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Hate to Fake It to You
A waitress masquerading as an influencer and a wildlife photographer are on a collision course with romance—and chaos—in Hate to Fake It to You, a zany modern twist on a screwball comedy classic about figuring out what you really want—by pretending to be someone you’re not.
Everyone gets a glow-up on social media, but Libby Lane's online persona is the fakest of fakes. Cooked up as a joke by Libby and her best friends, Lillibet is the affluent, healthier-than-thou opposite of her glam-free life on the side of Oahu most tourists never see. The phony fronting is all in good fun, until a real influencer stumbles onto the Love, Lillibet Instagram feed and starts making waves.
When Hildy Johnson, the ambitious junior member of a media dynasty, travels to Hawaii to talk to Lillibet about parlaying her lifestyle brand into a job, Libby and her friends scramble to take the make-believe to a new level. Complicating the charade even further is Hildy’s handsome companion, a wildlife photographer named Jefferson Jones, whose keen eye sees more than he lets on.
Between the pretend husband, borrowed goats, a made-up holiday, and Libby’s very real attraction to Jefferson, it’s anyone’s guess which lie will blow their cover first . . . especially since Lillibet isn’t the only one with something to hide.
Everyone gets a glow-up on social media, but Libby Lane's online persona is the fakest of fakes. Cooked up as a joke by Libby and her best friends, Lillibet is the affluent, healthier-than-thou opposite of her glam-free life on the side of Oahu most tourists never see. The phony fronting is all in good fun, until a real influencer stumbles onto the Love, Lillibet Instagram feed and starts making waves.
When Hildy Johnson, the ambitious junior member of a media dynasty, travels to Hawaii to talk to Lillibet about parlaying her lifestyle brand into a job, Libby and her friends scramble to take the make-believe to a new level. Complicating the charade even further is Hildy’s handsome companion, a wildlife photographer named Jefferson Jones, whose keen eye sees more than he lets on.
Between the pretend husband, borrowed goats, a made-up holiday, and Libby’s very real attraction to Jefferson, it’s anyone’s guess which lie will blow their cover first . . . especially since Lillibet isn’t the only one with something to hide.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2024
42 people are currently reading
16108 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Sellet
6 books451 followersAmanda Sellet is a Gen X ex-journalist who loves old movies, baked goods, and banter.
On the comedy/tragedy question, she is team comedy all the way.
On the comedy/tragedy question, she is team comedy all the way.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 326 reviews
July 17, 2024
Hate to Fake it to You by Amanda Sellet
Contemporary romance, romantic comedy.
Libby Lane’s online persona does not match reality. For the blog, Lillibet is affluent, glamorous, and lives a healthy life while sprouting positive and pretty advice. It’s all in good fun for Libby and her friends Jean and Keoki as they struggle to pay bills and scrape funds to feed themselves and family. Oahu is beautiful and encourages tourists dollars but for local residents prices are almost unmanageable. When an influencer from a major magazine wants to meet Lillibet for a potential lifestyle job, the friends scrabble to set up a charade to support their supposed lifestyle. A borrowed house, a pretend husband, a housekeeper with an obviously fake accent and more should set them up nicely, but things fall apart when computerized water commands aren’t known and Libby has to cook. Jefferson Jones is a photographer for the magazine and falls for Libby when he first meets her but it’s Hildie for the magazine they have to convince.
A comedy of errors as the fancy house and their roles prove to be too much pretense. Libby especially wants Jefferson to know she’s not married. They just need a break and hope the magazine could be their lucky break.
Slow burn, low heat romance with plenty of laughs as the friends figure out how to successfully manage life.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Contemporary romance, romantic comedy.
Libby Lane’s online persona does not match reality. For the blog, Lillibet is affluent, glamorous, and lives a healthy life while sprouting positive and pretty advice. It’s all in good fun for Libby and her friends Jean and Keoki as they struggle to pay bills and scrape funds to feed themselves and family. Oahu is beautiful and encourages tourists dollars but for local residents prices are almost unmanageable. When an influencer from a major magazine wants to meet Lillibet for a potential lifestyle job, the friends scrabble to set up a charade to support their supposed lifestyle. A borrowed house, a pretend husband, a housekeeper with an obviously fake accent and more should set them up nicely, but things fall apart when computerized water commands aren’t known and Libby has to cook. Jefferson Jones is a photographer for the magazine and falls for Libby when he first meets her but it’s Hildie for the magazine they have to convince.
