Member Reviews
I am absolutely LOVING Livy Hart’s rom com style romances (💕 Some Kind of Blunderful) and The Great Dating Fake Off was another winner! I loved the romance, loved the characters, binged this in a day and had so much fun!
The family drama subplot was a bit overdramatic IMO, but it was still super fun!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Highly recommend for readers looking for a fun, bingeable romance to end your summer!
I can’t lie because initially I thought the book was gonna be about rival wedding cake bakers and I was like - hmm do I want that? 🤔😂 thankfully Entangled hosted a readalong that I was happy to join and I’m glad to report The Great Wedding Fake Off wasn’t about a bake off but IS one of my favorite hot romances this year. 🔥
5 ⭐️/5
3 🌶️/5
Two fake wedding dates, one week long wedding affair, secrets and secrets, what could go wrong? Highly recommend ♥️
My first little Rom Com, and it lived up!
It's a classic story of boy meets girl. Boy and girl have the hots for each other. Boy and girl are each the fake date for their friend to a wedding. But their friends are siblings to the bride and groom, so they will be at the same wedding. Nothing will go wrong right?
Nora is the cute bookish manager of a bookshop, Sebastian is the selfless Superman opening up Boys and Girls clubs for underprivileged children. They have immediate sparks when they first meet. But then we have the fake dating, times 2. It should all be fine at the wedding! They only have to keep up appearances for a week, and then they each can have a dramatic break up with their fake dates. However, things go sideways when they get caught after a passionate night together. Chaos ensues, and the wedding is called off.
After returning home, everyone is miserable. Both bride and groom, along with Nora and Sebastian. They are able to meddle and bring the engaged couple back together by the end of our story, but not before a few more spicy moments between Nora and Sebastian. They finally realize that the things they think they want in their lives are not important enough if they can't have each other as well. And we get our HEA.
This was an interesting take on on the fake dating trope, given that all parties involved (both Nora and Sebastian’s dates) are aware of the other’s fake date. Usually miscommunication is a trope that goes hand in hand with fake dating, so it was interesting to see how it played out! While Nora and Sebastian were trying to keep their distance, they used a lot of humor to break up the tension between them, and it was lovely to see their relationship blossom beyond just physical attraction. The forced proximity also likely played a huge part in them not being able to keep their hands off each other for the week of the wedding.
While we had a lot of players in this story, it was not difficult to keep people straight after a couple of chapters. The development of this relationship was so beautiful to read, despite the quick pace of everything. If you like a good rom com, give this book a read!
My rating: 4.25 stars
Available now!
This book is an absolute delight—a charming blend of humor, romance, and heat. The double fake dating plot, paired with multi-POV (Nora and Sebastian), creates a captivating read. The meet-cute in the bookstore was perfect. They have plenty of witty banter and spicy scenes throughout the story which made the book unputdownable. Nora and Sebastian's dynamic is wonderfully engaging, and the supporting characters add an extra layer of enjoyment. I couldn’t have asked for a more entertaining read.
Thank you Entangled Publishing, Livy Hart, and NetGalley for this e-ARC!
The Great Dating Fake Off is a good read. It's funny, well-written, and features likable characters. However, I felt the book didn't fully focus on the main couple. There was a side story involving another couple, which was fine. I actually enjoyed their story too, but the secondary couple ended up drawing attention away from the main one.
Book: The Great Dating Fake Off
Author: Livy Hart
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Right from the first chapter, this story was a chaotic but fun adventure! It was easily a 4.5/5 star read for me.
Both main characters get caught in a bit of a tricky scenario when they show up to the same wedding - while fake dating another person to keep away their prying families. They can't deny that there is a connection between them, so they need to navigate how to make things work while not blowing their cover.
This book had more than one laugh out loud moment, and the high stakes of wanting to root for the main characters to end up together kept me wondering what would happen next throughout the whole thing.
