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Loving Her: A YA Sweet Romance
According to the internet, I’m dating Tino Valentine.
According to reality? I’ve rejected him approximately a hundred times.
When a photo of us goes viral and suddenly everyone at school thinks we’re a couple, I do the only reasonable panic.
Tino, on the other hand, sees an opportunity. His plan? Fake date until everyone gets bored.
It should be simple—we’ve got chemistry, he already knows how to flirt with me, and I already know how not to fall for him… right?
But all the hand holding, inside jokes, and way too many heart-eye emojis make the relationship look all too real, and soon, I start to wonder if I made a huge mistake turning him down all those years.
Because pretending to date the boy who never gave up on you? That might be the most dangerous plan of all.
Loving Her is a sweet & wholesome YA romance set at boarding school. Get your copy today!
According to reality? I’ve rejected him approximately a hundred times.
When a photo of us goes viral and suddenly everyone at school thinks we’re a couple, I do the only reasonable panic.
Tino, on the other hand, sees an opportunity. His plan? Fake date until everyone gets bored.
It should be simple—we’ve got chemistry, he already knows how to flirt with me, and I already know how not to fall for him… right?
But all the hand holding, inside jokes, and way too many heart-eye emojis make the relationship look all too real, and soon, I start to wonder if I made a huge mistake turning him down all those years.
Because pretending to date the boy who never gave up on you? That might be the most dangerous plan of all.
Loving Her is a sweet & wholesome YA romance set at boarding school. Get your copy today!
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2026
186 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
Clara Nielsen
22 books291 followersClara Nielsen writes sweet & swoony YA romances set in high school, all about shy girls and the boys who are head-over-heels for them. When she’s not busy writing, you’ll probably find her out on the lake, putting together the perfect playlist, or sipping on a chai latte while daydreaming about her next story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 16, 2026
That was so cuteeee!! I can’t wait for the next one!
February 3, 2026
Loving Her was a super sweet fake dating YA romcom. This was my first book by Clara Nielsen, and I really enjoyed her writing style. It was easy to get into the world and the story. The characters were all super nice and enjoyable. The romance was soft and sweet, and Lilah and Tino's relationship made for the perfect romcom couple!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️
Language: None
Drug/Alcohol Content: Mentions of champagne
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️
Language: None
Drug/Alcohol Content: Mentions of champagne
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 18, 2026
ARC Review: 5 stars! ⭐️ let’s get into it!
This book was SO GOOD and I’ll absolutely be picking up more of her books this is my first book I’ve read in the interconnected series (this is book 3) and it made me want to go and read the other ones (though I think this one might stay my favourite)
If you like YA or want an introduction into YA romance but don’t know where to start, I think this is the perfect book (or series) to start with! The pacing was perfect though I wish the timeframe was longer but it worked very well
The book follows Michael Valentine (Tino) & Lilah Turner their chemistry was really great once they were together once she gave him a chance (reluctantly at first as they’re in a fake dating situation)
It was unique to see this type of dynamic where he already liked her but got to know her more through their fake relationship and fell harder even if it would hurt him to lose her in the process when their arrangement ended just because it gave him a chance to be with her - he yearned trying to get her attention on him for 3 or so years
Such a cute story - a must read 🙌
Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC
Quotes:
"And for the record, I would have also planned it in a way that didn't involve me hitting you in the face with a door, that just feels like an important thing for you to know."
"Of course you are, you idiot," I muttered, but I avoided his gaze. Did he not consider himself my friend? Or did he just think that because I always turned down his advances that I wouldn't consider him one?
“Relax, We'll figure it out."
“You sound awfully calm for someone about to sleep two feet away from me."
"What, you've never shared a bed before?"
"Not with you! You're like six feet tall! You take up space!"
