Noemi Long knows how to tell a story. As a segment producer for a hit reality show, her job is to shape chaos into compelling television. But when her parents’ anniversary weekend turns into a last-minute couples’ trip, she needs a plus-one—fast.
Enter Wesley Howell. Quiet. Serious. Steady. He’s the editor she barely notices at work until he agrees to play the part of her perfect boyfriend for a weekend at the beach. But Wesley’s not acting. He’s been in love with Noemi from behind the camera for years.
What starts as a favor soon turns into something too real to ignore. Between family dinners, fake cuddles, and long walks by the water, the lines blur. Noemi starts seeing Wesley in a new light—and Wesley? He’s all in.
Now all he has to do is tell her the truth... and hope she feels the same before the credits roll.
“You’re never too much for the right person.” Wesley saw Noemi for who she truly was, behind her masks. However, she didn’t see him…until she did. I love a good fake dating, though I wish I knew why she felt the need to lie about having a bf in the first place. Her parents seemed understanding. I loved the slow realization by Noemi of how Wesley’s love was always present, “in the small consistent moments, not the grand gestures”, allowing her eyes to open & see that he was the one for her. This was a super quick and cute no drama or tension kind of romance.
This was a cute fake dating turned real dating romance novella. It was short and started off right out the gate with the proposition but it also showed that you can't always judge a book by the cover. Sometimes you have to step outside what you deem to be the "norm" or perfect match for you and really look at what is right in front of your face.
Noemi may have missed all the signs at first but when she opened her eyes and truly saw what Wesley was doing she caught on and I am glad she did. They took a little long to finally talk about what his actions presented but I was happy when they finally got there. I also thought it was nice how he used his editing talents at the end (if you read the book you will see what I mean). Overall I thought this was a good read.
Fake it til’ you make it🤭🤷🏾♀️…was absolutely perfection 🤩🥰‼️”This Might Be Reel: A Fake Relationship Novella” was a fantastic read & an ode to attentive, consistent & passionate loves like Noemi & Wes. May you last thru all eternity 🥰🤭‼️Meanwhile, another 70’s classic love ballad which was representative & reminded me of Noemi & Wes’s love journey. Do the dang thang Ms. Natalie Cole: 🎶 “You're my morning star shining, brightly beside me, And if we keep this love, We will last through all eternity… [Pre-Chorus] It's just the way we are, I love it, love it It's just the way it should be [Chorus] 'Cause our love will stand tall as the trees Our love will spread wide as the seas Our love will shine bright in the night like the stars above And we'll always be together, our love”🎶💕 ‼️
This was the perfect summer read. The beach house setting plus Noemi’s wardrobe of brightly colored sundresses were such a vibe. Their fake dating plot was cute. I was rooting for Wesley to tell her that he wasn’t acting. He was so considerate and gentle with Noemi. I was so happy when they opened up to each other. Noemi’s brother provided a dose of comic relief. He reminded me of Issa’s brother Ahmal on Insecure. This story was short, but packed full of love. It was such a satisfying read.
This Might Be Reel was a genuinely sweet and enjoyable read. It didn’t try too hard to be something dramatic or overly complicated, which I appreciated. The story flowed smoothly, and it kept me engaged the whole way through.
I will say I found myself wanting just a bit more detail at times. Still, even with that, it was well executed.
Overall, it’s the kind of book you can pick up on a weekend afternoon and finish with a smile. Not too heavy, not too fluffy. If you’re looking for something light, warm, and enjoyable, this one fits the moment.
Fake dating? Yes Please! She’s in a bind… he offers his help. What may have started out as ‘fake’ soon leads to more… This was such a cute read! I loved Wesley & Noemi…sweet love!. Often times it’s the woman who has the hidden feelings but it was so refreshing to see it be a man. To be finally seen, what an indescribable feeling. Wesley was chosen. Noemi was chosen. This short read packed a good punch with a HEA. “Careful. Safe. Steady.”