A comedy of errors as the fancy house and their roles prove to be too much pretense. Libby especially wants Jefferson to know she’s not married. They just need a break and hope the magazine could be their lucky break.
Slow burn, low heat romance with plenty of laughs as the friends figure out how to successfully manage life.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
February 26, 2024
Review withheld in support of the SMP marketing boycott.
I received an eARC from the publisher.
I received an eARC from the publisher.
July 23, 2024
I really wanted to love it but I found myself getting more and more annoyed with the characters. It was getting more and more outlandish as it went on.
It wasn't even the writing, it was just how ridiculous all the characters were and I usually love characters that are different and ditzy but I just couldn't with these people!
The story was fine, I just couldn't connect
3 stars
It wasn't even the writing, it was just how ridiculous all the characters were and I usually love characters that are different and ditzy but I just couldn't with these people!
The story was fine, I just couldn't connect
3 stars
January 13, 2024
Many thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a review!
I was drawn to this book because the cover had the promise of a cutesy beach romance with goats. While I guess I kinda got that, this book didn't really do it for me. I couldn't connect with any of the characters and the plot was such a struggle for me to get through. I hated the influencer aspect--the intro of each chapter was pretty cringey. Many other reviewers described this book as being incredibly funny, but I actually felt like it tried TOO hard to be funny. The only part that I actually adored was the part where the goat ate her bikini top...but meh. I'm sure a lot of other people will probably enjoy this, but I unfortunately did not.
I was drawn to this book because the cover had the promise of a cutesy beach romance with goats. While I guess I kinda got that, this book didn't really do it for me. I couldn't connect with any of the characters and the plot was such a struggle for me to get through. I hated the influencer aspect--the intro of each chapter was pretty cringey. Many other reviewers described this book as being incredibly funny, but I actually felt like it tried TOO hard to be funny. The only part that I actually adored was the part where the goat ate her bikini top...but meh. I'm sure a lot of other people will probably enjoy this, but I unfortunately did not.
July 12, 2024
Hate to Fake it to you is a silly romcom with funny characters, cute goats, and lots of chaos. While I’m not always a fan of characters that hide things from others, I was able to look past it with this one because the blurb basically warns us beforehand. If you’re in the mood for a summer romcom with lots of funnies that’s squeaky clean, then this one is worth checking out!
𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙
❥ Clean romcoms
❥ Summer Vibes
❥ Comedy
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(3.5)
𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙
❥ Clean romcoms
❥ Summer Vibes
❥ Comedy
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(3.5)
June 6, 2024
If you’re looking for a fun, silly, and completely unbelievable rom-com to escape reality, look no further. Fast-paced books are usually a hit or miss with me, but luckily, I read this when I needed some escapism, and this book delivered.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2024
Fun, light and quirky, but for me, there just wasn’t much to latch onto. This was a very surface level read and maybe because it is literally just about influencers and I just couldn’t find myself getting attached to any of the characters. I was more just annoyed by them at times. This is a good read if you are looking for a break from some heavier reads and need something light.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
January 13, 2024
Every character in this book was insufferable. That's it. That's the whole review (not really but it might as well be)
I had a hard time with this book. For starters, I felt like I could not understand the premise of the book just by reading it. It seemed like there was a lot of information that wasn't given that would've really helped the story. I had a hard time figuring out that the fmc did for work as well as what she wanted to do. It felt like these aspects were kind of glossed over even though they were pretty crucial to the plot. On a similar note, it took me a while to piece together the story of her blog and how it started.
When it jumped to her meeting Hildy and moving into the house with her fake husband it felt like there were chapters missing and the story would've benefited a lot from some more explanation of how we got there.