This book was SO GOOD and I’ll absolutely be picking up more of her books this is my first book I’ve read in the interconnected series (this is book 3) and it made me want to go and read the other ones (though I think this one might stay my favourite)
If you like YA or want an introduction into YA romance but don’t know where to start, I think this is the perfect book (or series) to start with! The pacing was perfect though I wish the timeframe was longer but it worked very well
The book follows Michael Valentine (Tino) & Lilah Turner their chemistry was really great once they were together once she gave him a chance (reluctantly at first as they’re in a fake dating situation)
It was unique to see this type of dynamic where he already liked her but got to know her more through their fake relationship and fell harder even if it would hurt him to lose her in the process when their arrangement ended just because it gave him a chance to be with her - he yearned trying to get her attention on him for 3 or so years
Such a cute story - a must read 🙌
Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC
Quotes:
"And for the record, I would have also planned it in a way that didn't involve me hitting you in the face with a door, that just feels like an important thing for you to know."
"Of course you are, you idiot," I muttered, but I avoided his gaze. Did he not consider himself my friend? Or did he just think that because I always turned down his advances that I wouldn't consider him one?
“Relax, We'll figure it out."
“You sound awfully calm for someone about to sleep two feet away from me."
"What, you've never shared a bed before?"
"Not with you! You're like six feet tall! You take up space!"
January 21, 2026
I’m grateful to Book Sirens and Clara Nielsen for the advanced reader copy. This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.
Talk about the perfect slow-burn YA rom-com! Lilah and Tino are genuinely authentic and likable protagonists, who just happen to have famous siblings. This is the strongest younger YA fake-dating novel I’ve read to date, and as a high school librarian, I would happily place it in the hands of a young reader. Told through dual perspectives, Tino’s open-hearted narration is especially endearing. Fans of Lynn Painter and K.L. Walther will feel right at home with this book.
Talk about the perfect slow-burn YA rom-com! Lilah and Tino are genuinely authentic and likable protagonists, who just happen to have famous siblings. This is the strongest younger YA fake-dating novel I’ve read to date, and as a high school librarian, I would happily place it in the hands of a young reader. Told through dual perspectives, Tino’s open-hearted narration is especially endearing. Fans of Lynn Painter and K.L. Walther will feel right at home with this book.
February 12, 2026
This book was so cute I love Clara‘s books so much she is definitely one of my favorite authors. I thought this whole series was so cute so I am so excited for book four.💗
February 1, 2026
Overall this was a cute, fun book and a good addition to the series. I really enjoyed it.
February 17, 2026
Loving Her is the third exciting book in the Hartwell Academy series. This YA fiction, set in a boarding school, is a delightful example of how teens struggle with their emotions, expectations, and fears.
Tino Valentine has asked Lilah out so many times, it’s become a running joke. As the younger siblings of famous boy-band brothers, everyone ships them as the perfect couple. Which Lilah resents. Still, they remain friends and enjoy a common friend group.
When a viral photo of them together forces them to fake date, Lilah begins to lower her guard and see the boy who would do anything for her.
I loved the sweet persistence of Tino. He pursues her in a way that doesn’t make her feel unsafe. Lilah’s resistance fades and their fake relationship becomes real.
YA stories like this remind me how difficult the teen years were. This story, like others by Clara Nielsen, will stir your heart and even bring a few laughs.
Read the full Hartwell Academy series as well as her other YA series. I’ve read them all and none of them will disappoint.
I received an ARC copy and my opinion is freely given. I have also purchased a copy as is my personal policy.
Tino Valentine has asked Lilah out so many times, it’s become a running joke. As the younger siblings of famous boy-band brothers, everyone ships them as the perfect couple. Which Lilah resents. Still, they remain friends and enjoy a common friend group.
When a viral photo of them together forces them to fake date, Lilah begins to lower her guard and see the boy who would do anything for her.
I loved the sweet persistence of Tino. He pursues her in a way that doesn’t make her feel unsafe. Lilah’s resistance fades and their fake relationship becomes real.
YA stories like this remind me how difficult the teen years were. This story, like others by Clara Nielsen, will stir your heart and even bring a few laughs.
Read the full Hartwell Academy series as well as her other YA series. I’ve read them all and none of them will disappoint.
I received an ARC copy and my opinion is freely given. I have also purchased a copy as is my personal policy.
