It really hurts me to have to give this book such a low rating.
I have tried to start this book, had to stir it down a few times and kept coming back to it to try to read it. But sadly I just can't finish it. DNF
The reason why is first I have loved this author's books in the past (Talk Flirty to Me & Some Kind of Blunderful were amazing books), so I was soooo happy to be able to get my hands on another one of their books.
To me, this book just had too much going on but at the same time nothing was really happening, the characters were ok but nothing special and I was feeling their story was something special or connected to them, I guess they were just not too likeable to me. :,(
Too much to keep up with and just wasn't fun or enjoyable to me.

Heads up I am kinda mood reader so please do not read my review and let it deter you from reading this book. If you are worried and haven't read a book by this author yet go grab Talk Flirty to Me and Kind of Blunderful because these 2 were amazing. I loved them sooo much.

Sorry Livy Hart, I will not hold this against you and am ready for your next book. xxhugs

As always, Hart delivers on the banter and playful vibes, with a new twist on the fake dating trope and a fast-paced feel. I loved the chemistry and sexual tension between our couple - it was apparent from the start, and only increased along the way. They’re the kind of couple who feel an instant connection, yet don’t jump in because of obstacles standing in their way. Both fake dating other people at a family wedding, there’s no good way for them to move forward. This loses a star from me only because the conflict rubbed me the wrong way and the family chaos sometimes overtook the romance, but I really did enjoy it. Hart’s books have been consistently great, and this is no exception. It’s fresh and fun in the best of ways, and was exceedingly easy to binge.

The story follows Nora, a woman who agrees to attend a wedding with her best guy friend to help get his family off his back. They’re totally platonic, but faking a relationship at the wedding will just make everything easier for him. It seems like a great plan until Nora runs into Sebastian… and his own fake date. The two have only met once, but the interaction was decidedly flirtatious, so neither is fooling the other with their fake relationship. Unfortunately, they still have to keep up appearances for the rest of the family, and that complicates things even further. As Sebastian and Nora struggle to avoid giving into the chemistry that sparks between them, they form a bond neither expected.

There’s a reason why Hart’s books have made my best of the year list on multiple occasions, and that’s because they have such a unique feel and effortless readability. She’s so good at writing banter and chemistry, which are the best parts of this book. I loved the moments with Sebastian and Nora alone together, which truly showcased how great they were together. They definitely had a very solid physical connection, with plentiful spicy scenes. There were probably a few too many obstacles in their path, especially for such a short timeline. And the family dynamics added a lot of tension and humor, but there were a lot of people to keep track of. Ultimately, I seriously enjoyed the majority of this though, and it was an obvious high 4/low 5-star read for me.

More like The Great Livy Hart has done it again....
I have always adored Livy Hart's books, but The Great Dating Fake Off has taken its spot at the top and is something that I related to all too well. The fact that it has large families with large expectations, long time friends that are indeed found family and some well kept secrets that are truly delicious are only a few of the reasons to read this book.
Nora and Sebastian are thrust into different sides of a family wedding (a big fat Italian wedding no less) as "fake" dates for their friends (siblings of the bride and groom) and the hijinks ensue from there. They have briefly met before, and while they can't stop thinking about each other, they must remain off limits to each other during the big wedding week to keep up appearances. I fell in love with all the ways Sebastian kept letting Nora know how much he cared without being literal (the girlfriend menu, letting her wear his hat to name a few).
For two people who had decided that love everlasting may not be in cards for them, the journey they went on to find out what was truly important in life was such a fun ride. The amount of fun, witty and real dialogue between all of the characters in this book is top notch and had me laughing out loud and giggling to myself throughout. Nora and Sebastian have become one of my favorite book couples and the characters I got to meet along the way felt like family too.

THE GREAT DATING FAKE OFF by Livy Hart is double the fake dating fun!

Sebastian and Nora instantly hit it off when he comes in to the bookstore where she works, but before he gets a chance to ask her out, she volunteers to be her best friend's fake date to his sister's wedding. And when they show up at the resort to check in, Sebastian is there...as HIS best friend's fake date for her brother's wedding. Fake dating squared, what's not to like??

Despite their attraction, Seb and Nor must resist for the sake of their friends and the cover stories. But of course they can't because the pull is too strong, even though his job has him moving around the country every year and she has finally found a place to put down roots.

It's fun and funny, with a cast of feuding side characters fit for Shakespeare. You may not think of heat when you think Italian, but these two find multiple creative ways to add some spice.

3.5/5

That was an interesting book, though it wasn't as captivating as I hoped. it took me 6 days to read it. 6. days. where it should have taken me 2 at most. And not because i was busy (although i couldn't read at work), but because when i put it down for the night, I didn't have any desire to read it the next morning. Honestly, half the time I didn't even remember that I was reading it.