Libby and Jefferson's "romance" felt like instalove but without any of the chemistry. We were expected to believe that they immediately had feelings for each other but that wasn't really ever shown. They were both so uninteresting and every scene with them together had about as much chemistry as wet cardboard. Not to mention that the majority of this story takes place over three days?? I had a hard time believing that that was enough time for them to develop real feelings especially when the entire situation was based off of several lies on both their parts.
The friends in this book were horrible to Libby. they were constantly encouraging her to make bad decisions and go against what she wanted. They were also reliant on her to fix all of their problems which I thought was so unfair. Jean in particular was insufferable, blaming Libby for their financial problems and her inability to get a stable job when she was a grown adult and for sure should've taken responsibility for that. She was also incredibly mean to Libby and the apology we finally got was lackluster at best.
This book was supposed to be a love letter to Hawaii but since it was about 95% meaningless dialogue it felt like it could've taken place almost anywhere. I didn't really get the feel for the setting that I was hoping for,
All in all, this was not the book for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the ARC
I had a hard time with this book. For starters, I felt like I could not understand the premise of the book just by reading it. It seemed like there was a lot of information that wasn't given that would've really helped the story. I had a hard time figuring out that the fmc did for work as well as what she wanted to do. It felt like these aspects were kind of glossed over even though they were pretty crucial to the plot. On a similar note, it took me a while to piece together the story of her blog and how it started.
When it jumped to her meeting Hildy and moving into the house with her fake husband it felt like there were chapters missing and the story would've benefited a lot from some more explanation of how we got there.
Libby and Jefferson's "romance" felt like instalove but without any of the chemistry. We were expected to believe that they immediately had feelings for each other but that wasn't really ever shown. They were both so uninteresting and every scene with them together had about as much chemistry as wet cardboard. Not to mention that the majority of this story takes place over three days?? I had a hard time believing that that was enough time for them to develop real feelings especially when the entire situation was based off of several lies on both their parts.
The friends in this book were horrible to Libby. they were constantly encouraging her to make bad decisions and go against what she wanted. They were also reliant on her to fix all of their problems which I thought was so unfair. Jean in particular was insufferable, blaming Libby for their financial problems and her inability to get a stable job when she was a grown adult and for sure should've taken responsibility for that. She was also incredibly mean to Libby and the apology we finally got was lackluster at best.
This book was supposed to be a love letter to Hawaii but since it was about 95% meaningless dialogue it felt like it could've taken place almost anywhere. I didn't really get the feel for the setting that I was hoping for,
All in all, this was not the book for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the ARC
Want to read
October 30, 2023Things to know about Hate to Fake it To You, my homage to the golden age of Hollywood screwball comedy:
It goes hard on the com side of rom-com (see "screwball comedy," above).
Summer vacation vibes (despite being a retelling of a Christmas movie).
The story is a standalone, but characters will reappear in companion novels.
No goats were harmed in the writing of this book.
Did I mention the silliness? How about the shenanigans?
The bedroom door stays closed, 1940s Hollywood style.
This is an adult book, not YA.
I hope you have as much fun reading it as I did dreaming it up!
It goes hard on the com side of rom-com (see "screwball comedy," above).
Summer vacation vibes (despite being a retelling of a Christmas movie).
The story is a standalone, but characters will reappear in companion novels.
No goats were harmed in the writing of this book.
Did I mention the silliness? How about the shenanigans?
The bedroom door stays closed, 1940s Hollywood style.
This is an adult book, not YA.
I hope you have as much fun reading it as I did dreaming it up!
June 16, 2024
Majorrrr flop. I couldn’t get through this. The Lillibet persona was so stupid and this felt like bad fanfiction about social media influencers. Nothing felt serious, the characters were so basic and had no personality other than IRRITATING!
I would not recommend this book…
I would not recommend this book…
March 26, 2024
2.5 stars, rounded down
Honestly, I’m not sure why I requested this book as I’m not a big fan of stories where the characters keep things from each other and that is the main conflict of this book.
I just didn’t like that Libby wasn’t honest with Hildy and Jefferson. There were plenty of opportunities and she didn’t take them.