January 11, 2026
MY SHAYLAS. Despite how long this took to come out, IT WAS WELL WORTH THE WAIT. I literally love Lilah and Tino so much and I think this might be second place. Yes, through the dark is still #1 in my heart. I LOVE THIS SERIES SM.
I am so excited for the next book it’s not even funny like-
MAKO AND ELODIE HERE WE COME AHHH
I am so excited for the next book it’s not even funny like-
MAKO AND ELODIE HERE WE COME AHHH
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2026
This book was so good ✨I literally finished it in one sitting. Not only is the book in a series, but it’s intertwined with another series which makes all the connections even better because you can see every perspective. Utter perfection 💅✨
January 21, 2026
How can I describe this book other than.. sweet. This is a sweet and cute romance, classic fake dating trope and it’s just such a nice read. I love everything Clara writes and this is no exception. If you like a short little YA love story, this is for you !
February 5, 2026
Loving her
Oooh alweer het derde deel van de serie en ik blijf er blij van worden! Het zijn zulke leuke boeken, spice vrij en altijd een mooi verhaal. Ik las dit deel als arc en daar ben ik heel blij om! Het boek zit heerlijk in elkaar, heeft een fijne opbouw en tempo. De personages zijn fijn beschreven en hebben een soort grumpy x sunshine vibe waarbij zij de meer grumpy is. Het is ook een fake dating wat ik helemaal bij hun vond passen!
Mijn favoriet scènes was toch wel hun samen in het huis bij haar broer. Het is ook erg fijn om nog te lezen over de personages uit de vorige boeken. Ze blijven natuurlijk allemaal een grote vriendengroep. Ik heb erg genoten van dit boek!
According to the internet, I’m dating Tino Valentine. According to reality? I’ve rejected him approximately a hundred times. So when a photo of us goes viral and suddenly everyone at school thinks we’re a couple, I do the only reasonable thing: panic. Tino, on the other hand, sees an opportunity. His plan? Fake date until everyone gets bored. It should be simple—we’ve got chemistry, he already knows how to flirt with me, and I already know how not to fall for him… right? But all the hand holding, inside jokes, and way too many heart-eye emojis make the relationship look all too real, and soon, I start to wonder if I made a huge mistake turning him down all those years. Because pretending to date the boy who never gave up on you? That might be the most dangerous plan of all.
Ooh, already the third book in the series, and it keeps making me happy! They're such lovely books, spice-free, and always a great story. I read this one as an arc, and I'm so glad I did! The book is beautifully written, has a great buildup and pace. The characters are well-written and have a kind of grumpy-sunshine vibe, with her being the grumpier one. It's also a fake date, which I thought perfectly suited them!
My favorite scene was definitely the two of them at her brother's house. It's also really nice to read about the characters from the previous books. Of course, they all remain a big group of friends. I really enjoyed this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ sterren
#lezenisontspanning #neverstopreading #spreadthebooklove #reading #bookstagramreadsfebruary
Oooh alweer het derde deel van de serie en ik blijf er blij van worden! Het zijn zulke leuke boeken, spice vrij en altijd een mooi verhaal. Ik las dit deel als arc en daar ben ik heel blij om! Het boek zit heerlijk in elkaar, heeft een fijne opbouw en tempo. De personages zijn fijn beschreven en hebben een soort grumpy x sunshine vibe waarbij zij de meer grumpy is. Het is ook een fake dating wat ik helemaal bij hun vond passen!
Mijn favoriet scènes was toch wel hun samen in het huis bij haar broer. Het is ook erg fijn om nog te lezen over de personages uit de vorige boeken. Ze blijven natuurlijk allemaal een grote vriendengroep. Ik heb erg genoten van dit boek!
According to the internet, I’m dating Tino Valentine. According to reality? I’ve rejected him approximately a hundred times. So when a photo of us goes viral and suddenly everyone at school thinks we’re a couple, I do the only reasonable thing: panic. Tino, on the other hand, sees an opportunity. His plan? Fake date until everyone gets bored. It should be simple—we’ve got chemistry, he already knows how to flirt with me, and I already know how not to fall for him… right? But all the hand holding, inside jokes, and way too many heart-eye emojis make the relationship look all too real, and soon, I start to wonder if I made a huge mistake turning him down all those years. Because pretending to date the boy who never gave up on you? That might be the most dangerous plan of all.
