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Igrzyska w udawaniu
Rodzina Báezów udaje się na ferie do swojego domku nad jeziorem. To ma być wspaniały rodzinny wyjazd, który na nowo zbliży do siebie wszystkich, po tym jak Devin, wyjechał na studia do Kalifornii. Za bratem tęskni szczególnie jego bliźniaczka Maya, która wciąż przeżywa trudne chwile po śmierci ich mamy. Jedynym minusem wakacji w Lake Andreas są sąsiedzi Báezów, czyli Seo-Cooke’owie. Odkąd, ponad dekadę wcześniej, pan Seo-Cooke ukradł ojcu Devina pomysł na robota zmywającego podłogi, na którym zbudował swoje technologiczne imperium, rodziny szczerze się nienawidzą.
Dlatego kiedy Julian Seo-Cooke prosi Devina, aby ten udawał jego chłopaka, ten jest zdziwiony. Postanawia jednak skorzystać z okazji, aby udowodnić, że ich sąsiedzi oszukują w corocznych zimowych igrzyskach. W tym roku stawka jest wysoka, bo ojcowie założyli się o domek Báezów.
Jednak od nienawiści do miłości jeden krok.
Oby był rozważny...
Książka odpowiednia dla czytelników 12+
Dlatego kiedy Julian Seo-Cooke prosi Devina, aby ten udawał jego chłopaka, ten jest zdziwiony. Postanawia jednak skorzystać z okazji, aby udowodnić, że ich sąsiedzi oszukują w corocznych zimowych igrzyskach. W tym roku stawka jest wysoka, bo ojcowie założyli się o domek Báezów.
Jednak od nienawiści do miłości jeden krok.
Oby był rozważny...
Książka odpowiednia dla czytelników 12+
320 pages, Paperback
First published December 5, 2023
58 people are currently reading
2437 people want to read
About the author
Elle Gonzalez Rose
5 books106 followersElle Gonzalez Rose is a producer and author from New York who’s better at writing love stories about short, queer Boricuas than she is at writing bios. Her dog thinks she’s okay. Caught in a Bad Fauxmance is her debut novel—Elle’s, not the dog’s.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 246 reviews
June 27, 2023
For fans of Simon James Green’s and Robbie Couch, Caught in a Bad Fauxmance is a witty, sharply written, fast-paced, and sweet YA rom-com!
What stood out for me the most when I started reading was the writing. It’s incredibly vivid and energetic and immediately put a smile on my face. Add fake dating, one of my favorite tropes, and this book made me constantly glow on the inside. I chuckled at the altercations the twins had, shook my head at some of the stupid pranks both families pulled off, and swooned when Devin and Julian got closer and closer. The biking scenes were hilarious, and those tres leches cake scenes were so cute! And that broccoli reference …
Of course, I didn’t like the third part break-up (let’s face it, I never like those), but overall Caught in a Bad Fauxmance is warm and funny and light, and therefore a story to read in the garden with the sun on your face, or on the couch wrapped in blankets while dreaming away for a few hours. A wonderful debut!
I received an ARC from Random House Children’s and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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What stood out for me the most when I started reading was the writing. It’s incredibly vivid and energetic and immediately put a smile on my face. Add fake dating, one of my favorite tropes, and this book made me constantly glow on the inside. I chuckled at the altercations the twins had, shook my head at some of the stupid pranks both families pulled off, and swooned when Devin and Julian got closer and closer. The biking scenes were hilarious, and those tres leches cake scenes were so cute! And that broccoli reference …
Of course, I didn’t like the third part break-up (let’s face it, I never like those), but overall Caught in a Bad Fauxmance is warm and funny and light, and therefore a story to read in the garden with the sun on your face, or on the couch wrapped in blankets while dreaming away for a few hours. A wonderful debut!
I received an ARC from Random House Children’s and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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March 20, 2022
it's okay
November 26, 2024
my neurons started short circuiting after reading the words “simp” and “pookie” in here…….elle gonzalez rose perhaps you should put the pen down
December 10, 2023
✰ 2 stars ✰
“That’s what fake boyfriends are for, right?”
It’s not sentimental or endearing or uplifting, but it calms him. Maybe, for once, I said the right thing after all.
“Guess I picked a good one, then.” He returns to the counter with a certain glimmer in his warm brown eyes—maybe sadness, maybe hope.
“The very best,” I reply, and let myself believe that it’s the latter.”
With such a cute and colorful cover, I can't believe how not so cute and colorful Caught in a Bad Fauxmance turned out to be. If nothing else, it further asserted my belief that the fake dating trope just isn't for me. 😞
“But there’s a reason we never stooped to their level. We always wanted to win on our own, to show them that we don’t need lies and tricks to come in first.
We always played it safe and paid the price.”
