Faking Perfect

by Rebecca Phillips

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Pub Date Jun 30 2015 | Archive Date Jul 19 2015

Description

When Lexi Shaw seduced Oakfield High's resident bad boy Tyler Flynn at the beginning of senior year, he seemed perfectly okay with her rules:

1. Avoid her at school.

2. Keep his mouth shut about what they do together.

3. Never tease her about her friend (and unrequited crush) Ben.

Because with his integrity and values and golden boy looks, Ben can never find out about what she’s been doing behind closed doors with Tyler. Or that her mom’s too busy drinking and chasing losers to pay the bills. Or that Lexi’s dad hasn’t been a part of her life for the last thirteen years. But with Tyler suddenly breaking the rules, Ben asking her out, and her dad back in the picture, how long will she be able to go on faking perfect?

A Note From the Publisher

Deals with serious, relatable teen issues (drugs, alcoholism, abandonment), in the vein of THE FAULT IN OUR STARS and other similar contemporary YA novels.

Advance Praise

“Faking Perfect didn’t have to fake much at all – this book is an amazing read! Packed with chaotic family drama, sneaky bad boys who’ll steal your heart and a resident nerd best friend any girl in real life absolutely needs, Phillips’s latest delivers an emotional roller-coaster ride of a not-so-perfect teenage girl’s life. Fans of The Duff will love this, as it is a great story of an underdog finally coming out on top, as she learns to love each flaw she has, one at a time.”– RT Book Reviews, 4.5 Stars Top Pick

“This frank, contemporary novel will resonate with older high school teens who feel compelled to be the golden boy/girl in order to achieve happiness and success. The book also realistically portrays the sexuality of teens on the cusp of adulthood. The characterizations are honest and complex.” – VOYA

Available Editions

EDITION	Other Format
ISBN	9781617738807
PRICE	$9.95 (USD)

Additional Information

Average rating from 194 members

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Featured Reviews

Michelle T, Reviewer

This is a beautiful and well written book. Lexi needs to be perfect and Tyler is anything but perfect. I love the emotions that Were invoked while I read this book. The only downside that I can find is that I now have a serious book hangover

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Jordan B, Reviewer

This book was like a Kody Keplinger/Katie McGarry/Sarah Dessen mash-up. It was a super quick read for me as it’s 272 pages, and I read it in a few hours.

Lexi had a no strings attached relationship with Tyler, which he was fine with at first. Now, towards the end of senior year, Tyler realizes he’s in love with her and wants more from the relationship. Lexi does not feel the same way as she’s still pinning after her friend, Ben, who may not be as perfect as Lexi seems to believe.

Lexi has a mom with a long list of dirtbag boyfriends and an absent father. Over the course of the novel, Lexi has to deal with reconnecting with her father and his new family as well as facing her mother’s terrible, new boyfriend. One thing I didn’t like was how Lexi’s mom handled her past and current boyfriends. I found it strange how she could leave Lexi’s father, but still had boyfriends that abused her or sexual harassed Lexi.

However, I did really enjoy Lexi’s relationship with her best friend, Nolan, and his family. Even though Lexi has not had the easiest home life, I was glad that she has always had a safe and comfortable place she could run to. I especially liked that Nolan and Lexi’s relationship was strictly a friendship.

Now, the love triangle that didn’t really feel like a love triangle. I felt this way because Lexi didn’t choose between the boys in traditional way. Yes, there are two boys who both want to be with her, but the relationships begin/end in separate ways.

Overall, this was exactly the kind of read I was in the mood for at the time. If you’re looking for an easy and enjoyable contemporary read, you should give this a try.

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Cheryl B, Educator

Fantastic! I am glad to have found a new author to look forward to. I enjoyed this book and liked the characters and their depth. I found it as engaging and well written as books by YA authors like Katie McGarry or Penelope Douglas. There was nothing simple about the characters or their relationship and I wanted to keep reading to watch them grow. I will be recommending this to YA fans as a great read! Thanks for giving me the chance to preview it!