Although this was the first book that I've read by Livy Hart, I definitely want to read more of her work in the future!
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the fake dating trope with a fun twist!
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read the ARC of The Great Dating Fake Off.
Fake dating, playful banter, family feuds, and a wedding are blended together to create Liv Hart's newest rom-com "The Great Dating Fake-Off."
While there were cutesy moments, there were also a ton of characters as well. Each storyline on its own brought something but it almost felt overwhelming in a way. I didn't really find myself feeling very invested in any one character since there were a lot to follow.
All in all, I think this one will be enjoyable to a lot of people. For me, however, I just didn't love it.
Thank you NetGalley and Entangled for gifting me this ARC.
Rating: 4.5/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.
This book was everything I needed and didn’t know it in a romcom. I loved that with every page that I turned the plot, the characters were just getting better and better. This is a pretty fast paced book, with a lot of humor, sappy moments, spice and off the charts chemistry between the main characters. This was my first Livy Hart book, but I can tell you without a shadow of doubt that it will not be my last. I will make my way through the back list of books that she has already put out.
I found her writing style to be easy and it flows. I loved that you will see drama in the book, also you will see a lot of heartfelt moments as well. I loved that the spice level in this book was right on point for me. However, it was the non-stop laughing throughout the book that really has me loving this author and of course her characters too. I loved that the author wrote characters that felt like real people to me, I felt as though I had known them for years or that I have known someone in life that has had this happen before. For me when you have characters that just shine throughout the book it really makes the whole book better. I liked that it was a dual POV, so you really got to understand what each character was feeling.
Nora, she is a strong female character that knows what she wants in life and what she doesn’t want due to her childhood. She feels like she has finally found a place to call home and somewhere that she just belongs. She is doing great; she is a manager at a bookstore and loves handing out her recommendations to anyone who might not know what they’re looking for. She does fall first but no worries Sebastian does catch up pretty quickly. I loved that she is loyal and how she makes sure that her friends are taken care of. Like what she did for her best friend, and acted like they were dating and agreed to go to his sister’s wedding.
You will meet Sebastian in this book and see that he is loyal, funny, he has “Touch her and die” vibes and is always wanting to make sure everyone else is okay before he leaves for his next town to start up to the company he works for, it's kinda like big brother, big sister. I loved that once he got over his hump (fyi I am not going to leak what it is) you will see him really come out of his shell and shine and of course Nora is in the beams and doesn’t want it to move away. I loved that he is very protective of his family and friends, but he is always feeling like he isn’t good enough for anyone really so he would rather leave for a while then come back.
I really could go on and on about this book but instead just read it. Its prefect for anyone who loves Fake Dating, big Italian weddings/families, spice, dual pov, forced proximity and great humor.
I want to thank NetGalley and Entangled publishing for the opportunity to review this book.
This was a cute fake-dating read where two couples essentially try to avoid being detected as fake a wedding where two rival families are to be joined.
However the focus is really on Nora of the Nora-Benji couple and Sebastian of the Sebastian-Alessia couple. You can tell that they just can’t stay away from each other and I was just waiting for all the inevitables to happen!
My biggest takeaway from this book is how important it is to communicate even when it’s a tough topic. Many of these characters started shutting down when drama unfolded… and some of it could have been avoided had someone just started the darn conversation!
The Great Dating Fake Off was overall a cute read, especially during wedding season! Thank you to Entangled Publishing for an opportunity to read it. The opinions shared above are my own.