Right from the beginning, I just knew in my heart's core that this wasn't going to work for me. For starters, the writing was very peppy - very chatty and just had this bounce to it, that I wasn't quite vibing with. The beginning was very reminiscent of Cheaper by the Dozen 2, how there are two families sworn to hatred - enmity fueled by their parents, who encouraged their kids to carry out all kinds of pranks to upset the other. 😑 Which now culminates in this final hurrah of a winter games at their holiday spot, where they're determined more than ever to win - when so much more is at stake than just winning fair and square. But, when I learned the cause behind said enmity, it made me so upset! I couldn't believe anyone would even tolerate being in anyone's vicinity if they had ever done such a thing! 😡
And the fact that this is a romcom kind of story, where all will be forgiven - I don't think it justifies years of pain and mental anguish - it seemed a little unbelievable to me. And then, add to that, the petty rivalry - almost childish ways in which both families make a habit out of it - a ritual of targeting one another - encouraged by the parents, too! Argh, that cocky attitude that they've had to endure for years, just doesn't warrant forgiveness for me so quickly and suddenly! 🤦🏻♀️ I'm surprised it went on for as long as it did, even more surprised that the children - well into college now, still felt it needed to continue said tradition. I mean, grow up! 😮💨
“Someone who hasn’t found their way yet either. Someone who’s as afraid of the city and the prospect of failing as I am. Someone to conquer that fear with.
And the universe gave me Julian.
The universe has a terrible sense of humor.”
So, you can see that I was already feeling the approaching sting of displeasure - but, I trudged on, hoping the chemistry between Devin and Julian would make up for it. Devin was alright, I guess. He was going through a lot, trying to find his place in life, still trying to appease his twin sister's demands - he certainly doesn't need the attraction or attention from longtime rival, 'Julian Seo-Cooke, a boy without a favorite color or movie, is the type of artist I’ve always wished I could be.' Perhaps it could have benefited from it being a dual POV, because Julian never really became his own - he was just there; it's also something that I think dampened my enjoyment of it, as well. 🙁
And yet, the whole reason behind their fake dating was so contrived, so forced - flimsy, at best, that I couldn't get behind it. I would have actually believed that the only reason it was brought up was because either of them actually had existing feelings for each other, prior to this moment. It's not that I was bored, their dynamic just lacked any flavor - no heat, no chemistry - every instance was very predictable, at best. The romance was just - not boring, but banal - without any zest to it, to make it an appealing one.🙎🏻♀️ I couldn't even draw up a suitable reason for why either of them would be attracted to each other in the first place! 🤷🏻♀️
It did have a couple of cute moments here and there, where they trade secrets, share moments of grief and exchange frustrated feelings over their futures, but their romance and their eventual fall-out and their relationship - it had no spark to it - even the 'villain' wasn't really a villain, at all! It was almost comical at how he was added to the story - all the conflicts that occurred - oh gosh, I'm going to sound like such a villain saying it, but it was all so silly to me. 😩 It just wasn't resonating with me, and that it's a clear indication that this is going to be a disappointment. 😩
“You know how when you’re a kid you don’t like broccoli, and then you spend your whole adult life thinking that you hate it, even though you haven’t had it in years?” he says after a moment of pause.
“I’ve always liked broccoli.”
“It’s a metaphor. Work with me here.”
I gesture for him to continue.
“I think you’re my broccoli.”
As it is a debut, I do feel bad that I'm being so harsh; but I can see that there is a positive energy to the author's writing style, so maybe there is some potential to be seen. 👍🏻 They do know their craft and I did appreciate how descriptive and detailed the scenes were. It really helped visualize the scenarios and it was easy to read. I really was hopeful that I would have enjoyed it, but sadly, it was still lacking this emotional depth and creativity with that added zing that would have made it something worth my while. 🤷🏻♀️
“That’s what fake boyfriends are for, right?”
It’s not sentimental or endearing or uplifting, but it calms him. Maybe, for once, I said the right thing after all.
“Guess I picked a good one, then.” He returns to the counter with a certain glimmer in his warm brown eyes—maybe sadness, maybe hope.
“The very best,” I reply, and let myself believe that it’s the latter.”
With such a cute and colorful cover, I can't believe how not so cute and colorful Caught in a Bad Fauxmance turned out to be. If nothing else, it further asserted my belief that the fake dating trope just isn't for me. 😞
“But there’s a reason we never stooped to their level. We always wanted to win on our own, to show them that we don’t need lies and tricks to come in first.
We always played it safe and paid the price.”
Right from the beginning, I just knew in my heart's core that this wasn't going to work for me. For starters, the writing was very peppy - very chatty and just had this bounce to it, that I wasn't quite vibing with. The beginning was very reminiscent of Cheaper by the Dozen 2, how there are two families sworn to hatred - enmity fueled by their parents, who encouraged their kids to carry out all kinds of pranks to upset the other. 😑 Which now culminates in this final hurrah of a winter games at their holiday spot, where they're determined more than ever to win - when so much more is at stake than just winning fair and square. But, when I learned the cause behind said enmity, it made me so upset! I couldn't believe anyone would even tolerate being in anyone's vicinity if they had ever done such a thing! 😡
And the fact that this is a romcom kind of story, where all will be forgiven - I don't think it justifies years of pain and mental anguish - it seemed a little unbelievable to me. And then, add to that, the petty rivalry - almost childish ways in which both families make a habit out of it - a ritual of targeting one another - encouraged by the parents, too! Argh, that cocky attitude that they've had to endure for years, just doesn't warrant forgiveness for me so quickly and suddenly! 🤦🏻♀️ I'm surprised it went on for as long as it did, even more surprised that the children - well into college now, still felt it needed to continue said tradition. I mean, grow up! 😮💨
“Someone who hasn’t found their way yet either. Someone who’s as afraid of the city and the prospect of failing as I am. Someone to conquer that fear with.
