I love the fake dating trope and this book seriously reminded me of Hallmark Christmas movies, which I’m OBSESSED with. The main characters “fake date” to keep their families spirits up during the Christmas season, does it get any better?

I read this book very quickly once I got into it. I was in a bit of a book hangover, but once I was about 5-6 chapters into this one I couldn’t put it down. The characters had chemistry and passion for each other, and you definitely see it come alive.

I loved the authors writing style. I loved the fast-paced and I found it really captured my attention. I loved all the characters, I loved the side characters, I loved the families. Although there technically is a first book, I don’t feel it interfered in anyway of being able to read this one, however, I look forward to reading the first book now!

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC. It did NOT disappoint!

My first Portia Macintosh book was 'The Plus One Pact', so it was a welcome return to catch up with Cara and Millsy. When we last saw them, these two 'plus ones' caused unintended mischief at each other's family events before realising they wanted to be each other's permanent plus ones.

Three years on however, the fun has gone, and they've secretly broken up to get through upcoming family holiday events. Adding to complications is Millsy has been cast in his acting big break, but needs to be accompanied everywhere by his voice coach Tally.

Millsy and Cara are fantastic characters who still have a lot of love and chemistry with each other. It's clear that their breakup took them by surprise. There's also a welcome return to some welcome characters (yay for Millsy’s gran) while others make an unwelcome return (boo to Millsy’s stepbrother and Cara’s aunt and cousin).

At times I did find this book a bit frustrating plotwise. Tally seemed shoehorned in with a flimsy reason for her presence. Also, the resolution to Cara’s aunt and cousin just seemed to be ‘oh well just grin and bear it’ instead of any consequences or character growth. My biggest issue was that heart of this story was centred on their sudden break-up but we never really learn why, its just explained as calling the other's bluff. I’d have liked to have seen Cara and Millsy examine this and how to make a reconciliation to stick.

This book was a such a fun treat and I couldn’t put it down, wondering what shenanigans Cara and Millsy would get themselves into. Macintosh knows how to write two characters who bring out the best in each other and know how to have fun together.

Thanks to Boldwood and NetGalley for the ARC.

Writing style wasn’t for me unfortunately but I loved the premise: lovers to enemies to lovers, fake dating, one bed… all the make ups of an amazing story that I would typically eat right up but I just couldn’t get into it.

All thoughts are my own and I do not accept money for reviews. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me an early access reading of this book.

Even though I am rating it three stars, this is a solid miscommunication trope book. Cara and Millsy have so many moments where they almost come clean or something almost happens and the something else happens to kill it. Beautifully frustrating. I ranked it mid tier for a few reasons, which if you don’t want to be spoiled for the book it will be below.

Only one bed, forced proximity, miscommunication, Christmas/holiday time, England and Scotland, he’s an actor, nerds, semi-fake dating

Spoiler section

So, first reason I am rating it three stars is I feel the promotional tropes don’t fit the story well. The four tropes given are faking dating, only one bed, love triangle, and lovers to enemies. In my opinion, only faking dating and only one bed fit the story.

There isn’t a real love triangle. For Cara, she’s going on dates because its what Millsy is pushing her to do, she doesn’t feel any chemistry on them and they are all terrible. Then with Charlie, there’s no romantic connection and that fake dating charade really last 30 pages. On Millsy’s end, you can tell from the get go that Talley doesn’t mean anything to him, he views it as a work relationship. Is she annoyingly always there and in the way and he totally oblivious to Cara’s uncomfortableness to the whole situation. Yes, but that’s not a love triangle. For me a love triangle implies that there is solid reasoning for one character being swayed one way or another. There isn’t a solid reasoning why they might actually break-up other than their own stubbornness.

For lovers to enemies, I would say more lovers to awkward acquaintences. Neither Cara or Millsy hate or are mad at the other. Frustrated yes, but not mad. Like I said for the love triangle, this all comes down to miscommunication and stubbornness. Cara doesn’t tell Millsy that having Talley around is making her feel bad, and Millsy doesn’t pick up on it and do something. But through the whole book they aren’t mad or have a fight, they just feel like little lost ducks.

I don’t want it to sound like I’m ragging on the book, because I did enjoy it a bit. I love how Cara is developing a treasure hunt app around Leeds, I love the dynamic between Cara and Millsy when they just let their stubbornness drop and behave as a unit, Iona, the karaoke scene, Scotland! It has so many solid parts, but promotion could be tweaked to fit the book more instead of trying to appeal to the masses.

I like the idea. I like the fake dating. I like the one bed trope. I like the love triangle. And I like the spice. But I heard so much of it and the author, I was expecting more. It was a bit cliché, thin and flat. But quite a nice entertainment. Not deep enough nor funny enough to compensate for it.

I loved all the matcher dates that Cara goes on. It gave me a good laugh but I don't know how you could have so much bad luck with online dating. I didn't love that you know the end before you even start reading.

