Member Reviews

Cara and Millsy broke up but decided for the sake of their familie to pretend to still be together until after Christmas. This is a cute holiday themed fake dating/second chance romance, and I would have liked this more if I wasn't beaten over the head with the miscommunication between the two characters.

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I love all the tropes and the cute story! I have enjoyed Portia MacIntosh's writing and was so glad I got to read this one! Definitely recommend. :)

Thank you NetGalley and Portia MacIntosh!

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Great easy read, I had no idea it was a sequel, but it didn’t affect the story for me.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

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I liked the premise of this book, and felt that although predictable, it was sweet. I hadn't read the first in this series, but didn't think that impacted my reading of this one.

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Lovely book, easy to read with lighthearted humour throughout. Would recommend alongside all the other books by the same author

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This book has some of my favourite tropes in. Second chance being my all time favourite 👏 I know love triangles can be touch and go for some people but I'm here for it.
Really enjoyed this book, love Portias writing 🔥

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Fake dating is my all time favourite trope, but I'm not too fond of second chance romance. This was still a really quick and easy read, which gets the reader in the perfect holiday spirit. There were some miscommunication in this book which I did not like at all and I think the book would have been more enjoyable without it, I also did not connect too well with the characters, but overall it was an okay read which is perfect for the holidays.

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When love becomes a performance, can it still find its way back? This is the questions The Faking Game by Portia MacIntosh delivers the answer to. This story is a delightful and heartwarming fake relationship romcom that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.

Meet Cara Brooks and Millsy. They’re the couple who broke up. Sort-of. After years of being everyone's favourite duo, they've lost their spark. But when a calendar full of events and family celebrations looms ahead, they hatch a plan: pretend they're still madly in love during the festivities and deal with their breakup in the new year. Can they keep up the act without unraveling their hearts?

MacIntosh's writing sparkles with wit and warmth. She captures the magic of Christmas, sprinkling it over every page like little fluffy snowflakes. It’s a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace and this book is your next irresistible holiday read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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This was a cute story, very quick read. I enjoyed the fake relationship angle for the holidays. I'll read another book from this author in the future.

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I recently had the pleasure of delving into this book, and I am beyond impressed with the mesmerizing world that the author has crafted. From start to finish, the intricate plot weaves a tapestry of suspense, emotion, and unexpected twists that kept me eagerly turning the pages.

One of the standout features of this book is undoubtedly its characters. Each one is meticulously developed, breathing life into the narrative with their unique personalities, motivations, and flaws. The protagonists are not just names on paper; they are relatable, complex individuals with whom readers can form a genuine connection. The antagonist, too, is not a mere foil but a multi-dimensional force that adds depth to the story. The author's ability to create such well-rounded characters is a testament to their storytelling prowess.

The plot unfolds seamlessly, drawing the reader into a richly layered narrative that expertly balances tension, drama, and moments of poignant reflection. The pacing is impeccable, maintaining a perfect rhythm that keeps the reader engaged without sacrificing the depth of the story. The author skillfully navigates through various plot arcs, interweaving them with finesse to create a cohesive and satisfying whole.

What sets this book apart is its ability to tackle profound themes while maintaining an accessible and engaging narrative. The book seamlessly combines suspense and emotional depth, making it a truly immersive experience. The author's prose is both elegant and evocative, painting vivid imagery that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page is turned.

As I reached the conclusion, I found myself yearning for more from this talented author. Their ability to craft a gripping plot and bring characters to life is truly commendable. I eagerly anticipate future works and would wholeheartedly recommend this book to any reader who appreciates a masterfully told tale. If you're searching for a book that seamlessly blends captivating characters with a compelling plot, this is a shining example. I can't wait to explore more literary worlds crafted by this exceptional storyteller.

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Genuinely enjoyable, light hearted read. Full of laugh out moments but with a warmth that generates a literal feeling of wanting Cara and Joe to sort themselves out! Great characters and settings, originality sets this book apart from others in the genre. Definitely worth picking up.

Thank you Netgalley

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Cara and Millsy decide to pretend to be together during a holiday trip to Scotland to avoid upsetting their families after breaking up due to long-distance challenges. As they fake their relationship, Cara realizes she still loves Millsy, but he seems to have moved on. Classic miscommunication ensues, causing tension and jealousy. Portia MacIntosh's "The Faking Game" is a captivating fake-dating romcom that explores the dynamics of relationships during the festive season. Despite some love triangle elements, the book's fast pace, intense mood, and sizzling romance make it an engaging read.

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The Faking Game by Portia MacIntosh
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Cara and Millsy have broken up. But they don’t want to tell their families and ruin their holiday plans, so they are pretending to still be together.
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What I liked:
-I liked all the interactions between Cara and Millsy. They seemed to get each other and work well together. I was actually a little confused why they even broke up.
-I was rooting for Cara the whole time. She made a few choices that weren’t super smart but were definitely comical and I was cackling.
-I loved Millsy’s grandma. 💜
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4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I did the audio for this and it was good, although I did have to look up how to spell Millsy in order to write this review and I am still struggling to NOT put an E in his name. 😂

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I would say that if i’d known this was a sequel i probably would have connected a little more with the narrative. However it was a fun read,

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this book is a swoon worthy one, their development and journey to get back together was amazing 👏

thanks netgalley for the ARC!

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I had no idea this was a sequel so it took me a while to track down the first book and read it beforehand. I really enjoyed both books and now have bought many more of the author’s other works because they are so fun. In fact I am listening to a much earlier book of hers right now and loving that too. All this to say Ms. Macintosh is a new favorite author! Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the eARC for feeding my rom com addiction.

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+high pitched scream* i loved this book, Portia has become one of my to go contemporary authors, the way she writes these tropes and i don't feel i am on a troppy book is good.

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Cara and Millsy have decided to end things after being together for three years. However, they must pretend to be together for the Christmas celebration with family. Will they succeed?

As the blurb suggests, the story is pretty predictable, and nothing is really unexpected. It has got some pretty good instances of humor and is relatable as a contemporary fiction. Overall, it was a light and cozy holiday read for me. It took me around 3 to 5 weeks to finish it. Some chapters felt too descriptive and I had to skip them but in the end it left me feeling satisfied. Recommended as a mood lifter after a war fiction or psychological thriller.

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a delightful read that will leave readers with a smile on their faces. It explores themes of self-discovery, the true meaning of love, and the importance of honesty in relationships. Whether you're a fan of romantic comedies or simply looking for a heartwarming story, this book is a perfect choice

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I'd like to thank Netgalley and Boldwood Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a cute second chance at romance. I had no idea it was a sequel though or I'm not sure if I would have picked it up. But fake dating is one of my favorite genres. I really loved the lol moments between Cara and Millsy. They do have some over the top moments and it shows how much they can rely on each other. A fun, entertaining read.

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