.

I received an arc of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really hoped I would love this book. It has my favorite trope: fake dating and reality show. And yes, I loved it. I loved it so much! This book is so powerful and emotional that I cry and laugh and I fell in love with the characters. I knew Janovsky’s writing, I read all of his book, but this is so far my favorite! I think this will live rent free in my brain. I can’t really talk right about it because it leave me so emotional! So I just have to repeat that I love it completely.

Thank you Netgally and Harlequin for the arc!

4.5 Stars, rounded up.

I cried. Like... a lot. I did not expect to cry so hard at a fake dating book taking place on a reality tv game show, but I did. I knew what I was getting into with the content warnings, but it just hit hard, and it was great.

Holden and his mom always watched Madcap Market, their favorite reality tv shows. He's seen every episode multiple times and has his favorites. And in a change of luck, he has enough money to fly out to LA and audition, he just has to ask his 4-year boyfriend to join. But the night changes and Holden is left with a broken heart, an extra plane ticket, and barely any money to his name.

He hops off the plane at LAX knowing that he's already taken the time off and already paid for the trip, so he might as well go. His last option for a partner turns him down and he realizes that this dream of his is officially over. With no one to be his partner, he can't compete. In an iconic crying moment (featuring some Taylor's Version sad bops), the concierge he had bantered with earlier comes up to his room with monopoly and a pizza, as a plea to turn down the music. Holden spills his heart out to Leo and they bond a bit, just enough, but Holden is still quite tipsy and they table it for the morning.

The next day everything changes and they decide to audition anyway. They both could use the $100K grand prize. They can easily pretend to be dating, right? The chemistry is there, but can they fake out the production crew?

I LOVED Leo! His banter was thrilling, his humor top tier, and honestly, he was just what Holden needed. He was the perfect love interest and I loved him so much. He really is the star of this book, imo. He is strong and powerful but also empathetic and caring and he truly just drew me in from the first time we met him.

This book was SO fun, but also so heart wrenching. The balance was done perfectly, in my opinion. I laughed, I sobbed, I kicked my feet. Basically everything I could ask for from a romance novel. But this one also dives into grief deep. I thought it was handled so well and definitely made me think. I loved the queer rep and even though it wasn't a major aspect, seeing how queer rep in media had helped both of them come to terms with themselves was really just so beautiful and relatable.

I loved this and definitely recommend! Great for any fans of reality tv game shows, romance book lovers, anyone who loves some good queer representation!

I thought this book was absolutely wonderful. Everything from the characters, to the plot, and everything in between. I absolutely loved this book and I will definitely be getting a physical copy and telling all my friends about it.

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of The (Fake) Dating Game.

I love that this book explores a new relationship without over romanticizing it. I also really enjoyed the MadCap Market setting, I think it really added to the book. I thought that the third act breakup between Leo and Holden was actually necessary and really added to the book.

I would definitely recommend this book!

This book was a good fast paced fake dating book. I found myself getting caught up in the story, but admittedly it kind of lost me for a couple of chapters in the middle. This was such a cute book and Leo and Holden are the perfect couple. This book deals with grief and relationship trauma and I feel like it had a good balance between the heavy and the lighthearted emotions. I love that this book had a happy ever after ending. I will say that I’m a little disappointed that this is a standalone, I’d love to read another book on Holden and Leo’s life. This book had a smile on my face for most of it, and I can confirm that there are some spicy scenes, but they are slow burn but totally worth the wait. I highly recommend this book if you like watching the game show network and want a quick cute and spicy romance book.

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC! I always enjoy Timothy Janovsky's lighthearted love stories. This book talks about grief and how the loss of a loved one can change the course of your life. I also loved how it incorporated game shows and how watching them with family members can be such wonderful and sweet memories.

All in all, The (Fake) Dating Game was an enjoyable read. I thought it was a lot of fun and really sweet, and ultimately I was rooting for Holden and Leo. Both won me over and are very likable, compatible characters. I liked the extra complexities of Holden and his mom, something I could definitely relate to which added an extra layer of depth to an overall very fluffy story. Janovsky does a good job of drumming up a fun amount of tension in the last third with the game show component, and I overall liked the resolution of a character that was initial enemy/adversarial foil.

I do think the pacing in the first 30-40% of this book was a problem; it took me a while to get to the half point, and at times, this book falls victim to telling rather than showing, which I think drags down the pacing in the beginning. However, once it does reach its stride in the latter half, I whipped through it in one night.

I'm not entirely sure this is a must-read, but it is a solid 3.5-4 star for me, especially for those who are a fan of the genre who want something light, bright, and breezy to read. Especially for those who are into the fake dating trope in romance/LGBTQ fiction especially.

As a side note, this book is pretty spicy and has multiple intimate scenes from early on to the very end, which I can take or leave. But something to keep in mind, if you're exceptionally interested in those sort of things, or not a fan.

Thanks to Harlequin and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Awwwww is my first reaction when I think of this book. It was such a cute and fun read! And I LOVED it. I can see my patrons loving this book as well. I felt like it was well written and featured a game show which I haven't really seen done before.

I believe part of the reason this didn’t work for me as well as I thought it would has to do with the assumptions I made. I thought the game show would be a multi-week kind of show so I was surprised that the game was so late in the book and lasted such a short time. I feel like this messed with the pacing a bit because Holden had all these emotions to work through very quickly at the end. To be fair, during this short period, he had many realizations about grief and how it had affected him for so long that really resonated. There’s no magic way to just suddenly stop missing a loved one, but you can still live your life and grow and not run away from your grief. I appreciated reading these thoughts and the character growth that followed.
I also think I tend to enjoy fake dating more when it’s all about the tension and the characters don’t immediately get together. I wasn’t expecting Holden and Leo to have such steamy interactions right off the bat. It felt like they already had something together so I didn’t feel as though the fake part was that big of a deal. I did think the role that games played in Holden and Leo’s relationship was sweet, as well as the way Holden connected with both his mom and Leo through the game show.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.