Overall, even though you know the end it's still an enjoyable read. Give it a go if you're looking for an easy Christmas romance!

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book.

I always look forward to new books by Portia MacIntosh because not only are they hilarious, the characters are so colourful that I have such a roller coaster of emotions when I read about them.

I wanted to know more of what happens to Jay or why was Tally everywhere which seemed kind of strange, but I was rooting for Cara & Millsy to rekindle their relationship all the way. (Getting puked on by kids together is definitely something anyone would be bonding over after..) I read the book within 24 hours so that probably sums up my enjoyment level of it.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!

The Faking Game seemed like it would be a book I loved, but i did not enjoy it as much as I thought I would. It fell short for me. I didn’t connect with the characters like I wanted to and I just couldn’t really get into the book well. When reading other reviews, I realized there was a book about Cara and Millsy before this one, so maybe I needed to read that book first. I am still going to check out more books by this author in the future!

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my opinion. The Faking Game comes out October 5th!

Cara and Mills attend a birthday party together. Cara's family is so happy to see Mills after a long time but little did they know that Cara and Mills were separated a few months ago. They decided it is best to pretend they are together as there is christmas approaching and they made big plans with their families.

Though they separated because of differences, Cara had a hope that it will all be back to normal after few days. But, Tally, Mills personal language trainer, comes into picture to collapse Cara's hopes. The drama goes many ups and downs for Cara to realize how much she loved Mills and how wrong her life feels without Mills in it.

This story is a pure and straight happy ending drama. The author tried to introduce many characters along with the main couple. I came to believe from whatever I read that Iona's place is a paradise. Who doesn't want to live in a big big house with a beautiful view?

Everything is clear from Cara's POV but Mills' side of story is very short and unclear. Though the drama is dragged, everything summed up in last chapter felt little rushed.

I would rate this 3.5 stars. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

The Plus One Pact is one of my favourite books by Portia MacIntosh. I loved Cara and Millsy from the beginning and I was not expecting to see them in a sequel where their relationship would be in jeopardy.

But reading The Faking Game leaves me with mixed feelings.

Seeing them back, how they joke and always face impossible situations was a blast.
But it lacked cuteness, with so many cringey characters (Mary, Jay, Tally, the guys from the dating app...).

I get it: you go through phases where your life is a mess, when it seems like your job is the only thing that goes smoothly.

But Cara and Millsy's main issue is such a huge lack of communication, that's bearly believable. And don't make me start on Tally and her presence in Scotland (doesn't she have a life and a family of her own in the USA?)

I should reread The Plus One Pact to see if it also was only from Cara's POV but it would have made a complete difference has The Faking Game been a two POVs novel instead of just one. It lacked Millsy's feelings to better understand how they get to the end (which was great, I loved it !).

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for provinding an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have read a few books from this author so I was excited when I got approved for theirs ARC. I love second chance and fake dating tropes but this one just didn’t work for me. I didn’t care for the main characters (though I did lol while reading Cara’s past disaster dates).

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.

The Faking Game by Portia MacIntosh
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cara and Millsy have broken up six months ago, but are still pretending to be together for their families' sake. There are a lot of festivities and functions which they now have to attend without letting anyone know of their present relationship status. But Cara and Millsy have a slight problem. Wherever they go, trouble follows. Oh, and also Millsy's dialect coach, Tally. Tackling all their problems with the same enthusiasm, they find it difficult to move on from each other.

I loved the plot and most of the characters. The author has written hilarious situation for the broken up couple to get stuck in which was very entertaining. The story was very delightful and lovely. It showed how the Cara and Millsy would do anything to keep their families happy. Their solutions to the problems they created (accidentally) brought them closer and the way they solved their main problem in the end was beautiful.

I totally enjoyed this book and am excited to read more of the author's books!

An enchanting journey through vividly imagined worlds and compelling characters. This fiction gem weaves a tapestry of emotions, adventure, and unexpected twists that kept me eagerly turning the pages. The author's masterful storytelling evokes a powerful connection, making this book an absolute delight to read. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a captivating escape into a richly crafted story!

This was a lovely heartwarming read. A festive one so perfect for Christmas! Lots of romance and twinkling fairy lights.

The Faking Game is a cute and fun romance with an interesting premise however I did struggle to fully connect with the characters of the book and fall in the love with the story. Firstly when I started this book I didn't realise there was a previous book about the couple, Cara and Millsy called 'The Plus One Pact' so I'm unsure whether or not you should read that book first however I do think this can be read as a standalone but this possibly might have taken away from the full experience of the book. I do recommend this but maybe I suggest people should read the previous book first.

I've been eager to dive into a book by Portia MacIntish for quite some time, yet life always seemed to have different plans. Finally delving into this world was like unwrapping a long-awaited gift, and it turned out to be an unexpectedly enchanting experience.