There were a few funny moments and comments, but this one was a little too zany for my tastes. A lot of the comments were cheesy and over the top.
The “romance” (if you could call it that) was complete instalove and I didn’t see any connection between the two of them.
I also thought the friendship was somewhat toxic and guy who was pretending to be her husband was really weird and I didn’t like him at all.
I really enjoyed the setting which made me want to book my own Hawaiian vacation. I also loved the goats and that super cute cover as well.
Honestly, I’m not sure why I requested this book as I’m not a big fan of stories where the characters keep things from each other and that is the main conflict of this book.
I just didn’t like that Libby wasn’t honest with Hildy and Jefferson. There were plenty of opportunities and she didn’t take them.
There were a few funny moments and comments, but this one was a little too zany for my tastes. A lot of the comments were cheesy and over the top.
The “romance” (if you could call it that) was complete instalove and I didn’t see any connection between the two of them.
I also thought the friendship was somewhat toxic and guy who was pretending to be her husband was really weird and I didn’t like him at all.
I really enjoyed the setting which made me want to book my own Hawaiian vacation. I also loved the goats and that super cute cover as well.
tbr
May 24, 2025Thanks to St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Griffin and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
December 4, 2023
Full disclaimer, I received this as an ARC.
However, I can confidently say this was a solid 4.5 ⭐️ for me. I always love a chaotic romcom, but this one was so much fun! I normally don’t like reading about “influencers,” and the like, but the whole premise is that Libby or rather “Lillibet” lol isn’t actually a social media star it all starts as joke between her friends and then her fake alternate online persona starts getting recognition.
If you want a good laugh, a sweet romance, and some A1 escapism with summertime vibes, this books should be right up your alley.
I would also like to add that one of the biggest turn offs for me, as a reader is whether or not I enjoy a writing style. I like clever, vivid, and engaging writing. The reason I liked this book so much is precisely that this author’s writing style just clicked for me. I was cruising through page after page, and I never once felt like I was suddenly tossed out of the story because of awkward dialogue or redundant description; all of which I encounter quite frequently in romances.
Definitely read this, if only for the goats 😫🤌🏼 lmao
However, I can confidently say this was a solid 4.5 ⭐️ for me. I always love a chaotic romcom, but this one was so much fun! I normally don’t like reading about “influencers,” and the like, but the whole premise is that Libby or rather “Lillibet” lol isn’t actually a social media star it all starts as joke between her friends and then her fake alternate online persona starts getting recognition.
If you want a good laugh, a sweet romance, and some A1 escapism with summertime vibes, this books should be right up your alley.
I would also like to add that one of the biggest turn offs for me, as a reader is whether or not I enjoy a writing style. I like clever, vivid, and engaging writing. The reason I liked this book so much is precisely that this author’s writing style just clicked for me. I was cruising through page after page, and I never once felt like I was suddenly tossed out of the story because of awkward dialogue or redundant description; all of which I encounter quite frequently in romances.
Definitely read this, if only for the goats 😫🤌🏼 lmao
August 15, 2024
Hate to Fake It to You is so wacky but I also had a good time with it. The premise - two broke college dropouts deal with the stress of their circumstances by creating an influencer account where they pretend to be a zen, positivity, yoga mom type figure. When someone reaches out to meet "Lillibet" they find themselves in a ridiculous situation in an attempt to keep up the ruse. I went in assuming it was going to be fake dating. But no it’s like fake life-ing, plus some fake marriage, plus some side fake dating. It was utterly ridiculous and I never quite figured out how seriously Sellet was taking the story. Nevertheless, I had fun with it, and there was some great commentary about real life vs online life and the importance of friends. Go in expecting wacky, and enjoy!
Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2024
3.5 stars. What happens when an influencer has to convince people that the online life she portrays is real? This rom-com had a lot of funny lines that landed well. The setting in Hawaii was very easy to picture and played a strong role. The main characters-when they were being their authentic selves-sounded like people I’d like to know. In my opinion, the premise of internet influencers who are faking a lot of their content was both realistic (probably) and frustrating simply because I'm always here for genuine but messy instead of fake perfection. But the way Libby and her friends tried to pull off their well-curated but very fake lifestyle was great slapstick comedy and my favorite part of the book. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc of this book.