And the universe gave me Julian.
The universe has a terrible sense of humor.”
So, you can see that I was already feeling the approaching sting of displeasure - but, I trudged on, hoping the chemistry between Devin and Julian would make up for it. Devin was alright, I guess. He was going through a lot, trying to find his place in life, still trying to appease his twin sister's demands - he certainly doesn't need the attraction or attention from longtime rival, 'Julian Seo-Cooke, a boy without a favorite color or movie, is the type of artist I’ve always wished I could be.' Perhaps it could have benefited from it being a dual POV, because Julian never really became his own - he was just there; it's also something that I think dampened my enjoyment of it, as well. 🙁
And yet, the whole reason behind their fake dating was so contrived, so forced - flimsy, at best, that I couldn't get behind it. I would have actually believed that the only reason it was brought up was because either of them actually had existing feelings for each other, prior to this moment. It's not that I was bored, their dynamic just lacked any flavor - no heat, no chemistry - every instance was very predictable, at best. The romance was just - not boring, but banal - without any zest to it, to make it an appealing one.🙎🏻♀️ I couldn't even draw up a suitable reason for why either of them would be attracted to each other in the first place! 🤷🏻♀️
It did have a couple of cute moments here and there, where they trade secrets, share moments of grief and exchange frustrated feelings over their futures, but their romance and their eventual fall-out and their relationship - it had no spark to it - even the 'villain' wasn't really a villain, at all! It was almost comical at how he was added to the story - all the conflicts that occurred - oh gosh, I'm going to sound like such a villain saying it, but it was all so silly to me. 😩 It just wasn't resonating with me, and that it's a clear indication that this is going to be a disappointment. 😩
“You know how when you’re a kid you don’t like broccoli, and then you spend your whole adult life thinking that you hate it, even though you haven’t had it in years?” he says after a moment of pause.
“I’ve always liked broccoli.”
“It’s a metaphor. Work with me here.”
I gesture for him to continue.
“I think you’re my broccoli.”
As it is a debut, I do feel bad that I'm being so harsh; but I can see that there is a positive energy to the author's writing style, so maybe there is some potential to be seen. 👍🏻 They do know their craft and I did appreciate how descriptive and detailed the scenes were. It really helped visualize the scenarios and it was easy to read. I really was hopeful that I would have enjoyed it, but sadly, it was still lacking this emotional depth and creativity with that added zing that would have made it something worth my while. 🤷🏻♀️
December 24, 2023
This will be the book I tell everyone to read in December! It's the kind of romcom I can picture perfectly as a movie, filled with chaos, fun larger-than-life characters, and a romance you will root for. This had the exact right amounts of pure chaos and a lot of heart, and I had the best time reading it. It was exactly what I needed today.
December 27, 2024
too many buzzwords. you should have seen my face when I read the word pookie.
March 14, 2023
i want to write a proper review for this to show my love but all my brain can come up with is BROCCOLI (affectionate). i promise that will make sense once you read it, which you totally should, so go preorder CAUGHT IN A BAD FAUXMANCE to get your daily dose of cute queer idiots to lovers!!
December 25, 2023
4,5*
Ich habe es sehr geliebt. Dieser komische, völlig abstruse Konkurrenzkampf und das fake dating, das nur ungefähr zwei Sekunden lang fake war. 😂 Ich mochte die Charaktere unglaublich gerne. 😍
Ich habe es sehr geliebt. Dieser komische, völlig abstruse Konkurrenzkampf und das fake dating, das nur ungefähr zwei Sekunden lang fake war. 😂 Ich mochte die Charaktere unglaublich gerne. 😍
December 17, 2023
2.5 stars
Thanks for the free book PRH International.
Caught in a Bad Fauxmance is a cute but predictable YA debut, and sadly it was a miss for me.
I enjoyed the blended family aspect, but most of the characters felt 2 dimensional, and I didn't buy the feud between the two main families. The reason the feud started should have been enough for them to never speak again, and not have cutesy annual family competitions to outdo each other for the fun of it. It all felt a bit slapstick with the "pranks" being pulled, the schemes, and the fake dating.
The book had some cute moments but I struggled getting through it. The MC having an infected nose ring for most of the book that got brought up quite a bit didn't help either.
Overall, Fauxmance wasn't the book for me though it did make me laugh a couple of times.
Thanks for the free book PRH International.
Caught in a Bad Fauxmance is a cute but predictable YA debut, and sadly it was a miss for me.
I enjoyed the blended family aspect, but most of the characters felt 2 dimensional, and I didn't buy the feud between the two main families. The reason the feud started should have been enough for them to never speak again, and not have cutesy annual family competitions to outdo each other for the fun of it. It all felt a bit slapstick with the "pranks" being pulled, the schemes, and the fake dating.
The book had some cute moments but I struggled getting through it. The MC having an infected nose ring for most of the book that got brought up quite a bit didn't help either.
Overall, Fauxmance wasn't the book for me though it did make me laugh a couple of times.
March 26, 2024
A trope-y, intense fake-dating rivals-to-lovers romance, lighthearted and easy to devour!