To my surprise, I discovered that this book is a continuation of characters introduced in a previous installment. However, this knowledge didn't hinder my enjoyment in the slightest; if anything, it kindled a desire to explore the previous book and uncover the earlier chapters of this narrative tapestry.

Cara and Millsy are the embodiment of the picture-perfect couple, their relationship a source of admiration for those around them. Yet beneath the surface, their love story is shrouded in complexities that only they are privy to. A breakup cloaked in secrecy, concealed until the conclusion of a meticulously planned Christmas holiday—such is the intriguing premise that sets the stage for this tale.

The ensemble cast is a delightful mix of personalities, each adding their own unique shade to the narrative canvas. There's a balance struck between endearing characters and those that stir a hint of annoyance within us. But truth be told, such characters are an indispensable aspect of any story; they mirror the individuals who pepper our real lives, those who often challenge our patience and understanding.

Among these figures, Tally stands out as one whose presence often tested my patience. Millsy's lack of action in dealing with her provoked a strong urge for him to take a stand, yet he seemed hesitant to do so.

However, I yearned for Millsy's grandmother, Iona, to play a more significant role. Even in the few scenes she graced, her mere presence exuded a commanding aura, hinting at the potent influence she could wield over the unfolding events. A character who left an indelible mark, despite the limited spotlight she enjoyed.

The romantic tension between Cara and Millsy resonates palpably throughout the book, an undercurrent that electrifies each interaction. Moments arose where I feared Cara might stumble upon an alternative path to finding her true love, a direction apart from Millsy.

In the end, this book by Portia MacIntish delivered more than a romance—it presented a panorama of human connections, nuanced emotions, and the art of mending what's broken. While embracing the imperfections and complexities of life, it carved a path toward a heartwarming resolution that left me content yet yearning for more.

I was so excited to read another book with Cara and Millsy. The Faking Game did not disappoint! It was super cute and I read it all in one day. I love all of Portia MacIntosh’s books so I knew this book would be a winner. Thank you for giving me a the opportunity to read this book!

The Faking Game has a great premise and I was excited to start reading but unfortunately I just could not connect with the characters of this book. After reading some other reviews I see that this is (possibly?) a sequel to another book although it doesn't state that anywhere (to my knowledge). I did also feel that the reason for them staying together and faking it was a bit weak. Ultimately I just couldn't get into this book, but will most likely read more by this author in the future.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book. My opinions are my own.

After years of being everyone’s favourite couple, always up for a party and having fun wherever they would go, things have started to fizzle out.
But when they realise they have a whole calendar of events and celebrations with family and friends coming up, Cara and Millsy can’t face letting them down.
So, they both decide to make a pact; just convince everyone they’re as madly in love as ever and get through the festivities without causing suspicion and deal with their break up after new years.

I was going through the authors books on goodreads, just to see if there were any other books I might enjoy and add them onto my tbr and I found that there's already a book about Cara and Millsy called ‘the plus one pact’ so I’m not sure if Im suppose to read that book first or what but maybe the author could've made this a sequel to the other book??

But tbh I didn’t really enjoy this book, it sounded great but it fell flat for me and I didn’t connect with the two main characters, starting losing interest in the book and just wasn't invested in the couple.
And Millsy gave nearly all his attention to Tally (didn’t like her either, too annoying) and inviting your voice/accent coach to spend the holidays with your family and girlfriend's family?

I did like the premise of the book but unfortunately this book just wasn't for me.

Thank you to Boldwood books for this ARC. The faking game comes out on the 5th of October.

3,5* I liked it but I felt a kind of agony from the start about Cara and Millsy and wished for a something more funny to better balance all uncertainities and emotions going on.

Cara and Millsy have been together for three years, they're the perfect couple until they're not anymore... It's mostly due to their job and the resulting long-distance relationship, but when it all goes down their families have already planned a big joined Christmas celebration so they decide to play along and fake they're still together.
Cara never thought about getting over Millsy: when they meet again it all feels like it always was and she definitely hopes they can talk their problems away; then she discovers he didn't fly home alone from LA, with him there's the ever present Tally, a voice and dialect coach which is supposed to work with him to perfect his pronunciation for his role.
Cara is torn between grief, jealousy and confusion about what to do with all the mixed signals: Millsy seams both still into her, but also encouraging her to move on.

Between failed dating app attempts, on and off sparks from Millsy and plenty of family gathering to endure, will Cara and Millsy be able to work through their problems or will it all lead to an end?
The book is nicely written, you really get attached to Cara and empathize with her, but I really wish there were more funny moments, more romance between Cara and Millsy and less angst, because I mostly struggled through the first half of the book... Like understanding there will be hard times and bitter parts, but needing more candy to endure them.

Thanks Netgalley and Boldwood Books for providing this book as an arc in exchange of an honest review.