(4.5 stars) I first read this book in early 2023, but with its audiobook release today, I couldn’t be more excited to revisit it! Huge thanks to @netgalley, @dreamscape_media, and @byamandagambill for the advanced listening opportunity. Revisiting Rach and Pres—one of my all-time favorite couples—was such a joy!

Rach is juggling a past she’d like to keep quiet, crashing on her ex-boyfriend’s couch, and barely holding onto her job as a personal assistant to personal assistants. This rock-bottom position is how she lands the job no one else wants—being the PA to James St. Clair, an aspiring politician with a reputation for being, well, deeply unlikable. When their first in-person meeting ends in a viral live TV debacle, dubbed "boobgate," St. Clair’s PR team sees an opportunity to spin the scandal. Suddenly, Rach finds herself fake-dating her boss during election season. Can fake dating your boss during election season ever end well? Is James St. Clair really so unlikable? Can Rach put herself first and reach for her own dreams?
This book is a rare gem—equal parts funny, spicy, and heartwarming, with layers of depth and well-crafted character development. It’s filled with laugh-out-loud moments, yet as Rach and Pres grow closer, they also reveal their insecurities, fears, and past regrets, making the story as tender as it is entertaining. Rach and Pres are quirky, kooky, and absolutely unforgettable. If you're in a reading slump or hunting for your next book boyfriend, this is the perfect pick.

The audiobook narration by Dahlia Summers is fantastic!

YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK!

Yes I’m literally yelling at you to read it! It’s one of my all time favs and 7000% worth the hype!

Rach and Pres are everything!

It’s the perfect grumpy vs sunshine, make you laugh out loud, have you calling your besties little booty ham sandwiches book!

Read this one if you love:
🙌🏻 Workplace romance
🙌🏻 Millennial Rom-Coms
🙌🏻 Great banter

The narration was perfectly Rach and Pres! Incredibly well done! I will forever be rereading this book!

This was so fun! Rach was a little overly “Pollyanna” at the beginning of the story, and I had concerns on whether I’d like her. She grew on me though, and her stupid puns were right up my alley. Pres is the best dichotomy of buttoned up nerd and dirty mouthed spice master. I really enjoyed following him as he loosened up and learned to live a little. His little nicknames were laugh out loud funny and cute. When the spice hit, it hit STRONG. That actually surprised me a little, but in a really good way (obviously).
Dahlia Summers did a great job bringing these characters to life and voicing all the emotions and quirks in the personalities.
A huge thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and Amanda Gambill for the advanced copy!

Thank you so much Netgallery for the ALC ARC of Honestly, I'm Totally Faking it!

WHAT A TREAT this was! An Underrated Gem, a true romantic comedy with funny, steamy and heartwarming moments! I adored the whole thing, the way the main characters were just MEANT to be together, their banter, how well they complemented each other, their chemistry and how their whole relationship developed. Rach was a very relatable FMC. She was a people pleaser to the core, and while yes, naive, so intelligent and kind. I loved seeing her get out of her shell and try so hard to become someone different than what others would've expect her to become given her past. It wasn't easy for her to move from her past, but she tired and did a great job at it. Press..OH PRESS!!!! THE MAN YOU ARE! A grump with a heart of gold, honest and such a sweet nerd that had my heart melting! He was just PERFECT!

I LOVED the book and I wish more people give it a chance! It's a great one!

Not often a romance book comes along and manages to keep me totally engaged, wondering what’s going to happen I LOVED it.

I’m a HUGE fan of grumpy/sunshine and fake dating. But this was REAL fake dating 😂 For professional appearances with rules and even a whole press team behind making sure it’s keeping up appearances.

The character development grew with each chapter and I equally have fallen in love with Pres and Rach. And although the ex boyfriend doesn’t get much page time, I immediately hated him, like insta hate! This guy is such a jerk and I whole heartedly can’t wait for him to be pulled down a peg or two.

The slow burn was gooooooood and when the spice came, let me tell you, I was ready for it.

The book is written from the single POV of Rach our FMC and it would have been good to get the inner workings of Pres’ mind too but I didn’t feel this held the book back. It would have just been a bonus.

I listened to this via NetGalley and really surprised I’ve not seen more of this book around, it’s a great romance with enough plot to keep to engrossed.