✔️ Fake Dating
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Found Family
Oh my gosh, The Great Dating Fake Off was like watching your favorite rom-com but better! This book had absolutely everything witty banter, laugh-out-loud moments, spicy scenes, adorable characters, and it tops it all off with a big Italian wedding theme. I mean seriously how has Hallmark not snatched this up already? 🤣
This books writing was absolutely hilarious and honestly I can’t speak highly enough about it. I truly was laughing out loud throughout its entirety. (Like Nora having a thing for Jim Cantore. 🤣) There were so many funny and most importantly memorable moments in this one. (Wheres an arcade? 🤣) I loved all of the characters and would love to see a million sequels about how everyone’s lives turned out and see all of the big Italian weddings! ❤️ Both of the MCs truly shined individually and as a couple and I loved their connection. While humor was my favorite part about this one, this book really gave me all the feels. ❤️
“It doesn’t matter what you wear, or where we are, or how much time has passed.” “I will never stop wanting you.” 😍
I adore everything Livy Hart writes and this is no exception! The romance is fun and immediately deep, the side characters are delightful, and the big Italian wedding backdrop was so much fun.
LOL….what a hilarious, steamy and engaging book!
I totally loved the main characters, Nora and Sebastian!
What will you get when reading The Great Dating Fake Off?
Spicy scenes 🌶️
Humor and banter
Messy relationships
Fake dating
Feuding families
I have to say, I definitely enjoyed reading this book.
Thank you Livy Hart and Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read this book form my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Omg this book was adorable the romance the spice and the plot were all incredible I loved each couple and ended up loving all the family by the end. I believe everyone should aspire to have this in their lives. Dream fulfilment love (not just romantic) and an incredible family
I loved this book all the way until the last few chapters where it just got really repetitive for me like I just wanted to scream at them to get together again!
The story between Rosalina and Enzo was so beautiful and I was so interested in seeing them reunite at the end. The speech that Enzo made was perfect and got me a teary eyed.
Sebastian and Nora during the whole wedding found themselves being forced together and a small part of me wants to believe Alessia and Benji did it on purpose.
In the end the only thing I didn't like about this book was how long it took for everything to conclude and the fact that Sebastian didn't grovel.
The feud between the families was hilarious and kept me laughing.
*Thank you to Entangled and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*
The premise of this book is bonkers in the BEST way - Boy meets girl, then they both show up to a wedding fake dating other people. What made it extra hilarious was that it was SO clear that these relationships were fake. The chemistry between Nora and Sebastian dripped off the page. Also the photobooth scene? OMG.
I really enjoyed how much character was in this book, especially with the friend group. Enzo and Rosalina gave me all the Romeo and Juliet vibes with the feuding families and I loved Alessia SO MUCH. There was so much banter, pop culture references, and yearning. Really just my favorite Livy Hart so far!
Book Review: THE GREAT DATING FAKE OFF
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Livy Hart @livyhartromance
Publisher: Entangled @entangled_publishing
Thank you @netgalley and Entangled Publishing for the ARC of this book.
Tropes:
🥂Fake Dating X2
🥂Forced Proximity
🥂Found Family
This was my first Livy Hart book and it was so adorable!
Nora is the manager of a bookstore. Sebastian comes into the bookstore and he really wants to ask Nora out on a date. He doesn’t get a chance to since he is interrupted by her friend and bookstore Benji along with his mother and sister.
Benji’s mother and sister are trying to set Benji up on a date but Benjamin does not want to go on a date. He ask Nora to be his girlfriend to attend his sister’s wedding with him. Sebastian’s friend Alessia ask him to be her date for her brother’s wedding as she is not ready to come out to her family yet and she definitely doesn’t want it to happen at the wedding. Yep, you guessed it… they are going to the same wedding.
Nora and Sebastian end up spending a lot of time together at this wedding as it turns out the two families fight. They are doing their best to stay out of the way. They slowly are becoming attracted to each other. They are doing their best to fight this attraction as they both don’t want ruin their relationships with their fake dates. Since they are so close in proximity at this wedding... they start sneaking around. There are some steamy scenes and the one in the Photo Booth is fabulous. As time goes by they realize their lives are very different. Nora loves the town she lives in and the job at the bookstore. Sebastian travels for work and is gone most of the time. He has never stayed in one area very long but upon meeting Nora he starts to think about changing the way he lives his life. He is wondering if he should have a new plan that includes Nora. Will Sebastian and Nora be able to come together and start anew?