Caught in Bad Fauxmance uses several common traits of rom-coms, some more successfully than others, to deliver a story with a sweet ending carried by the chemistry and cuteness of Devin and Julian together.
There's a band-aid that needs to be ripped which prevents me from giving a 5-star review: the premise of the family rivalry is silly. Grown adults orchestrating childish pranks, the sister organising drill sergeant style training for a funny competition, everyone taking said competition as seriously as if it's the Olympics..not only this goes way beyond suspension of disbelief but every time it was mentioned it made the whole story and the stakes look cheap. This was a very poor choice of a rivalry foundation by the author.
Rivalry aside, the growing relationship of Devin and Julian as they get to know each other beyond their perceptions and prejudices was an adorable ride (despite its unfortunate interruptions by the whole Winter Games plot) while dealing with grief, toxic parental influence and learning to open up.
The story is light and pleasant, a cheerful and sweet read for lovers of the genre!
Caught in Bad Fauxmance uses several common traits of rom-coms, some more successfully than others, to deliver a story with a sweet ending carried by the chemistry and cuteness of Devin and Julian together.
There's a band-aid that needs to be ripped which prevents me from giving a 5-star review: the premise of the family rivalry is silly. Grown adults orchestrating childish pranks, the sister organising drill sergeant style training for a funny competition, everyone taking said competition as seriously as if it's the Olympics..not only this goes way beyond suspension of disbelief but every time it was mentioned it made the whole story and the stakes look cheap. This was a very poor choice of a rivalry foundation by the author.
Rivalry aside, the growing relationship of Devin and Julian as they get to know each other beyond their perceptions and prejudices was an adorable ride (despite its unfortunate interruptions by the whole Winter Games plot) while dealing with grief, toxic parental influence and learning to open up.
The story is light and pleasant, a cheerful and sweet read for lovers of the genre!
December 24, 2023
Okay. This was sooo cute!!! 🥺 The first time in a while where I wanted to stay up until 3am reading! Exactly what I needed!
I don’t think this book is for everyone; after all, it is a “rivals-to-lovers fake-dating” story, and you always need to suspend some disbelief with those. Devin and Julian’s reasons to fake date were kinda silly (I mean, asking your rival to pretend to be your bf so your ex leaves you alone? we’ve seen that a million times); and the families’ rivalry, while very much granted (I don’t think I’d ever forgive Mr. Cooke, tbh!), might also be a bit too much for some readers. But I absolutely ate it up!!! 🤧
Devin was a really great MC. He was silly and clumsy, which was very amusing, and he was also very funny. I also liked reading about his internal struggles. When he talked about how he felt about losing his mum I actually teared up! And his relationship with his sister Maya, and them drifting apart and coming back together was just so nice to read about. I also liked seeing his university plans, and how much he struggled, since he didn’t feel like he was good enough. Devin just felt like a very well-rounded and real character, and I really liked him.
Julian was a great LI!!! It was interesting to see everything he was going through: his parents’ divorce, wanting to stand up to his father and tell him he doesn’t want to go to uni, finding out his father stole Mr. Báez’s idea and that’s why the feud began, and, obviously, falling for Devin. I think I would’ve liked to have Julian’s POV, so we could see more of his internal struggles. My favourite thing about Julian, though, was the fact that he was soooooo sweet and caring!!! I just LOVE kind LIs, and Julian is truly adorable. Him showing a song by his favourite band to Devin bc it reminds Julian of him was so….!!!!!! 😳 And Julian being flustered when he asked if Devin wanted to go to a concert with him!!! 🤧 And when Julian baked a tres leches cake after Devin told him how hard Christmases are for him???!??!?!?! OH I WAS E-M-O-T-I-O-N-A-L !!!!!!! 😭💕 Julian was super precious!
Devin and Julian’s relationship was just so sweet! From the very beginning, their banter was the best! They were both cautious around each other, but they still had so much chemistry! And then we see them starting to enjoy their time together, and getting closer, and having their little inside jokes (like the whole “That’s what fake boyfriends are for” and Julian’s “selective hearing”), and thennnnn they start opening up to each other, and it was SO CUTE!!! 😭😭😭 I felt butterflies, y’all. I’m genuinely sad there wasn’t an epilogue, bc I wanted to see more of them! I also liked this approach to the fake-dating trope, where they’re not really “forced” to do much (other than spend time together) which made their connection feel much more natural! Honestly, the only thing I would’ve really changed about the romance would be the 3rd act breakup, especially since it was due to a miscommunication/misunderstanding, which SUCKS, because Devin and Julian were SO GOOD the entire book, communicating openly and apologizing sincerely! But regardless: they were still super sweet.
The SCs were also very nice. I liked the Báezes’ family dynamic, and I REALLY loved how Isabel took up the place of stepmum! I actually teared up in the end when she chose to put an old photo of the Báez family (with Devin’s mum) instead of a current photo of the family (with Isabel and Andy) in the Wall of Champions, saying they could put an updated photo next year. 🥹 I also really liked Maya! Despite being just a SC, she felt soooo well rounded! Her struggles felt so real, and I loved her and Devin’s dynamic! Their conversation near the end was so so SO sweet, and I really appreciate the author for including this type of sibling relationship. Devin’s father was also very nice, and I teared up AGAIN when he talked to Devin about how losing their lake house didn’t mean they’d lose their memories of Devin’s mum. Andy, the stepbrother, and Julian’s family were also good SCs. Overall, I just think the author did a good job with the characters!