3.5; I love fake dating because there’s usually so much tension and I got none. I wish this book was longer, so we could see the dynamic between Wesley and Noemi before he volunteered to fake date her. I also wish we got to see why she felt pressured by her parents to lie about dating. The story overall was a fun, quick read. This was my first book by Nina and I think she can write. I think if the book was longer, it would’ve gotten a higher rating from me.
Wesley doesn’t do grand gestures. He does consistent ones. The kind that stay with you. The kind that make you feel safe.
This love story is the type of love story I desire in my life. Someone who sees you when so many other people do not. I'm more like Wesley. Shy. Observant. Showing affection through acts of service. But I want to be seen like Noemi desires.
This book was such a cute read! It was lighthearted and exactly what I needed as a palate cleanser between heavier stories. The fake dating trope was done really well, the characters were likable, and the pacing kept everything flowing without dragging. I found myself smiling through a lot of it, which is always a win. If you’re looking for something easy, feel-good, and enjoyable that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this is definitely worth the read.
This has to be one of the sweetest and softest romances I’ve ever read. Wesley has been in love with Noemi for years but she never noticed until they fake a relationship when visiting her family. He is so attentive and sweet, the best friend and boyfriend. She finally notices and gets onboard. Love, love this story. It’s pure romance at its best.
So Stinking Cute!! I loved it..all of it. It was just the right length and pace to not string out the obvious ending. Love how they finally saw each other. Beautiful story that included a tight knit loving, supportive, and kind family. ❤️
This might honestly be the best short story I’ve ever read. It had everything romance, compassion, and a MMC who truly saw the heroine for who she was and loved her without trying to change her. 🥹 The coworkers-to-lovers angle was so sweet and natural. Simple, soft, and full of heart just a beautiful read. 💕
This was super quick and fast read. Noemi and Wesley grew to love each other. Even if Wesley knew it all along. It was lovely to see him bond with her family. Her brother was hilarious. I wish we saw a little bit more of Olivia included but I love that her people became his people in the end.
This story was only 56 pages but felt like a full blown novel. Noemi is headed to her parent’s anniversary get together for the weekend and they want her to bring a date. Her coworker, who has been secretly admiring her, offers to be her fake boyfriend. However, his feelings are very much real!
I love the highlight reels of love that were created. It was a beautiful short story.
What a cute story about finding a love that’s been in front of you all along. When you really take the time to see someone, the love you never thought you’d find, found you. I enjoyed this quick read!
This is the perfect short romance. I really loved Wes and Noemi’s entire family. I just wish we could have gotten the freaky details of their first sexual encounter but that could be because I’m a bit of a perv 😂
Been in a reading slump. This was just the right distraction away from the noise to regain focus into my reading and begin again. Loved how tender and sweet this was.
Wow. The best and realest stories always find me. The words housed within these stories, see through me, speak to me, and proclaim the words out loud that I have yet to voice for myself. This story was short but it was just right for me. Very well done.
This was so cute, sweet, fun and easy. It was a fake dating turned real romance and left me wanting more of Wesley and Noemi. If you like fake dating stories or are just in the mood for something short and sweet, this one hit the spot for me.
I’m not crying, you crying. Such a short, sweet love story. Knowing and not knowing if it’s really real. I like the two main characters a lot. No hassle. When you know you know.
I don’t typically read stories less than 100 pages. Very few authors are able to get it right. This was so beautifully written and heartfelt. I absolutely loved it.
I loved this novella! Nina always does it for me but the sheer calm and safety that Wesley exuded as he quietly pursued Noemi was so sweet to witness. It’s amazing how only 50 pages feels like an entire novel but I’m always wanting more!
This was so cute !! I loved Noemi and Wesley’s story. Although this was a short read, Nina a great job tying it altogether and making the story feel completed.
I love Nina High’s novellas. This one isn’t as spicy as some of the others but the love is so pure as the spice is still there but the fall is perfect.