Ooh, already the third book in the series, and it keeps making me happy! They're such lovely books, spice-free, and always a great story. I read this one as an arc, and I'm so glad I did! The book is beautifully written, has a great buildup and pace. The characters are well-written and have a kind of grumpy-sunshine vibe, with her being the grumpier one. It's also a fake date, which I thought perfectly suited them!
My favorite scene was definitely the two of them at her brother's house. It's also really nice to read about the characters from the previous books. Of course, they all remain a big group of friends. I really enjoyed this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ sterren
#lezenisontspanning #neverstopreading #spreadthebooklove #reading #bookstagramreadsfebruary
Read
January 31, 2026⭐⭐⭐ The only reason for 3 stars is that Tino was actually a golden retriever. He was sweet, kind and caring. He wanted Lilah for 3 years, she was his one and only. No fooling around with other girls, no OWD, no cheating. His full focus was on Lilah, even though there is nothing to like about Lilah, or the book in general. I find it boring and dragging. But I did like the cover of the book, they actually look cute.
This book needs some editing. First she is running with her brother Luca to hide from fangirls, then she runs into a door and Luca just disappears. All the characters are so childish, not sure how old they are supposed to be.
Tino is an ice-hockey player, but there has been not one scene were he is actually playing. Nothing. This whole book is shallow and there isn't much of a plot.
Then the writing, childish as hell:
He would always what? And his name is Michael but his nickname is Tino? Why?!
You’re not sure but it is obvious?
There is literally no reason why Lilah would reject Tino. None whatsoever. They weren't enemies, they werent rivals, they had some weird friendship going on, that meant Tino being sweet and adorable and Lilah rejecting him for no reason at all.
This whole plot made no sense. Tino was actually the sweetest golden retriever you will ever encounter. Lilah is just being difficult. Tino was so badly in love with her and Lilah just was not. Along the way she became more accepting of him untill she fell too. But there was not much to like about her anyway.
Then the names, Poppy, Saylor, Bear, Crossy, Mako, Asa. What in the world?!? 🤡 Her brother’s name is Luca but his stage name is Jude? Why is Jude any better than Luca?
This book needs some editing. First she is running with her brother Luca to hide from fangirls, then she runs into a door and Luca just disappears. All the characters are so childish, not sure how old they are supposed to be.
Tino is an ice-hockey player, but there has been not one scene were he is actually playing. Nothing. This whole book is shallow and there isn't much of a plot.
Then the writing, childish as hell:
Despite what others may tell you, I didn’t hate Michael Valentine. Most of the time, I didn’t even mind being around him. He would always me out, I would turn him down, we’d make fun of each other relentlessly, and then I would complain about him to my friends.
He would always what? And his name is Michael but his nickname is Tino? Why?!
“Want some help?” I asked. I wasn’t sure which one in particular she was reaching for but it was obvious she was aiming for the second highest shelf, which was just out of her reach.
You’re not sure but it is obvious?
There is literally no reason why Lilah would reject Tino. None whatsoever. They weren't enemies, they werent rivals, they had some weird friendship going on, that meant Tino being sweet and adorable and Lilah rejecting him for no reason at all.
This whole plot made no sense. Tino was actually the sweetest golden retriever you will ever encounter. Lilah is just being difficult. Tino was so badly in love with her and Lilah just was not. Along the way she became more accepting of him untill she fell too. But there was not much to like about her anyway.
Then the names, Poppy, Saylor, Bear, Crossy, Mako, Asa. What in the world?!? 🤡 Her brother’s name is Luca but his stage name is Jude? Why is Jude any better than Luca?