The main storyline (other than the fake-dating) was regarding the families’ feud and the Winter Games. There weren’t that many pranks, and the Games only really start near the end, and don’t take up that much time, so if you’re mostly looking forward to that, maybe this isn’t the book for you; the main focus is definitely the romance and the family relationships. And I REALLY appreciate that, because I was here for that hehehe. Regardless, I think the non-romance aspects of the story took up just enough time in the story! Even though it wasn’t much, it still felt very balanced to me.
So, to sum things up: this book made me tear up 3 times (4, if we count the acknowledgements – yes, I teared up reading the acknowledgements), I felt butterflies bc the romance was super sweet, and I really loved the family dynamics! Definitely give this a go, if you enjoy silly little rom-coms! 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
(review written on 24/12/23)
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(07/04/2023)
this sounds corny as hell 🙄
with that said.......
cant wait to read it 🤭
I don’t think this book is for everyone; after all, it is a “rivals-to-lovers fake-dating” story, and you always need to suspend some disbelief with those. Devin and Julian’s reasons to fake date were kinda silly (I mean, asking your rival to pretend to be your bf so your ex leaves you alone? we’ve seen that a million times); and the families’ rivalry, while very much granted (I don’t think I’d ever forgive Mr. Cooke, tbh!), might also be a bit too much for some readers. But I absolutely ate it up!!! 🤧
Devin was a really great MC. He was silly and clumsy, which was very amusing, and he was also very funny. I also liked reading about his internal struggles. When he talked about how he felt about losing his mum I actually teared up! And his relationship with his sister Maya, and them drifting apart and coming back together was just so nice to read about. I also liked seeing his university plans, and how much he struggled, since he didn’t feel like he was good enough. Devin just felt like a very well-rounded and real character, and I really liked him.
Julian was a great LI!!! It was interesting to see everything he was going through: his parents’ divorce, wanting to stand up to his father and tell him he doesn’t want to go to uni, finding out his father stole Mr. Báez’s idea and that’s why the feud began, and, obviously, falling for Devin. I think I would’ve liked to have Julian’s POV, so we could see more of his internal struggles. My favourite thing about Julian, though, was the fact that he was soooooo sweet and caring!!! I just LOVE kind LIs, and Julian is truly adorable. Him showing a song by his favourite band to Devin bc it reminds Julian of him was so….!!!!!! 😳 And Julian being flustered when he asked if Devin wanted to go to a concert with him!!! 🤧 And when Julian baked a tres leches cake after Devin told him how hard Christmases are for him???!??!?!?! OH I WAS E-M-O-T-I-O-N-A-L !!!!!!! 😭💕 Julian was super precious!
Devin and Julian’s relationship was just so sweet! From the very beginning, their banter was the best! They were both cautious around each other, but they still had so much chemistry! And then we see them starting to enjoy their time together, and getting closer, and having their little inside jokes (like the whole “That’s what fake boyfriends are for” and Julian’s “selective hearing”), and thennnnn they start opening up to each other, and it was SO CUTE!!! 😭😭😭 I felt butterflies, y’all. I’m genuinely sad there wasn’t an epilogue, bc I wanted to see more of them! I also liked this approach to the fake-dating trope, where they’re not really “forced” to do much (other than spend time together) which made their connection feel much more natural! Honestly, the only thing I would’ve really changed about the romance would be the 3rd act breakup, especially since it was due to a miscommunication/misunderstanding, which SUCKS, because Devin and Julian were SO GOOD the entire book, communicating openly and apologizing sincerely! But regardless: they were still super sweet.
The SCs were also very nice. I liked the Báezes’ family dynamic, and I REALLY loved how Isabel took up the place of stepmum! I actually teared up in the end when she chose to put an old photo of the Báez family (with Devin’s mum) instead of a current photo of the family (with Isabel and Andy) in the Wall of Champions, saying they could put an updated photo next year. 🥹 I also really liked Maya! Despite being just a SC, she felt soooo well rounded! Her struggles felt so real, and I loved her and Devin’s dynamic! Their conversation near the end was so so SO sweet, and I really appreciate the author for including this type of sibling relationship. Devin’s father was also very nice, and I teared up AGAIN when he talked to Devin about how losing their lake house didn’t mean they’d lose their memories of Devin’s mum. Andy, the stepbrother, and Julian’s family were also good SCs. Overall, I just think the author did a good job with the characters!
The main storyline (other than the fake-dating) was regarding the families’ feud and the Winter Games. There weren’t that many pranks, and the Games only really start near the end, and don’t take up that much time, so if you’re mostly looking forward to that, maybe this isn’t the book for you; the main focus is definitely the romance and the family relationships. And I REALLY appreciate that, because I was here for that hehehe. Regardless, I think the non-romance aspects of the story took up just enough time in the story! Even though it wasn’t much, it still felt very balanced to me.