March 17, 2024
Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Libby and her friends live and breathe social media. When they create a character which is a combination of all of them, their lives are changed. This book lagged in a few places.
June 19, 2024
This novel was laugh out loud funny, but also very tender. I really enjoyed that it wasn’t just a romance, it also centered around friendship. The characters were flawed and colorful, a little zany at times, but with plenty of depth. I can definitely see classic movies as the inspiration for this novel, as the author notes in her acknowledgements. Overall, I really enjoyed this read.
November 12, 2024
Honestly, to me this wasn't very funny and trying to figure out what was even going half the time was a struggle.
December 11, 2025
Wanted something warm in these cold months, but this left me feeling so lukewarm and I don't want to fake loving it.
I received an ecopy of this book via Netgalley; however, my opinions are my own.
I received an ecopy of this book via Netgalley; however, my opinions are my own.
January 5, 2024
"Hate to Fake It to You" isn't your typical "rom-com", yes I had tears in my eyes from laughing so hard and the swooning was there, but it was so much more than that. The scheming and found family was incredible, but most importantly the way that this book so perfectly shows how much we don't want to be "perceived" as young members of a social media obsessed society was everything.
My girl Hildy deserves her own book. I could just feel her character on every page. She is a feminist icon and a hilarious girl-boss.
"It's never enough. We make everything beautiful and stroke your egos and bear your children and then you try and nickel-and-dime us when it comes to pursuing our own ambitions."
"I'm trying to mature into a more forgiving human being. Except with a very small subset of people who will be my sworn enemies until death."
I have always dreamed of going to Hawaii, and this book truly gave me so much more of a deeper appreciation for the island and the people who live there.
My girl Hildy deserves her own book. I could just feel her character on every page. She is a feminist icon and a hilarious girl-boss.
"It's never enough. We make everything beautiful and stroke your egos and bear your children and then you try and nickel-and-dime us when it comes to pursuing our own ambitions."
"I'm trying to mature into a more forgiving human being. Except with a very small subset of people who will be my sworn enemies until death."
I have always dreamed of going to Hawaii, and this book truly gave me so much more of a deeper appreciation for the island and the people who live there.
January 20, 2024
In the realm of contemporary literature, Amanda Sellet's Hate to Fake It to You emerges as a delightful social commentary on the pervasive nature of online facades and the complexities of modern relationships. Set against the backdrop of Oahu's captivating scenery, the novel weaves a tale of deception, love, and the struggle for authenticity in the digital age. At its core, the story follows Libby Lane, a young woman whose carefully crafted online persona, "Lillibet," becomes entangled in a web of misunderstandings when a prominent influencer expresses interest in turning her fake lifestyle brand into a lucrative reality. Libby's journey is a relatable one, as she grapples with the pressures of maintaining an idealized online presence while navigating the messy realities of her offline existence. Sellet deftly explores the irony of Libby's situation, highlighting the lengths to which people go to project a flawless image online, often at the expense of their true selves. The novel is further enriched by a cast of vibrant characters, each with their own motivations and secrets. Hildy Johnson, the ambitious media mogul, is a formidable force who challenges Libby's carefully constructed facade. Jefferson Jones, the enigmatic wildlife photographer, adds a layer of intrigue as his keen observation threatens to unravel Libby's carefully crafted web of lies. Hate to Fake It to You is a humorous and heartwarming exploration of the complexities of modern relationships, the allure of social media, and the importance of embracing authenticity. Sellet's writing is witty and engaging, effortlessly drawing readers into Libby's world. The novel's pacing is brisk, maintaining a sense of anticipation as the stakes rise and Libby's deceptions teeter on the brink of exposure. Overall, Hate to Fake It to You is a refreshing and insightful read that offers a thought-provoking examination of the impact of social media on our lives. Sellet's clever storytelling and relatable characters make this novel an enjoyable and thought-provoking experience for readers of contemporary fiction and romantic comedies alike.
