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Fake Night
Every July 26th, six friends fake entirely new identities for one night.
New names.
New personalities.
New lives.
By morning, some of it won’t feel fake anymore.
The rules are simple: stay in character, don’t drop the act, and whatever happens isn’t your fault. It’s your character’s.
This year, Ashley becomes Detective Vee and goes all in.
Armed with a suspect board, a magnifying glass, and way too much caffeine, she starts spinning theories about what’s happening around her. What she finds instead is glitter explosions, emotional meltdowns, half-baked chemistry experiments, workaholic accountants, alcohol, questionable substances, and a desire for another woman with no exit plan.
Inspired by the author’s experience at a regional Burning Man event, where trying on a different identity blurred the line between performance and truth, Fake Night dives into what happens when pretending starts to feel real.
Fake Night is not a cozy mystery or a tidy romance.
It’s a chaotic, fast-paced queer dark comedy about identity, found family, and the messy space between who we pretend to be and who we actually are.
Packed with dark humor, volatile relationships, alcohol, drugs, and moments of real discomfort, this book is for readers who like their queer fiction wild, emotional, and unapologetically off the rails.
⚠️ Content warning: alcohol and drug use, emotional volatility, and boundary-pushing scenes.
Expect chaos. No seatbelts provided.
New names.
New personalities.
New lives.
By morning, some of it won’t feel fake anymore.
The rules are simple: stay in character, don’t drop the act, and whatever happens isn’t your fault. It’s your character’s.
This year, Ashley becomes Detective Vee and goes all in.
Armed with a suspect board, a magnifying glass, and way too much caffeine, she starts spinning theories about what’s happening around her. What she finds instead is glitter explosions, emotional meltdowns, half-baked chemistry experiments, workaholic accountants, alcohol, questionable substances, and a desire for another woman with no exit plan.
Inspired by the author’s experience at a regional Burning Man event, where trying on a different identity blurred the line between performance and truth, Fake Night dives into what happens when pretending starts to feel real.
Fake Night is not a cozy mystery or a tidy romance.
It’s a chaotic, fast-paced queer dark comedy about identity, found family, and the messy space between who we pretend to be and who we actually are.
Packed with dark humor, volatile relationships, alcohol, drugs, and moments of real discomfort, this book is for readers who like their queer fiction wild, emotional, and unapologetically off the rails.
⚠️ Content warning: alcohol and drug use, emotional volatility, and boundary-pushing scenes.
Expect chaos. No seatbelts provided.
- GenresFiction
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 19, 2026
4 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Eyal Rosen
2 books14 followersEyal Rosen writes manic dark comedies with queer energy and an obsession with identity, control, and emotional exposure. Fake Night was inspired by a regional Burning Man experience that blurred the line between performance and truth, evolving into a story about what happens when pretending becomes dangerous. His debut novel, Maya’s Unbirthday, emerged from years of midnight screenings with shadow casts of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and a lifelong fascination with Alice in Wonderland, blending both into a surreal, psychedelic coming-of-age story. Eyal tells stories that challenge certainty, destabilize identity, and use humor as a doorway into something darker.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
February 24, 2026
I would like to provide an honest review, but also I would like to avoid being mean. I believe if you rate a book poorly then you should justify it. So I will simply provide an objective-ish bullet-point list of some of the features of this novel and some of my thoughts. You can assume there are SPOILERS BELOW even though I will not be getting too specific with the details.
-First up because it should be a content warning: one of the central plotlines that ran through this novel was a 36 year old AGRESSIVELY trying to $EXUALLY A$$AULT a 23 year old. What part of this was supposed to be enjoyable to read, or whimsical? Why did the author choose to write this?
-Also: Pushing/pressuring someone who just left rehab for addiction issues to drink and do drugs is NOT OK. This was NOT an enjoyable central plotline. Also, “they weren’t real drugs” does NOT make the situation ok. Do you know anything about the topic you wrote about? This was deeply upsetting.
-This novel is too random, scattered and nonsensical. I don’t mean that a lot of unexpected things happen (I went in expecting that and would enjoy it), I mean that this is a nonstop series of actions with no apparent motivation or consequence. This was not entertaining to read, it was just a chore. This is largely because………..
-….This reads like a bad improv sketch. It has big improv energy (on purpose; one of the central rules is “yes and”) except I can say as someone who has done a decent amount of improv that these people would be kicked out if they tried. No continuity, no character, no real story, etc. I love watching improv, but a written story of a poorly done fictional improv session is not entertaining to read.
-Lots of continuity errors: e.g. is it a house or apartment?
-Wildly unrealistic, and I couldn’t tell if the author was incompetent with details or if it was part of the bit? Constant home-destroying explosions and fires and yet the fire department never gets called? Mixing random ingredients together creates potions that actually work? Injecting various substances into your body and no one got hurt? Placebo drugs that are fully as effective as the real thing? The list goes on.
-Feeding your dog 10 Xanax would kill it.
-These characters truly seem to dislike each other, and never see each other, yet are also close friends that care about each other a lot?
-I disliked all of the characters.