The tea ☕️

🚫 - boss/assistant
🥸 - fake dating
🌦️ - grumpy/sunshine
🙋‍♀️ - single POV
🌶️ - 3/5 spice

I don’t think this book was for me. The FMC comes across as a complete airhead with practically no sense of the world or herself. She wasn’t relatable at all.

I enjoyed the storyline of this text but I couldn't tell if it was the writing or the narrator that made the book feel juvenile for the content. The narrator kept emphasizing the wrong parts of dialogue especially when it was written that the character "said" or "exclaimed" something. It always felt like she didn't understand that it wasn't starting a new sentence but providing a description for the way the dialogue happened. I'd like to see the print version to see if the narrator made those choices because of the way it was written or because she didn't understand how it should be read.

I absolutely loved this book! It was hilarious, heartwarming, and utterly captivating. The unique setting and original characters made it feel fresh and authentic. The audiobook was a fantastic experience, too. The narrator did an incredible job of bringing the story to life.

Publication date is September 24th.

Oh my gosh, this was so, so good. I giggled and cringed, swooned and shouted, and overall just enjoyed reading my way through this book. It all felt so original and authentic, and it gave me serious The Love Hypothesis vibes. I particularly enjoyed that it was all based in an obscure/fictional “Middletown” so you didn’t waste your time trying to identify the state, political associations or perhaps politicians that inspired some of the components, and it kept it very pure to the story, unmarred by reality.

I've read this twice, and the third time reading was with the audiobook which I adored. The narration truly brought the characters to life in a way that felt new and exciting while still true to the story I've grown to love, and even knowing what was going to happen it still felt like the first time.

Audio note: The audio is good! It’s a single perspective romance, so Dahlia Summers is the only narrator. I’m not familiar with her, but I liked her voice. Maybe not my favorite audiobook ever, but it’s well done. The runtime (10-11 hours) means this will either be a full day binge or run into multiple days, but the story is compelling enough to warrant that. It’s a slower burn, but there are a few comedic moments near the beginning that you likely won’t want to listen to at work. Otherwise, the lighthearted rom com vibes are perfect for an easygoing listen. I’m glad this is finally releasing in audio – the book is excellent.

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There's just something so absolutely delicious about peeling back the layers of a prickly grump, figuring out what makes him tick and finding that gooey marshmallow center hiding beneath his beautiful but thorny exterior. And that is where this playful grumpy/sunshine romance shines! This one came on my radar out of nowhere, so I went in with zero expectations and no idea what kind of vibe I'd find once I started turning the pages. But it gripped me almost immediately, with a relatable heroine, a great meet cute, and an exceedingly memorable scene that sparks the fake relationship dynamic. I snort-laughed, I swooned, and I savored the slow burn to SIZZLE romance that kept me hooked to every page. The slow build in intimacy and balance between laugh out loud moments, tender interactions, and pure chemistry made this such a nuanced and engaging read. We only get the heroine's perspective, and I loved unraveling the mystery that is our curmudgeonly hero. This couple was GREAT together, and I devoured it at a rapid pace. I loved it!

The story follows Rach, a woman who is endlessly upbeat, even though nothing seems to be going her way. So when she accepts an assignment as the assistant to a difficult boss sight unseen, Rach is optimistic that it will lead to good things. Unfortunately, her first interaction with her new boss does not go as expected... at all. After she accidentally flashes millions of people on live TV, Rach's new boss publicly claims that she's his girlfriend. As a politician with a reputation to uphold, it's the only reasonable explanation for why a woman would be walking around his home in her birthday suit. The real reason is a little more complicated, lol, but Rach soon finds herself taking on the role of fake girlfriend. Spending time with Pres allows her to discover that his bark is much worse than his bite, and there's actually a funny, nerdy man lurking beneath the surface. But Rach knows that Pres would never accept her as a real partner if he knew the full story, so the only relationship they can have is of the fake variety.

The blurb only scratches the surface, there is a whole lot to love about this book. It's like all of my favorite tropes were mixed together to make the perfect recipe for romance - strangers with a unique meet cute, grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, fake dating, and a complicated office dynamic. All major wins for me. I loved trying to figure Pres out, and Rach was such a great heroine that I didn't mind being in her headspace the whole time. I also loved that the story was more complex than it might seem on the surface. It's got that fun cover and a hysterical first act, which made me think it would be pure rom com. But as the story progressed, the intimate moments shone, and there were some deeper themes that developed along the way. We see how these two very different people have had similar experiences that have shaped them into the people they are today, and they both just want to feel like enough on their own. That's one of the things that I loved about Pres the most - he was constantly building Rach up, nurturing her self-esteem and becoming a better man in the process. Not that he wasn't already secretly a sweetheart, but they really brought out the best sides of each other. Their chemistry was also SO good, and I was surprised by just how spicy this gets - in a good way! It put me through my paces emotionally, with everything from laugh out loud comedy to heartache and tension that I felt through the pages. I was completely invested in their relationship, and that made this one of the easiest 5-star ratings I've given in awhile.