November 27, 2024
*1.5 Stars rounded up*
ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to thank St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for a copy of this eARC. The premise sounded like so much fun, and I have loved Contemporary Romances in the past that play on social media so it was one that I quickly requested.
I really wanted to love this, and even at the beginning made a comment on how much I loved the author's voice. It's been about two months since I read this, and while I originally gave 2.5 stars, I reflected a lot on my experience reading and had to lower to 1.5.
What started off strong quickly diminished. I hated the best friend character, Jean, and found her irredeemable. To force your friend into a farce for your own benefit, and then get mad at her when she doesn't want to play along, and then attack her when she ends the ruse? You're a sh*t friend and I have not sympathy for her. Their final fight and then make up made me feel like I was being gaslit and I wanted to hop into the book and strangle her. I could write an entire review on how much I hate her. I thought Anh from "The Love Hypothesis" won the award of worst best friend for me, but Jean gets to take home that trophy now. Very rarely have I ever had a side character that has ruined an entire book for me.
I loved the slow burn between her and Jefferson, but once they were together everything about the relationship felt so cringy, and inauthentic. I feel Like I just struggled through the entire back half of this book and with second hand embarrassment. I think it had so much potential and sadly, it just went in the wrong direction.
I know there will be those out there who ADORE this book. I am just not it's intended audience.
ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to thank St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for a copy of this eARC. The premise sounded like so much fun, and I have loved Contemporary Romances in the past that play on social media so it was one that I quickly requested.
I really wanted to love this, and even at the beginning made a comment on how much I loved the author's voice. It's been about two months since I read this, and while I originally gave 2.5 stars, I reflected a lot on my experience reading and had to lower to 1.5.
What started off strong quickly diminished. I hated the best friend character, Jean, and found her irredeemable. To force your friend into a farce for your own benefit, and then get mad at her when she doesn't want to play along, and then attack her when she ends the ruse? You're a sh*t friend and I have not sympathy for her. Their final fight and then make up made me feel like I was being gaslit and I wanted to hop into the book and strangle her. I could write an entire review on how much I hate her. I thought Anh from "The Love Hypothesis" won the award of worst best friend for me, but Jean gets to take home that trophy now. Very rarely have I ever had a side character that has ruined an entire book for me.
I loved the slow burn between her and Jefferson, but once they were together everything about the relationship felt so cringy, and inauthentic. I feel Like I just struggled through the entire back half of this book and with second hand embarrassment. I think it had so much potential and sadly, it just went in the wrong direction.
I know there will be those out there who ADORE this book. I am just not it's intended audience.
March 17, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffith for the advanced copy of this book out in July.
The positives:
I really enjoyed the banter! Funny little one liners had me laughing out loud, and some of the awkward situations had me smiling (look at you, guest shower scene).
I also loved the “influencer” part of each chapter.
The negatives:
I wanted to love this book. I really did. I took my time with each chapter, trying to really figure out why I didn’t fall in love with the characters. In the end, it all came down to connection. I didn’t feel a connection to the main characters, and I didn’t believe in their connection with each other. It felt forced throughout the book.
The positives:
I really enjoyed the banter! Funny little one liners had me laughing out loud, and some of the awkward situations had me smiling (look at you, guest shower scene).
I also loved the “influencer” part of each chapter.
The negatives:
I wanted to love this book. I really did. I took my time with each chapter, trying to really figure out why I didn’t fall in love with the characters. In the end, it all came down to connection. I didn’t feel a connection to the main characters, and I didn’t believe in their connection with each other. It felt forced throughout the book.
July 17, 2024
This book had a great setting! Libby Lane’s presence online is fake; there she is “Lillibet,” put together, fabulous, creative, and just has the perfect life. In reality, she’s a waitress living in a rundown apartment with her best friend Jean. Hildy Johnson had her life saved by Jefferson. She’s part of a media dynasty and loves Lillibet. So she travels with Hawaii to speak with her about a job opportunity. Now, Libby has to scramble to make it seem like her online persona is real. How long can she keep this charade up? Fake marriages, fake houses, fake life… but real feelings for Jefferson.