So, to sum things up: this book made me tear up 3 times (4, if we count the acknowledgements – yes, I teared up reading the acknowledgements), I felt butterflies bc the romance was super sweet, and I really loved the family dynamics! Definitely give this a go, if you enjoy silly little rom-coms! 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
(review written on 24/12/23)
---------
(07/04/2023)
this sounds corny as hell 🙄
with that said.......
cant wait to read it 🤭
March 12, 2024
2024 reads: 57/250
2024 tbr: 30/120
devin baez is looking forward to a relaxing winter break at lake andreas, even though it may be his last. his family has made a bet with the seo-cookes, their longtime rivals, that whichever family wins the winter games gets to keep the baezes’ lake house. when julian seo-cooke offers a fake dating scheme to get back at an ex, devin reluctantly takes it, figuring he can at least gain insider information into how the seo-cookes win every year. what he’s not expecting is to fall for julian, despite their history.
this was such a fun book! i liked reading about all the pranks the baezes and seo-cookes have pulled on each other over the years, though they did get progressively cruel. i’m a sucker for rivals-to-lovers AND fake dating, so you know i adored the relationship between devin and julian. overall, i thought this was a great debut, and i can’t wait to read more from the author.
2024 tbr: 30/120
devin baez is looking forward to a relaxing winter break at lake andreas, even though it may be his last. his family has made a bet with the seo-cookes, their longtime rivals, that whichever family wins the winter games gets to keep the baezes’ lake house. when julian seo-cooke offers a fake dating scheme to get back at an ex, devin reluctantly takes it, figuring he can at least gain insider information into how the seo-cookes win every year. what he’s not expecting is to fall for julian, despite their history.
this was such a fun book! i liked reading about all the pranks the baezes and seo-cookes have pulled on each other over the years, though they did get progressively cruel. i’m a sucker for rivals-to-lovers AND fake dating, so you know i adored the relationship between devin and julian. overall, i thought this was a great debut, and i can’t wait to read more from the author.
January 13, 2024
2.5
What could have been the components of a nicely characterized rom-com is overloaded with an inexplicably odd and unconvincing plot. It's a summer lake vacation—meets—summer camp rivalry-type story except that it takes place over the Christmas holidays (without that being leveraged in any significant way) and the rivalry is between families—and involves a neighborhood-wide company picnic-style games competition for New Years...? I could ride along with all that, despite it not being terribly compelling to me personally as a setting or plot dynamic, but then the reason for the rivalry is so preposterously high stakes yet treated as justification for a decade of trading pranks, that I couldn't believe anything the characters did. And the impetus for the fake dating/fauxmance was such an inherently avoidable circumstance in the narrative that it undermined the whole premise.
Just not for me, clearly.
[Also, did not enjoy the audiobook. I've appreciated previous narrations by Avi Roque, but I don't know what was up with the direction for this one. It was like every comma was read as a period, phrasing everything that followed like the start of a new sentence. I was consistently confused about which phrases and clauses were about the same thing or said by the same person. Very odd.]
What could have been the components of a nicely characterized rom-com is overloaded with an inexplicably odd and unconvincing plot. It's a summer lake vacation—meets—summer camp rivalry-type story except that it takes place over the Christmas holidays (without that being leveraged in any significant way) and the rivalry is between families—and involves a neighborhood-wide company picnic-style games competition for New Years...? I could ride along with all that, despite it not being terribly compelling to me personally as a setting or plot dynamic, but then the reason for the rivalry is so preposterously high stakes yet treated as justification for a decade of trading pranks, that I couldn't believe anything the characters did. And the impetus for the fake dating/fauxmance was such an inherently avoidable circumstance in the narrative that it undermined the whole premise.
Just not for me, clearly.
[Also, did not enjoy the audiobook. I've appreciated previous narrations by Avi Roque, but I don't know what was up with the direction for this one. It was like every comma was read as a period, phrasing everything that followed like the start of a new sentence. I was consistently confused about which phrases and clauses were about the same thing or said by the same person. Very odd.]
December 18, 2023
4.5 Stars! This was an incredibly adorable rival families to lovers queer YA love story set in a Florida vacation town!
Full review to come, but if you're looking for a sweet and warm holiday romance, then you need to get this book on your radar right now!!!
Full review to come, but if you're looking for a sweet and warm holiday romance, then you need to get this book on your radar right now!!!
August 4, 2023
Such a sweet, funny, hysterical, charming book. Elle’s writing sucks you in from the very first chapter and I truly couldn’t recommend this book enough!!
February 20, 2024
cute cute cute.
ya romance has been killing it lately. the characters are written so much better thank GOD. reading this was so pleasant and fun. a fun little enemies to lovers/fake dating? sign me tf up.
caught in a bad fauxmance will have you singing bad romance by lady gaga on a loop in your head right to the end. it does nothing to reference it nor does it give off bad romance vibes but I absolutely had it floating around my brain for the two days it took me to read this.
I thought that this was really cute and light. it would typically feel like a fun summer read but this actually takes place around Christmas which is confusing in Canadian (iykyk). I thought the end tied the entire book together very nicely and it was just a low(ish) stakes contemporary with all kinds of communication (which we love in ya).
loved it!
ya romance has been killing it lately. the characters are written so much better thank GOD. reading this was so pleasant and fun. a fun little enemies to lovers/fake dating? sign me tf up.
caught in a bad fauxmance will have you singing bad romance by lady gaga on a loop in your head right to the end. it does nothing to reference it nor does it give off bad romance vibes but I absolutely had it floating around my brain for the two days it took me to read this.