The first 20% or so was the most intriguing to me. Nora and Sebastian met, had insane chemistry from the get go and he was about to ask her out - but circumstances forced him to leave her bookstore, while she began pretending to be her best friend's girlfriend for his sister's wedding. Alright. The same day/week, Sebastian found out that his best friend wants her to pretend to be his girlfriend at her brother's wedding. of course, it's the same wedding.

Okay, I love it. I was super excited to see the longing between Nora and Sebastian, how they're drawn together but knowing they can't ever be together because the other person is in a relationship and they genuinely like their partners, dammit... Imagine my disappointment, where, when Sebastian and Nora reunite at the wedding, the truth about their fake relationship comes out INSTANTLY. The was no longing, no angst, nothing. They immediately learned that they're in the same boat but decided not to pursue a relationship. And I'm left like... So what's the point?? The blurb of this book clearly suggests that while Nora and Sebastian are very attracted of each other, they keep secrets - from each other too. Alas, that's not happening.

So if you're reading this book expecting longing, angst, yearning, and guilt for being attracted to a person who's in a relationship, while they pretend to be in one too - it's not the book for you. Nora and Sebastian learn instantly that the other person is faking it for whatever reason and they know that they're both currently single. The drama comes from mostly the bride and groom's families, AND the fact that Sebastian moves around a lot for work, while Nora wants to stay in the one place she calls home. That's the drama.

I was hoping for something else. I mean it was still a good boo, but the synopsis misled me. I was expecting something else, and therefore, my ranking is lower.

Also, the remaining 70-80% of the book dragged on. I loved the drama between groom's and bride's family, but that's it. I didn't like that Nora and Sebastian spent so much time together, knowing they shouldn't. especially not at the wedding. I know that that was the book and a story but it didn't excite me at all. I would have been more interested if they did it while beliving the other was in a relationship. I don't condone cheating and I never read books with this theme, but they were both fake dating so it doesn't count, right? But I just wanted them both to feel guilt over that and that the drama would be them finding out that their respective relationships weren't real.

The sex scenes were well-written and interesting. especially the photo booth scene was excellent, I loved it The third act was the weakest part of the whole book for me, with all the drama between bride and groom distracting from the main relationship.

All in all, it wasn't the worst book, but it wasn't the best either. i was simply expecting something different.

Bookshop activity coordinator and clerk Nora is in the middle of feeding her boss and best friend’s reptile pal a barf-inducing meal of live cockroaches when a gorgeous olive-skinned tattooed hunk walks in and startles her off her perch, scattering the nasty little things all over the floor.

As Sebastian helps Nora wrangle the disgusting creatures, he finds himself enthralled with the gimlet-eyed brunette. After a delightful chat about him using the bookstore’s cafe to hold meetings for the Boys & Girls Club he’s opening, he decides to shoot his shot with Nora. Before he can finish asking her for a date, a whirlwind arrives in the form of her boss, his sister, and their mother. Sebastian leaves, disappointed that the first woman in a while to spark his interest is unavailable.

A week or so later, Nora is pressed into posing as her bestie’s girlfriend and plus one to his sister’s weeklong wedding activities and ceremony. At check in, Sebastian appears much to Nora’s delight, until she learns that he’s also posing as his best friend’s fake boyfriend.

As the week progresses and they’re under intense scrutiny and speculation by both families, chaos and hilarity ensue.

This was a delightfully funny and entertaining romcom from a new to me author.

I was fortunate to have been given an advance reader copy from the author and NetGalley, and I’m very pleased to share my honest review.

I’m sure this rom com will appeal to other readers, but it’s not for me. It seems like an over-the-top romp with a complicated plot and a large cast of characters. To me, it felt like there wasn’t much at stake, and I had a hard time caring what happened.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

This is hovering between 3 and 4 for me. I loved the idea of the feuding Italian families, but it got confusing about whose love story we should focus on. I know for the most part it was Nora and Sebastian and I loved them together but I feel like it took a while for them to get their footing. They had a third-act break-up when they weren't officially together, which kind of rubbed me the wrong way. Some of the humor had me cackling and I really loved some of the side characters. Shout out to Nella for being the star here! I did love the spice that Hart included. I was hanging onto every word between Sebastian and Nora and I was not disappointed. There was just too much going on for me to fully be invested in what was happening. Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled for an e-ARC to read and review!

Thank you to Entangled Publishing for this e-arc! Livy Hart is easily becoming one of my favorite romance authors. I have loved all of her books, and this one did not disappoint!

I adore Nora and Sebastian. Their relationship is everything. I am a sucker for the fake dating trope and this book had that times 2! I was sold on both the fake relationships between Nora/Benji and Alessia/Sebastian. You could feel the attraction and chemistry between Nora and Sebastian immediately and knew these fake relationships were going to cause chaos. It was hilarious watching all these relationships play out and the situations they got themselves in.

I loved how these two tried to stay away from each other during the wedding week and to play up their fake relationships, but they just couldn’t stay away! The spice between these two is everything. Watching them figure out their feelings and figure out what they want in life was beautiful. I really liked how their friends were involved and helped them figure things out. They didn’t have to go through this alone. Good friendship is one of the best things there is!