I really wanted to love this book. Alas, this book was not for me. I’ll explain why, but first let me get into the aspects I really liked. First, the setting – what better place than Hawaii? And I’m not just talking about touristy Hawaii, I’m talking about the real Hawaii where the natives live. I wish we had a bit more of their stories, but I did love Keiko and Tutu. Second, I also really liked the end. I mean we know we’re going to get a HEA, but it was sweet.
I just didn’t connect with any characters, I didn’t believe the love story between Libby and Jefferson until the end, I’m not a huge fan of instalove and that’s what it felt like. I was bored while reading it. I really tried to like it. I don’t give up on books hoping that they get better and I’m glad I didn’t give up because I did enjoy the end and I did enjoy seeing things work out for Keiko.
I really wanted to love this book. Alas, this book was not for me. I’ll explain why, but first let me get into the aspects I really liked. First, the setting – what better place than Hawaii? And I’m not just talking about touristy Hawaii, I’m talking about the real Hawaii where the natives live. I wish we had a bit more of their stories, but I did love Keiko and Tutu. Second, I also really liked the end. I mean we know we’re going to get a HEA, but it was sweet.
I just didn’t connect with any characters, I didn’t believe the love story between Libby and Jefferson until the end, I’m not a huge fan of instalove and that’s what it felt like. I was bored while reading it. I really tried to like it. I don’t give up on books hoping that they get better and I’m glad I didn’t give up because I did enjoy the end and I did enjoy seeing things work out for Keiko.
June 26, 2024
Thank you to Amanda Sellet, St. Martin’s Griffin, and NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Sigh. Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t a hit for me. Starting with a cast entirely made of manic pixie dream girls (except Keoki and Jefferson, who are fine), weird and unnecessary Irish stereotyping, using the phrase “a domestic” to describe a housekeeper (in 2024?????), and finally an absolutely terrible “best friend” who gets you into awful situations and then blames you for not wanting to participate, this book was really just all over the place. I thought I could at least enjoy it as a 3.5-4ish star read, but between the chaos mentioned above, and the romance that truly showed up out of nowhere, I really couldn’t give it the benefit of the doubt.
*Potential spoilers below*
POV: dual third person
You can expect: fake persona, wildlife photographer MMC, fake dating and fake marriage, imposter Instagram influencer.
Spice: 1/5 (closed door, nothing more than kissing)
CW: cheating ex girlfriend (past), neglectful parent (past)
Sigh. Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t a hit for me. Starting with a cast entirely made of manic pixie dream girls (except Keoki and Jefferson, who are fine), weird and unnecessary Irish stereotyping, using the phrase “a domestic” to describe a housekeeper (in 2024?????), and finally an absolutely terrible “best friend” who gets you into awful situations and then blames you for not wanting to participate, this book was really just all over the place. I thought I could at least enjoy it as a 3.5-4ish star read, but between the chaos mentioned above, and the romance that truly showed up out of nowhere, I really couldn’t give it the benefit of the doubt.
*Potential spoilers below*
POV: dual third person
You can expect: fake persona, wildlife photographer MMC, fake dating and fake marriage, imposter Instagram influencer.
Spice: 1/5 (closed door, nothing more than kissing)
CW: cheating ex girlfriend (past), neglectful parent (past)
June 12, 2024
Cute goats and Hawaii and a lot of laughs, plus a refreshing take on social media and the influencer “game” — what more can you want?