-Textbook example of telling and not showing.
-Very difficult to follow POV switching throughout scenes.
-A huge amount of this novel was romantic/sexual interactions between the characters, yet no one had even the slightest amount of chemistry. There was nothing romantic or sexual about these events.
-Furthermore, the phrase “they kissed passionately” appeared 10 times. This single sentence is not how you write a passionate make-out scene.
-There was no real point to this, or stakes. Nothing resulted of the events on the page, nothing mattered.
I was provided with a free ARC copy of this novel. This honest review was left voluntarily.
-First up because it should be a content warning: one of the central plotlines that ran through this novel was a 36 year old AGRESSIVELY trying to $EXUALLY A$$AULT a 23 year old. What part of this was supposed to be enjoyable to read, or whimsical? Why did the author choose to write this?
-Also: Pushing/pressuring someone who just left rehab for addiction issues to drink and do drugs is NOT OK. This was NOT an enjoyable central plotline. Also, “they weren’t real drugs” does NOT make the situation ok. Do you know anything about the topic you wrote about? This was deeply upsetting.
-This novel is too random, scattered and nonsensical. I don’t mean that a lot of unexpected things happen (I went in expecting that and would enjoy it), I mean that this is a nonstop series of actions with no apparent motivation or consequence. This was not entertaining to read, it was just a chore. This is largely because………..
-….This reads like a bad improv sketch. It has big improv energy (on purpose; one of the central rules is “yes and”) except I can say as someone who has done a decent amount of improv that these people would be kicked out if they tried. No continuity, no character, no real story, etc. I love watching improv, but a written story of a poorly done fictional improv session is not entertaining to read.
-Lots of continuity errors: e.g. is it a house or apartment?
-Wildly unrealistic, and I couldn’t tell if the author was incompetent with details or if it was part of the bit? Constant home-destroying explosions and fires and yet the fire department never gets called? Mixing random ingredients together creates potions that actually work? Injecting various substances into your body and no one got hurt? Placebo drugs that are fully as effective as the real thing? The list goes on.
-Feeding your dog 10 Xanax would kill it.
-These characters truly seem to dislike each other, and never see each other, yet are also close friends that care about each other a lot?
-I disliked all of the characters.
-Textbook example of telling and not showing.
-Very difficult to follow POV switching throughout scenes.
-A huge amount of this novel was romantic/sexual interactions between the characters, yet no one had even the slightest amount of chemistry. There was nothing romantic or sexual about these events.
-Furthermore, the phrase “they kissed passionately” appeared 10 times. This single sentence is not how you write a passionate make-out scene.
-There was no real point to this, or stakes. Nothing resulted of the events on the page, nothing mattered.
I was provided with a free ARC copy of this novel. This honest review was left voluntarily.
February 2, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Wow, what a wild ride this was! At first, I felt like I was hallucinating because I couldn't wrap my head around what was happening. But then, BAM, I had an epiphany and everything clicked into place. The characters, and their alter egos, were all super likable. This friend circle is tighter than my purse strings. This book is fast-paced, so buckle up, Buttercup, and pay attention, or you'll be lost in character-land. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of epic proportions! I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!
Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review
Wow, what a wild ride this was! At first, I felt like I was hallucinating because I couldn't wrap my head around what was happening. But then, BAM, I had an epiphany and everything clicked into place. The characters, and their alter egos, were all super likable. This friend circle is tighter than my purse strings. This book is fast-paced, so buckle up, Buttercup, and pay attention, or you'll be lost in character-land. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of epic proportions! I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!
Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review
February 18, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley & Eyal Rosen for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I did not finish this book. My brain physically will not let me, and I have wildly unmedicated AuDHD so there's not a lot that my brain puts a stop to, honestly.
The author says that this book was "made with a lot of love, a fair share of manic energy and two grams of pixie dust" and it shows. I can't get into it at all, it reads like improv. It really reminds me of the film Inside Out, but if Inside Out had been written by someone on two grams of "pixie dust".
The synopsis sounds great but the writing doesn't really reflect that. It's entirely chaotic, jumbled and really quite odd. Maybe I'm the wrong demographic, maybe I just don't get it, whatever "it" is, but I got half way through, tried to skim the rest and just couldn't make head nor tail of the vast majority of it.
I did not finish this book. My brain physically will not let me, and I have wildly unmedicated AuDHD so there's not a lot that my brain puts a stop to, honestly.
The author says that this book was "made with a lot of love, a fair share of manic energy and two grams of pixie dust" and it shows. I can't get into it at all, it reads like improv. It really reminds me of the film Inside Out, but if Inside Out had been written by someone on two grams of "pixie dust".
The synopsis sounds great but the writing doesn't really reflect that. It's entirely chaotic, jumbled and really quite odd. Maybe I'm the wrong demographic, maybe I just don't get it, whatever "it" is, but I got half way through, tried to skim the rest and just couldn't make head nor tail of the vast majority of it.
February 24, 2026
I’ve always been honest in my reviews so this one won’t be different.
