This is a hard book review to write because I really enjoyed the book until the ending which destroyed the experience for me. I finished reading it last night and I'm still annoyed at it this morning.
The hardest part for me to understand is why the storyline seemed to jump genres for the last few chapters. Most of this book was a super cute fake dating Romcom which I enjoyed and then out of nowhere it felt like it transformed into a Women's Lit Self-Discovery piece. It made for a strange reading experience, I feel like I got the bait and switch.
I still gave this book 4⭐ stars because I do think that it was overall a good read and i'm definitely a fan of this author. Her writing style is engaging and I will continue to read more from her in the future.

Thank you Beth Reekles, Net Galley, and Wattpad Webtoon Book Toon for providing me with an ARC of this book.

I won't even lie, this is one confusing story for me to review. Just based on the title, it's evident that this is a fake relationship romance, but while it seems like that would be the focus, it's actually the story of how a young woman learns how to be single (which probably should be specified in the description).

Sophie is used to being "the single one". She's been on countless dates and has stories a mile-long about some of the ridiculous experiences that she's had to endure over the years. Unfortunately, she doesn't think that she can get off this train because everyone in her life is seemingly not single and judging Sophie for being perpetually single. So, when she has to find a plus one for a wedding, she decides to enlist the help of a total stranger to play her fake boyfriend.

Enter Harry. He's kind of all over the place and he's been through his fair share of heartbreak. He's insanely attractive, whip smart and witty, and exactly what Sophie needs in her life. And clearly, he and Sophie are wildly attracted to each other and care deeply about each other. He plays his part beautifully which results in them blurring the lines and acting on their attraction.

There are so many things that I disliked about this story:
1. Jaxton: Sophie was pseudo-dating him, but couldn't take a hint when he blew her off countless times, but used him as an excuse to not let Harry into her heart.
2. Tally: What an awful friend. She judged Sophie and talked down to her because she was single. But, the moment that she found herself in the same situation, she expected everyone to embrace her.
3. Sophie: Wow. She is one delusional character. I had high hopes for her for ~70% of the story, but that's where her character started to go downhill. She wrote Harry off because she was looking for "sparks" because apparently that's what a healthy relationship is built on? Not a combination of trust or attraction or compatibility?
4. Ending: I don't think an ending has p*ssed me off more in the past year than this story did. I found myself asking the question, what was the point of the story? What was the point of Harry? It was way too open-ended to be redeemable in my opinion.

2 ⭐️

I love a good romance, and this one was wonderful! It had witty banter, and lovable characters. I was rooting for them the whole way through!

I was not expecting that ending! I thought this would be a fun, easy to read rom-com, and it was… it just didn’t end like a typical rom-com.
Really enjoyable 4 stars

Difficult to get through and hard to follow with the number of characters in the storyline. Something with the font/spacing of as very off, and it threw me off

"Faking It" by Beth Reekles is a heartwarming story that skillfully tackles the challenges of modern dating in a refreshing way. Following the year-long experiences of Sophie, a lifelong single, as she navigates various celebrations for her coupled friends and family, the book strikes a relatable chord while keeping readers engaged.

The author's adept storytelling weaves together themes of self-discovery, vulnerability, and unexpected connections. As Sophie braves the world of dating apps, encountering a series of amusing yet relatable mishaps, readers will easily find themselves chuckling and empathizing. The arrival of the charming Harry injects an exciting energy into the narrative, and their initially contrived relationship gradually blossoms into something genuinely heartfelt. The palpable chemistry between Sophie and Harry infuses their journey with an irresistible allure.

One standout quality of "Faking It" lies in its genuine portrayal of the characters' inner struggles. Sophie and Harry's personal growth is seamlessly intertwined with the evolution of their relationship, yielding a satisfying emotional depth. As their fictitious romance unfolds, the story encourages readers to reflect on their own life experiences and choices.

Reekles' writing effortlessly immerses readers in Sophie's world, making it easy to connect with her experiences. The supporting cast of friends and family adds layers of charm and humor, enhancing the overall reading enjoyment. The narrative's exploration of truth, vulnerability, and the repercussions of deceit adds a thought-provoking layer to the story.

In "Faking It," Beth Reekles delivers an authentic exploration of love, self-discovery, and the intricate path to happiness. This book is a must-read for those who relish a blend of romantic tension, humor, and relatable life lessons. With its engaging characters and emotionally evocative storyline, "Faking It" is a captivating and inspiring read that leaves a lasting impact.