March 25, 2026
The second last in this series and i seriously almost screamed when i reached the epilogue because Mako is getting his story and I'm so excited! Sorry I'm off topic, as i expected i loved Tino from the beginning i knew he was my favorite because he is funny, kind, and just has an incredible persona, has big heart behind his laughs and friends that tease him so much i started to feel bad for him. Just like all the other books in this series i could literally FEEL his love for Lilah through the screen [and yes I'm not a physical reader] I almost wanted to slap Tino for being a distant when they made out and Luca Jude interrupted them and also Lilah i seriously. I wanted to slap her so bad! But it worked out in the end. AND ALSO I MET TAKE 5!!!!!!! AND THE WHOLE CREW THIS TIME!!!!!! If you knew me you'd know I'm completely OBSEESED with Take 5! And i got to meet Luca Jude Turner [and yes i know his full name] because just like Grace he is my favorite Take 5 member. But anyways I'm sorry this turned into a Take 5 rant. Anyways i love the boys and so excited for Mako's story. Anywho... Tino and Lilah FOREVERRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!
February 9, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Loving Her by Clara Nielsen is a warm, feel-good romance that’s easy to enjoy. The story has a lot of heart, and the relationship at its center is genuinely sweet, and those who know me know how much I love a good fake dating trope! There are plenty of cute moments and emotional beats that make it a comforting, cozy read.
That said, the book could really benefit from a bit more editing. Some scenes feel rushed or slightly repetitive, and a few transitions between moments aren’t as smooth as they could be. Polishing the pacing would have helped the story flow more naturally and made the emotional moments land even stronger.
Overall, this is a lovely romance with strong potential. With a little more refinement, it could truly shine, but as it stands, it’s still a really enjoyable read that delivers warmth and sincerity.
That said, the book could really benefit from a bit more editing. Some scenes feel rushed or slightly repetitive, and a few transitions between moments aren’t as smooth as they could be. Polishing the pacing would have helped the story flow more naturally and made the emotional moments land even stronger.
Overall, this is a lovely romance with strong potential. With a little more refinement, it could truly shine, but as it stands, it’s still a really enjoyable read that delivers warmth and sincerity.
Read
March 23, 2026viral rumours + fake dating + boy obsessed for YEARS = disaster (the best kind)
Last name Valentine - yeah… he’s that boy.
The one who never moved on, never stopped choosing her, and somehow turns a fake relationship into something that feels a little too real 🫠
And the tension??
All the small moments - hand holding, teasing, inside jokes - build up in a way that makes you go oh no… she’s falling. i’m falling. we’re all falling.
✦ “we’re just pretending” (they are not just pretending)
✦ the history between them???
✦ the slow realization she might’ve been wrong all along
✦ tino being down bad in the most elite way
This is for the girls who love:
the boy who never gave up + fake dating that feels real + emotional payoff that hits you out of nowhere
aka… dangerously addictive and ridiculously cute
Last name Valentine - yeah… he’s that boy.
The one who never moved on, never stopped choosing her, and somehow turns a fake relationship into something that feels a little too real 🫠
And the tension??
All the small moments - hand holding, teasing, inside jokes - build up in a way that makes you go oh no… she’s falling. i’m falling. we’re all falling.
✦ “we’re just pretending” (they are not just pretending)
✦ the history between them???
✦ the slow realization she might’ve been wrong all along
✦ tino being down bad in the most elite way
This is for the girls who love:
the boy who never gave up + fake dating that feels real + emotional payoff that hits you out of nowhere
aka… dangerously addictive and ridiculously cute
March 23, 2026
(to start off, i promise this was great and it should not have taken me a month to finish i was just in a slump for 99% of that time it actually took me a day to finish) ahhhh 3/4 done with hartwell academy and i don’t wanna leave :(. who would’ve thought a random KU find would bring me into an amazing boarding school world with a friend group i love? i loved this book, the ‘he’s been obsessed with her since day one’ trope will never get old. tino was such a softie for lilah and i was so for it! the moments between them were so cute and i loved the fake dating aspect and watching lilah slowly realize how well her and tino really do work! i can’t wait for keeping her, i have loved mako since book 1 so im ready for more background for him!