The book had it all, chemistry, forced proximity, a big Italian family with a bit of drama and just a lot of laugh out loud moments. I so enjoyed this book!
#reader #reading #readmorebooks #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #
A warm and fuzzy rom com romance full of chemistry, sweet moments, overbearing family, and meddling siblings! This read was enjoyable, well-paced and full of characters that are easy to fall for!
4 stars
This is a really a fun read. A fake dating (with a twist), forbidden-ish romance with a bit of My Big Fat Greek Wedding thrown in, it’s so entertaining, and I really enjoyed this one.
Nora and Sebastian meet in the bookstore where she works. They flirt and banter, and it’s clear they’re both interested in exploring more. The next time they run in to each other, it’s at a wedding where they are both pretending to be the significant others of their respective best friends. And not just any wedding, but a big, festive Italian wedding where the bride and groom’s family hate each other with grudges going back generations. Nora and Sebastian are there to support their best friends (respectively the brother and sister to the bride and groom) during the week-long festivities, to keep their over-involved families off their backs and make the whole event just a little bit more bearable.
It's a fun twist on the fake dating trope, and even though their respective ‘partners’ and even the groom can see Nora and Sebastian’s growing attraction, they desperately try to keep it a secret from the family. All while trying to help prevent World War 3, and dealing with their friends’ meddling families.
“Uh - I wanted my own room, out of respect for the family. With us being unmarried.”
“Oh. Well, that’s unnecessary. You’re welcome to share and enjoy your trip.” Mamma V drops to a near whisper. “The good lord and everyone else know Benjamino is over thirty years old and has needs.”
I look up at Benji, seeing my own horror reflected in his eyes. I could live a thousand lives and it’d still be too soon to hear Benji’s mother discuss his needs and how welcome I am to meet them.
The book takes us from the wedding and beyond, and the story shifts as we see Nora and Sebastian’s lives continuously colliding. For very real, very good reasons, they are trying to ignore their feelings for each other, but the chemistry is intense and the sexual tension is sizzling, and every little near miss moment had me bubbling with excitement.
“We need to talk.”
She lets out a panicked sound that’s almost feline. “Do we?”
… “I keep finding my mouth on yours, so yeah, that warrants a conversation. Preferably before I trip and fall and find my hands on you, too.”
I love Sebastian and Nora so much. They’re funny and flirty, and they don’t hide what they’re feeling from each other. They talk about the depth of their growing feelings, and the barriers keeping them apart, but they also embrace their moments when they can, and they are so hot together! But more than just sexy time, there’s a true emotional connection between them, and I just loved seeing them fall so hard and so completely for each other.
"I’ve waited a lifetime to see my own longing reflected in someone else’s eyes. To be needed as strongly as I need. To feel like I’m on the same page with a person so it’d be safe to fall.
And I finally have it."
There’s a big cast of characters that are consistently involved, and though it’s sometimes a little hard to keep up with who everybody is, I loved the dynamics, and the way such a close friend group came together.
This is a really fun read with a gorgeous love story, and I finished it with a big smile on my face.
I loved it – 4 stars.
4.25 ⭐️
This was so cute! Double fake dating trope, just the right amount of spice for a romcom (the photo booth scene!), and the sweetest/sassiest grandma. Nora and Sebastian were adorable together, I loved the side characters (when does Benji get his book, because I’d read it in a heartbeat?!), and a barely-discernible third-act breakup (thank god because I usually get so mad at them).
This was my first Livy Hart book and I’m officially a fan and will definitely be reading her others.
Thanks to NetGalley and Entangled for the free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Livy Hart does not disappoint. This was my favorite book of her so far. I’m always impressed by the level of swoon and comedy she’s able to deliver. The true definition of romcoms. This one is sure to be a fan favorite and will entice new readers as well.