The Great Dating Fake Off was highly amusing and entertaining with loveable characters. It was also drama filled, funny, cute, sweet, steamy, angsty and so much more. I quite enjoyed it and definitely recommend it even though the drama at times overshadowed the romance developing between the main characters.

I quite enjoyed this book and the dynamics between the families. I will say the ending did feel like a drag for me which is why it’s not a five star read. But it was enjoyable!!

Arc review: 4.5 ⭐️
Okay, first of all, I love Livy.
Now that that’s out of the way- I also loved this book!

It’s a romcom- but still tackles some big feelings. At the heart of it- it’s about families: the messy ones, the meddling ones, the nonexistent ones, the distant ones, and most importantly the found ones.

It’s a double fake dating hijinks chaotic wedding shenanigan - with ~spice~ and heart. (Or should I say HART) (I’ll see myself out).

Thank you Livy and Entangled for the arc copy!

Nora and Sebastian cross paths at the bookstore where Nora works as Sebastian is looking for a study spot for his students and the Boys and Girls Club. Both are intrigued by the other but are interrupted before any personal plans to reunite can be made. Next thing they know, they're each roped into being fake dates at a wedding by close friends...the same wedding.

I appreciate that this story doesn't spend the plot time having Nora and Sebastian spending the whole wedding week thinking each other's fake relationship is real. Instead, we spend the story watching how they each juggle the pressure of ignoring their feelings for each other while also working to ensure the rest of the wedding guests believe their ruses. Throw in fueding families all being shoved together for wedding activities and things get hectic all around!

I loved Nora and Sebastian's dynamic with each other but you may find yourself wishing for a family tree on occasion to keep track of the bride and groom's family members. Also, be advised that this story definitely gets spicy a few times. If you're not super crazy about that like me, though, you can easily skim through the scenes in question without it deterring from the story :)

This is my first time reading a book by Livy Hart, but hopefully not my last. As indicated in the title, this story has fake dating but also forced proximity, feuding families, good chemistry between the main characters and LGBTQIA+ representation (side characters relationship). Yes, it was a little predictable, but that didn't stop me from enjoying the story.

Thank you Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

I LOVE livy Hart and ha e thoroughly enjoyed all of her previous books but this one didn't do it for me unfortunately.

Nora and Sebastion are fake dating other people at a wedding while trying to keep their lust for each other under control and out of sight of the families of the people they're pretending to date. What could go wrong?

The drama in this one felt a little unnecessary and over the top. I liked the romance between Nora and Sebastian but the family stuff/fake dating wasn't adding anything to the story for me.

The spicy scenes were well written and overall the book was well written the plot was just lacking this time unfortunately.

Another banger from Livy Hart!

I liked this story a lot. It was funny, spicy, and it gave early 2000's romcom in the best of ways.

I liked the concept of the fake dating role reversal type situation, and Nora and Sebastian both had a lot of heart and were just genuinely good. Our supporting cast of characters made the story crack on with the feudal tension and the family drama. I liked the idea of Nora finally finding her soft place to land within the cozy NY town, and I think that the romance aspects of this story, (not only between Sebastian and Nora, but also between Ro and Enzo) goes to show that you can make decisions that are both good for you, but also can work out with the ones you love. I think it was delightful how down bad Nora and Sebastian were for each other and it made the romance and spicy scenes really fiery, and made you want to root for their HEA - their connection felt genuine, and I liked that it did not feel rushed. I liked the plotline and this story just played out like a movie in my mind. I love when I am reading and it just flows so vividly like that.

Overall, this is a fun romp of a read and I enjoyed every minute of it.

This was a very entertaining book that I read in two days. The first part takes place in a week-long wedding (with two feuding italian families) and the main characters are both fake dating for the week - only not with each other.
I really enjoyed this twist on fake-dating romance and I enjoyed all the interesting characters. I rooted for Nora and Sebastian from the start and I would have liked to read more about Benji, he seems to be such an interesting person.
All in all a very enjoyable book.

livy hart you saucy little tot. this was so steamyyyy i loved it! aside from that, i thought this was well written and love how quickly we met the love interest without them becoming too insta lovey. very well done in that respect. i can’t wait to read more from her!

This book was giving me Hatfield & McCoy vibes. I enjoyed the main characters for the most part. All were very likeable. I felt like the book was a little long though. I was really hoping to like this book more but that just didn't happen.

I just loved this so much...I can imagine doing this for my best friend. This literally blends all the best parts of an Italian family. One of the best rom-com's of the summer.. The character's so well developed. The humor is on point. It's seriously just charming. Trust me, It's a Must Read! Picture lively banter, laugh-out-loud moments, and heartwarming connections—all wrapped up in a delightful package. You’ll be rooting for Nora and Sebastian as they navigate the chaos of wedding wars and family secrets. Go grab it! Thank you so much Entangled Publishing!