January 15, 2026
soo.. is luca called luca or jude? or was it both names? i read it but years ago so im so confused. but two people who are younger siblings of boy band members are so cute. i mean, tino literally made a GOOGLE DOC. why does this girl keep rejecting him? 😭
i swear in the first chapter she was walking to luca/jude and suddenly he just… disappeared?? like huhhh. and why is miss girl lilah SO against dating him. like i’m genuinely confused because if a man like him wanted me then i would’ve FOLDED immediately. 🤤
i swear in the first chapter she was walking to luca/jude and suddenly he just… disappeared?? like huhhh. and why is miss girl lilah SO against dating him. like i’m genuinely confused because if a man like him wanted me then i would’ve FOLDED immediately. 🤤
January 14, 2026
Loving Her
I loved this YA story so much. Our boy Tino was the perfect golden retriever energy and our girl fell for him before she even knew what was happening. There were so many sweet moments that had me kicking my feet like a school girl filled with utter giddiness. I loved the sibling relationships and I really loved the friendships at the boarding school. I loved the entire book. Rounding up due to no half points.
I loved this YA story so much. Our boy Tino was the perfect golden retriever energy and our girl fell for him before she even knew what was happening. There were so many sweet moments that had me kicking my feet like a school girl filled with utter giddiness. I loved the sibling relationships and I really loved the friendships at the boarding school. I loved the entire book. Rounding up due to no half points.
January 17, 2026
Loving Her Is Book 3 in the Hartwell Academy by Clara Nielsen. I found this enjoyable story to be a wonderful rom/com. Lila might have rejected Tino a million times… BUT, all it took was 1 photo going viral and Lila and Tino are an item. I think that this author has written a romance that is wonderful… Lila and Tino just didn't get that they are really perfect for each other. I think this romance is a fun don't miss. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
February 11, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Another great book by Clara. Families part of the music industry while younger siblings go to same boarding school. He has liked her from afar but she always saw him as a friend but then a pic taken that looks like they are together . No one believes they aren’t so they fake date .
I loved seeing them interact and grow. It was so sweet and cute
February 8, 2026
Overall I really enjoyed this book!! I thought it was a lot of fun, right from the start you are thrown into an action packed scene that includes a lot of laughs and excitement and that energy progressed throughout the rest of the book! The book was never boring or slow in my eyes things just kept flowing and kept me interested from the beginning until the very end!
January 25, 2026
Common tropes, friends to fake dating and forced proximity. I enjoyed that there was no break up. I did get confused with all the people. I did read the books in the past but the only one I really remembered was Luca because of the brothers nearly beating him for being with Nina.
January 13, 2026
really enjoyed this!! Lilah really reminded me of myself!! thank you for the arc!!💌
January 14, 2026
What can I say? I’m a sucker for a guy who’s head over heels for the girl he likes (not in a creepy way). It’s incredibly cute!! ♡✧
January 14, 2026
IT WAS SO GOOD !! Thank you so much for the arc ❤️❤️
January 19, 2026
3.75⭐️
January 26, 2026
so very ya and so very cute.
i just love it
so light and endearing.
to be read on lonely days when you just need a little pick me up to make you smile!
i just love it
so light and endearing.
to be read on lonely days when you just need a little pick me up to make you smile!
February 6, 2026
Loving Her - 4/5 stars
*This was sent to me by Clara Nielsen via BookSirens for an honest review; thank you so much for the opportunity*
Overall
Overall, this is a cute fluffy YA romance, full of tropes like fake dating and sharing a bed but it works to create an overall adorable story!
My Links!
Instagram | TikTok | Blog
"And that was when I realized something very dangerous: I could see myself getting used to this."
*This was sent to me by Clara Nielsen via BookSirens for an honest review; thank you so much for the opportunity*
Overall
Overall, this is a cute fluffy YA romance, full of tropes like fake dating and sharing a bed but it works to create an overall adorable story!
My Links!
Instagram | TikTok | Blog
February 2, 2026
AAAH SO SWEET. TINO WAS LITERALLY THE BEST (yes I say that about everyone)
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