Narrator: I don't know how I feel about the narrator. As a narrator she did a good job, but I don't know if she fit the main character.

Story: The characters were enjoyable and I liked the concept of the story. It started off well, but I lost interested once the spice scenes took over. The scenes were cringe.

Overall this story wasn't for me. If you want a story that is equal parts spice and story this book is for you, but for me it got to a point that the scenes didn't serve a purpose in the book and made the story longer than it needed to be.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.

Rach is a down on her luck woman: an assistant to personal assistants, crashing on her ex's couch, and hiding a secret that has affected her entire adult life. Pres is a political analyst, who's trying to become a politician himself, but the public finds him unlikable.

Through a series of "unfortunate" events they find themselves pretending to date to improve his reputation before he announces his candidacy for mayor. Along the way Rach helps him learn how to be more approachable. I *love* the banter between the two of them. They can truly be themselves with each other, even though other people don't get it.

What I didn't like was how much of a pushover Rach was, and that it was passed off as her just being too nice. She let so many people take advantage of her, insult her, and trick her. She just sat there and let it happen instead of defending herself or walking away, and most of the time she even tried to excuse their behavior. While I think it was cute that Pres stood up for her when he was around, she shouldn't need him to.

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

"Honestly, I'm Totally Faking It" by Amanda Gambill is hands down one of the most delightful rom-coms I’ve ever experienced. It’s the kind of book that you never want to end—seriously, I wish I could bask in its charm forever. If you’re looking for a quirky, heartwarming, and downright funny escape, this is the book for you.

The Story 📚
The novel centers around Rach, a lovable yet hapless character who is doing her best to keep life together. Her situation is less than ideal, but her optimistic and slightly chaotic energy keeps her afloat. Enter Pres, an ambitious and slightly awkward politician whose unlikability is almost scientific (he had a poll done!). When an unfortunate series of events - aptly dubbed “Boobgate”—accidentally propels Rach into viral fame, the two are thrust together in an unexpected and whirlwind of fake dating, campaign planning, and undeniable chemistry.
The story is not just about romance but also about personal growth, learning to let go of the past, and embracing your authentic self.

The Romance 💕
The romance between Rach and Pres is beautifully developed. Their banter is sharp, the romantic tension is off-the-charts, and their journey from strangers to lovers is utterly heartwarming and swoon-worthy. The chemistry between them is palpable, and Gambill masterfully balances humor, spice, and emotional depth. I especially loved how hard they fell for each other, adoribly in denial without it ever getting close to toxic.

Characterization 🥰
Pres is a standout character, and what makes him even more compelling is the clear and loving representation of neurodivergence—he's written as an autistic character, which added so much depth and relatability for me personally. Seeing a neurodivergent leading man who is so lovable, confident, and kind-hearted was incredibly refreshing. Rach, meanwhile, is a whirlwind of chaotic energy and heart, making her the perfect foil to Pres' more serious, structured nature. Together, they make a truly unforgettable pair.

Pacing and Plot 🧵
The writing is wonderfully paced, with no lulls or dragging moments that can sometimes plague rom-coms. Every plotline is expertly woven together, and the pay-offs for the various clues and twists are so satisfying. Gambill’s ability to keep the story moving while still giving us enough time to fall in love with the characters and their journey is a testament to her skill as a writer.

Narration 🔊
Listening to this story as an audiobook was a joy, thanks to the incredible performance by Dahlia Summers. Her narration truly brought the characters to life, infusing each one with a unique voice and energy. The emotional depth she brought to key moments made the story even more immersive. Summers’ ability to capture Rach’s bubbly personality and Pres’ more serious tone was spot-on, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience.

Final Thoughts 😍
"Honestly, I'm Totally Faking It" is easily one of my all-time favorite reads. It’s the perfect blend of quirky humor, heartfelt romance, and personal growth, with just the right amount of spice. Amanda Gambill has written a rom-com that’s not only fun and entertaining but also deeply relatable. If you're looking for a story that will make you laugh, swoon, and maybe even reflect a little on your own life, this book is for you. And if you’re a fan of audiobooks, I highly recommend Dahlia Summers’ narration—it adds so much to the story.