Libby Lane of the north shore of Oahu created the persona “lovelillbet” in the spirit of making fun of influencer self-worship and next-level narcissism. But when she tries to keep up appearances when a real media savvy person, Hildy, appears, things get complicated. The story is a bit chaotic, but the banter is funny, the romance is sweet, and you have a perfect summer beach book if you like this kind of silliness. I definitely did — 4 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO Puppy-dog, deep-set, sparkling brown and blue eyes, but no green eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO It’s Hawaii!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
Libby Lane of the north shore of Oahu created the persona “lovelillbet” in the spirit of making fun of influencer self-worship and next-level narcissism. But when she tries to keep up appearances when a real media savvy person, Hildy, appears, things get complicated. The story is a bit chaotic, but the banter is funny, the romance is sweet, and you have a perfect summer beach book if you like this kind of silliness. I definitely did — 4 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO Puppy-dog, deep-set, sparkling brown and blue eyes, but no green eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO It’s Hawaii!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
June 23, 2024
This romcom is all about the antics. The blurb calls it a “screwball comedy” and that’s pretty spot-on. Lillibet & her friends (who at times are kinda awful to her tbh), are basically faking her entire life in an attempt to keep up with her online persona. Very early 2000s romcom set-up imo. The lies keep stacking up, and the plot gets a little carried away. The romance aspect wasn’t a hit for me. I think if you’re going to have your characters basically fall in love at first sight, it needs to be explosive with tension and banter and chemistry. Insta-love is a tough one to achieve. Jefferson didn’t bring the heat. There’s a lot of cheesy, fluffy, cute moments, and the book would be pretty easy for a beach/pool read, but don’t go in expecting depth. It’s a gag reel. 2.75 ⭐️
P.S. the Hawaii setting though?! 👏🏻 Go Bows 🌈
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book!
P.S. the Hawaii setting though?! 👏🏻 Go Bows 🌈
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book!
September 3, 2025
3.75
There were parts of this that really confused me. Like I actually didn't understand the premise of their plan at all until like halfway through. I also felt sometimes the dialogue was confusing. The whole reveal was kind of dumb because everyone was mad for stupid reasons. Like wasn't it obvious that Libby was not Lilibet at all? Also Jean was kind of a terrible friend sometimes.
But I did like the overall story. The romance was cute, it had a very small amount of spice (like nothing happened on page except for some boobs being revealed), and the characters were all interesting, if kind of tropey. I thought the writing was pretty good. It actually made me laugh out loud a few times. I would read more by Amanda Sellet despite this not being her best work.
There were parts of this that really confused me. Like I actually didn't understand the premise of their plan at all until like halfway through. I also felt sometimes the dialogue was confusing. The whole reveal was kind of dumb because everyone was mad for stupid reasons. Like wasn't it obvious that Libby was not Lilibet at all? Also Jean was kind of a terrible friend sometimes.
But I did like the overall story. The romance was cute, it had a very small amount of spice (like nothing happened on page except for some boobs being revealed), and the characters were all interesting, if kind of tropey. I thought the writing was pretty good. It actually made me laugh out loud a few times. I would read more by Amanda Sellet despite this not being her best work.
July 9, 2024
A fast-paced romantic riot.
There were times when the only image I could see was Noises Off. If anyone is unfamiliar it’s a hilarious laugh-out-loud farce with things so ridiculous it feels fantastical and yet rooted in characters who feel like they’re right in front of me.
The romantic moments felt like an oasis. These moments were a breath before the combined chaos that was a comedic merry-go-round that felt like I might fall off at any moment.
Yet it was an unforgettable ride.
I must mention again that it was a hilarious time, like a literal award-winning farce.
There were times when the only image I could see was Noises Off. If anyone is unfamiliar it’s a hilarious laugh-out-loud farce with things so ridiculous it feels fantastical and yet rooted in characters who feel like they’re right in front of me.
The romantic moments felt like an oasis. These moments were a breath before the combined chaos that was a comedic merry-go-round that felt like I might fall off at any moment.
Yet it was an unforgettable ride.
I must mention again that it was a hilarious time, like a literal award-winning farce.
May 7, 2024
This is such a unique story - it almost feels like a fever dream. The plot passes by like a whirlwind, and you’re left with a cotton candy feeling when you get to the end. My only thought was that it was difficult to get situated in the story.
Some parts felt satirical, funny without an obvious joke, and some parts muddled my mind but I do think that accurately represents the state of the characters who are essentially lying hot messes, trying to make their way in the world.
#NetGalley
Some parts felt satirical, funny without an obvious joke, and some parts muddled my mind but I do think that accurately represents the state of the characters who are essentially lying hot messes, trying to make their way in the world.
#NetGalley
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