I thought that this was really cute and light. it would typically feel like a fun summer read but this actually takes place around Christmas which is confusing in Canadian (iykyk). I thought the end tied the entire book together very nicely and it was just a low(ish) stakes contemporary with all kinds of communication (which we love in ya).
loved it!
January 29, 2025
4.5
Zabawna i lekka, akurat na odpoczynek i coś na oderwanie się od codzienności. Urocza książka!
Zabawna i lekka, akurat na odpoczynek i coś na oderwanie się od codzienności. Urocza książka!
July 23, 2025
*reread in July 2025 and this was just as sweet! I loved Avi Roque’s narration. They are wonderful!!*
I loved this book. I am so incredibly happy it was my least read for 2024. This is truly the year I was healed by young adult lit, and I’m so grateful for this experience. As a woman in her mid thirties, you don’t think YA/New Adult would hit this hard. But damn it - it does every single time.
I loved the zany premise of these feuding families. Set against a winter break, fake dating between Julian and Devin sets their families on edge while pranks are played. Devin is supposed to be spying on Julian and falls in love instead. By the time they kissed I had big fat tears in my eyes. The betrayal after that had me crying in disbelief… and then the grand gesture at the end had me crying happy tears. This book was just what I needed today.
I would 100% recommend it.
I loved this book. I am so incredibly happy it was my least read for 2024. This is truly the year I was healed by young adult lit, and I’m so grateful for this experience. As a woman in her mid thirties, you don’t think YA/New Adult would hit this hard. But damn it - it does every single time.
I loved the zany premise of these feuding families. Set against a winter break, fake dating between Julian and Devin sets their families on edge while pranks are played. Devin is supposed to be spying on Julian and falls in love instead. By the time they kissed I had big fat tears in my eyes. The betrayal after that had me crying in disbelief… and then the grand gesture at the end had me crying happy tears. This book was just what I needed today.
I would 100% recommend it.
December 7, 2023
I could complain about the slipshod plotting, wonky stakes, sloppy prose, or bizarre characterizations, but I’m petty so I’m mostly just mad that the main character described Titus Andronicus as “boring,” something that I assume means that the author Googled obscure Shakespeare plays and has not actually read Titus Andronicus. Because c’mon. Dude bakes people into pies!
March 23, 2022
I had the honor of reading an early draft of this book and want to say that I have never read something so flawlessly and naturally hilarious. This book truly, genuinely, absolutely put the COM in Rom-com.
December 11, 2023
I will always be here for a queer YA contemporary romcom! Then you add in fake dating and rivals to lovers and my brain actually explodes. This isn’t me writing, it’s a simulation. 🤪
I knew I was going to love this from the moment I heard the title, because I’m a fan of Gaga and it’s the best play on words that also tells you what the book is about. Then you add in the cover art, which is PERFECT!!! And my true happiness awaits between these pages.
Devin Baez and his family haven’t been back to their cabin in 4 years. After the loss of their mom and their dwindling finances, they couldn’t afford the upkeep. But this holiday season, they’ll be fixing the place up so they can put it on the market.
Hoping for a peaceful vacation is a little too much to ask though, because their mortal enemies, the Seo-Cooke’s, are still living next door. Not only did the father steal Mr. Baez’ idea and manufacture it, but they became filthy rich because of it. Since then, they’ve had a rivalry between the families that just doesn’t quit. Especially when they seem to somehow always magically win at the lake’s yearly Winter Games.
When Julian Seo-Cooke, who has gotten REALLY hot in the last 4 years btw, asks Devin to pretend to be boyfriends to make his ex jealous, it becomes the perfect chance to find out if they’ve been cheating, as well as to get back at them, but in a much sneakier way.
But we allllllll know what happens when fake dating occurs… real emotions come in to play. That’s exactly what I’m here for though!!! I love the moment that they realize that the feelings have been real and they actually want to be together. This had star-crossed lovers vibe that I was really into. Add that onto the list of tropes! 😍
I knew I was going to love this from the moment I heard the title, because I’m a fan of Gaga and it’s the best play on words that also tells you what the book is about. Then you add in the cover art, which is PERFECT!!! And my true happiness awaits between these pages.
Devin Baez and his family haven’t been back to their cabin in 4 years. After the loss of their mom and their dwindling finances, they couldn’t afford the upkeep. But this holiday season, they’ll be fixing the place up so they can put it on the market.
Hoping for a peaceful vacation is a little too much to ask though, because their mortal enemies, the Seo-Cooke’s, are still living next door. Not only did the father steal Mr. Baez’ idea and manufacture it, but they became filthy rich because of it. Since then, they’ve had a rivalry between the families that just doesn’t quit. Especially when they seem to somehow always magically win at the lake’s yearly Winter Games.
When Julian Seo-Cooke, who has gotten REALLY hot in the last 4 years btw, asks Devin to pretend to be boyfriends to make his ex jealous, it becomes the perfect chance to find out if they’ve been cheating, as well as to get back at them, but in a much sneakier way.