All in all, this was a five-star experience that I can’t recommend enough!

Wonderful narration of a very sweet rom-com.

The story overall was good - Rach and Pres balanced each other out well and a lot of their interactions had just the right amount of humor and realism.

I don't usually like politics-based story (fiction or non-fiction) but the characters made the twists and turns of polling palatable. <spoiler>Ethan was 100% a dick from the start and super glad he got fired. And Pres's dad gave me chills with how manipulative he was. Speaking of dicks, that is probably the one criticism - the use of the word dick during sex scenes really dampened the mood so to speak!</spoiler>

An easy read for fans of It Happened One Summer and Love Light Farms

Not the worst romcom I've read. Had so much potential but didn’t love it. It was okay but sometimes tbe storytelling was confusing for me, especially with past / present moments.

I loved this book. Rach’s life is very messy at the moment, like what other bad thing could possibly happen? How about walking in on a live news broadcast totally naked????
The characters in this book were all brilliantly executed and well written. There were moments where I laughed and cried. The romance was top notch and the storyline was interesting in itself. The audio book was fun to listen to and I really liked the narrator’s voice and would listen to other books she narrated.

Honestly, I’m Totally Faking It is delightful in kind of a slap-sticky way. It’s funny and a little outlandish while just bursting with heart. So sweet!

It has maybe one of the most extreme grumpy/sunshine tropes I’ve read. Our FMC Rach is SO naive and optimistic, that our grumpy MMC can’t help but soften to her and there is nothing I love more than an icy man melting from care and love!

My only complaint is that I don’t love reading about women with self-esteem so low that they don’t believe the guy is attracted to him even when he comes out and says it. I find it really frustrating even if it does add to the tension.

The narrator for the audiobook does a wonderful job portraying Rach’s upbeat tone along with Pres’ tense harsh tone. Bravo for that!

Funny, emotional, and very addictive!

The first three word I think when it comes to this book. Honestly, I’m Totally Faking It was a hard to put done book. I fell in love with all the characters so quickly I am sure they gave me wipe lash! (Only joking, no readers were harmed in the reading of this book 😂)

However, jokes aside. I really loved my time in this word, I couldn’t have kept ready more and more! When I came to the last chapter I didn’t want it to end!
A glowing 4⭐️ from me! Loved it!

Adding Note to Publisher…… PLEASE COULD WE HAVE A BOUNCE CHAPTER??? POV from JP! I want to see him getting to her at the studio!!!

Thank you Dreamscape Media for the ALC!

I was instantly drawn to Rach and her quirky personality. The writing was funny and had some really sweet moments. I didn’t love the narrator so I think I would’ve liked the story more had I read it rather than listening to it. The ending was really quick and could’ve used a little more attention to flesh it out, it was a bit abrupt.

3.5 rounding up to 4

The audio performance was impeccable - the narrator did an incredible job bringing the humor and banter and brilliant characters of Pres and Rach. As for the book…

Writing a romcom that plays out like a movie is no small feat, but Amanda Gambill has done it. There was so much to love about this book - it was the right amount of quirky without being annoying, sweet without being sappy, and effortlessly funny.

I adored Rach. On the surface, she’s aloof and almost blissfully ignorant in her optimism but as the book goes on, she ends up showing herself to be smart, self-aware, and incredibly brave. She was funny and took no crap from Pres, and was just trying to deal with the aftermath of poor decisions made by her mom.

Pres was DELICIOUSLY written. A complete surly grump to start, he let himself become more light and more reverential with Rach. He had the driest sense of humor that had me cackling, and the care and honesty with which he loved Rach had my heart in a vice. Plus, when he lost control he lost control and it snapped their tension in the absolute best way.

Together they were so perfect. Sweet to each other, looking out for each other, helping each other lean into the parts of themselves they often hid away. Even though they were fake dating, it was so clear Pres was a goner for Rach from early on - even if he didn’t know it. How he tried to keep her close and keep her safe…please, my heart can’t take it. And the steam was so well done - it was hot and funny and so so sweet.

And again I can’t underscore how FUNNY this book was. Truly if you love romcoms, those classic ones of the early 2000s - this scratches that itch.