But we allllllll know what happens when fake dating occurs… real emotions come in to play. That’s exactly what I’m here for though!!! I love the moment that they realize that the feelings have been real and they actually want to be together. This had star-crossed lovers vibe that I was really into. Add that onto the list of tropes! 😍
December 12, 2023
Immediate 5 stars!! I read this book in one day, whenever I had a spare moment. The plot is engaging, all the characters are lovable, and you can't help but root for them from the first page to the last. For a YA contemporary romance, this actually one of my favorite endings ever; everything was wrapped up nicely, and I was satisfied about even the smallest details. And if you're a sucker for fake dating like I am, you'll especially love this book.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves fake dating or a sweet romance. There's no spice, so any age can enjoy this book. I'll definitely be checking out other books by this author!
I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves fake dating or a sweet romance. There's no spice, so any age can enjoy this book. I'll definitely be checking out other books by this author!
January 4, 2024
3.5 rounded up.
A fun fake dating winter vacation romance between two teen boys from rival families. I enjoyed this one, it was entertaining even if the actual romance lacked a bit of the sparks I was hoping for. There was emotional depth, miscommunication, tons of pranks and lots of vacation vibes. Good on audio too. Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review. I'm excited to read more from this debut author!
A fun fake dating winter vacation romance between two teen boys from rival families. I enjoyed this one, it was entertaining even if the actual romance lacked a bit of the sparks I was hoping for. There was emotional depth, miscommunication, tons of pranks and lots of vacation vibes. Good on audio too. Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review. I'm excited to read more from this debut author!
December 16, 2023
4.75 | This was an utter delight - so fun and sweet. The main characters were so charming, and you just couldn’t help but cheer for their inevitable real romance.
The subplot and resolution of the Cooke tech company was maybe a little far-fetched, but that’s such a minor quibble. Would highly recommend this as a lovely YA holiday romance.
The subplot and resolution of the Cooke tech company was maybe a little far-fetched, but that’s such a minor quibble. Would highly recommend this as a lovely YA holiday romance.
December 1, 2024
Kocham Juliana i Mayę.
July 10, 2023
completely delightful!! 🥹💕
January 30, 2024
i want a book about maya!!!
this is SOO FUCKING CUTE OH MY GOD, one of the best sweetest books i’ve read in a while omg
this is SOO FUCKING CUTE OH MY GOD, one of the best sweetest books i’ve read in a while omg
May 12, 2024
felt like a summer book but weirdly took place over winter break….
November 23, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
This was adorable and ridiculous and I loved it. The plot was wild and the characters were wild but I couldn’t help laughing and smiling along. Some parts were sad and tugged at my heart. I really liked how much Devin and Maya seemed to miss their mom but were happy for their day and accepted their new stepmom and stepbrother. They seemed to want to include Isabel and Andy and were happy for their dad finding someone that made him happy.
Julian was so cute and sweet I wanted him to be as good as he seemed. When he made the cake for Devin my eyes were watering. So freaking sweet. Them going to the diner and driving all night had me swooning. I’m glad he and Liam broke up cause Liam seemed like such an ass. I would have tossed him if it were me.
The rivalry was super silly and petty and seemed like it was out of a Disney channel movie. I was expecting the most wild pranks between the families. I thought everything kind of got resolved too easily though. A years long rivalry just ended after 1 conversation? Why didn’t they have that conversation before? None of the hurt would have happened! Also I hate breakups that just get resolved after a chapter or 2, but I digress.
This was a cute and heartfelt debut with plenty of silly and awe filled moments that will have you laughing and crying the whole way. Also the cover art is so cute!
This was adorable and ridiculous and I loved it. The plot was wild and the characters were wild but I couldn’t help laughing and smiling along. Some parts were sad and tugged at my heart. I really liked how much Devin and Maya seemed to miss their mom but were happy for their day and accepted their new stepmom and stepbrother. They seemed to want to include Isabel and Andy and were happy for their dad finding someone that made him happy.
Julian was so cute and sweet I wanted him to be as good as he seemed. When he made the cake for Devin my eyes were watering. So freaking sweet. Them going to the diner and driving all night had me swooning. I’m glad he and Liam broke up cause Liam seemed like such an ass. I would have tossed him if it were me.
The rivalry was super silly and petty and seemed like it was out of a Disney channel movie. I was expecting the most wild pranks between the families. I thought everything kind of got resolved too easily though. A years long rivalry just ended after 1 conversation? Why didn’t they have that conversation before? None of the hurt would have happened! Also I hate breakups that just get resolved after a chapter or 2, but I digress.
This was a cute and heartfelt debut with plenty of silly and awe filled moments that will have you laughing and crying the whole way. Also the cover art is so cute!
November 26, 2023
*4.5
Devin and Julian were really cute. They were so awkward at first I wondered if they were ever going to pull off fake dating. I am obsessed with the fact that they only had to pretend to date like 3 times but they just kept spending time with each other. The way Julian remembered everything Dev told him was adorable. I did however want an epilogue of them in California.
I received an arc through netgalley.
Devin and Julian were really cute. They were so awkward at first I wondered if they were ever going to pull off fake dating. I am obsessed with the fact that they only had to pretend to date like 3 times but they just kept spending time with each other. The way Julian remembered everything Dev told him was adorable. I did however want an epilogue of them in California.
I received an arc through netgalley.
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