I’ve considered dnf-ing this book about five times but decided to power through. I needed to know if it got better. I needed to know if it would make sense eventually.
It did not.
Fake Night is described as a “darkly comedic psychological thriller”. It wasn’t scary. Or suspenseful. Or funny.
The book is about a group of friends(?) that meet up once a year for, you guessed it, Fake Night. They all play a character, take on a new identity, and follow a set of rules. Which means: confusing nameswitching all throughout the book, and rules that don’t even apply half of the time?!
At about 60% NOTHING about this story had made any sense yet. I had no clue where the story was leading me or what the “end goal” of it would be. The “rollercoaster through insanity” was the only thing this book delivered on, just not in a good way. A lot of things drove me insane.
The repetitive descriptive language made me wonder if any revisions were made. “She headed up the stairs” - next sentence - “She hurried up the stairs”. “They fed them the icecream” - next sentence - “they tasted the icecream”. Are we just trying to meet a word quota here?!
Then, a bunch of random and unnecessary stuff happens. There’s a section where people are slapping each other, just some casual violence. Then there’s this part where pretty much everyone starts making out (no, it wasn’t steamy), some of them end up in the shower together (still not steamy) and there is ZERO use for it storywise. Just like the part where Wonder *masturbates* while people keep walking in on her doing it?! WHY?! And don’t even get me started on the dozen or so times I read the sentence “They kissed passionately”. There was zero passion there. There were fake shrooms though. And real shrooms.
Apparently, you can destroy an entire apartment, explosions included, without fire alarms going off or neighbors calling emergency services. Makes total sense, right?
AND THEN YOU HIT THE LAST TEN OR SO PAGES AND IT FEEL LIKE AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT BOOK THAT MIGHT ACTUALLY MAKE SENSE. GET ME OUTTA HERE. BYE.
An early read via NetGalley — feelings included.
I’ve considered dnf-ing this book about five times but decided to power through. I needed to know if it got better. I needed to know if it would make sense eventually.
It did not.
Fake Night is described as a “darkly comedic psychological thriller”. It wasn’t scary. Or suspenseful. Or funny.
The book is about a group of friends(?) that meet up once a year for, you guessed it, Fake Night. They all play a character, take on a new identity, and follow a set of rules. Which means: confusing nameswitching all throughout the book, and rules that don’t even apply half of the time?!
At about 60% NOTHING about this story had made any sense yet. I had no clue where the story was leading me or what the “end goal” of it would be. The “rollercoaster through insanity” was the only thing this book delivered on, just not in a good way. A lot of things drove me insane.
The repetitive descriptive language made me wonder if any revisions were made. “She headed up the stairs” - next sentence - “She hurried up the stairs”. “They fed them the icecream” - next sentence - “they tasted the icecream”. Are we just trying to meet a word quota here?!
Then, a bunch of random and unnecessary stuff happens. There’s a section where people are slapping each other, just some casual violence. Then there’s this part where pretty much everyone starts making out (no, it wasn’t steamy), some of them end up in the shower together (still not steamy) and there is ZERO use for it storywise. Just like the part where Wonder *masturbates* while people keep walking in on her doing it?! WHY?! And don’t even get me started on the dozen or so times I read the sentence “They kissed passionately”. There was zero passion there. There were fake shrooms though. And real shrooms.
Apparently, you can destroy an entire apartment, explosions included, without fire alarms going off or neighbors calling emergency services. Makes total sense, right?
AND THEN YOU HIT THE LAST TEN OR SO PAGES AND IT FEEL LIKE AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT BOOK THAT MIGHT ACTUALLY MAKE SENSE. GET ME OUTTA HERE. BYE.
An early read via NetGalley — feelings included.
March 21, 2026
If this had been written better, I probably would have landed somewhere around 3 stars, but as it stands, this is a clear one-star book for me.
The premise never really comes together. It’s introduced through a vague set of “rules,” but there’s no actual structure or purpose behind them. Come as a character—okay, but then what? There’s no clear goal, no stakes, no framework to support what anyone is doing. People just jump into chaotic roleplay with no boundaries, no consequences, and no real explanation of how any of this is supposed to function. It raises way more questions than it answers, and none of those questions are addressed in a meaningful way.
Vee is controlling, self-righteous, and bizarrely committed to preserving the “integrity” of a game that has no internal logic. She allows her house to be trashed, her neighbors disturbed, and increasingly questionable behavior to escalate—all under the assumption that participation equals blanket consent. It’s not just unrealistic; it’s grating.
Olive is no better. She effectively breaks the rules by showing up as herself and then drops a bomb about being in rehab but doesn’t clarify that she is serious. Instead of maybe taking a pause to see how she wants to proceed considering that their yearly tradition has always included alcohol, the group responds in the most absurd and ethically questionable manner possible—by deceiving her with fake substances and placebos so she can “feel” high again because she’s apparently more enjoyable that way. And it works?? Uhhhh what? This felt so irresponsible on everyone’s part and it was not made any better by their agreement at the end to ban drugs and alcohol from future Fake Nights. It just felt vapid.
Anyway, this book is just poorly executed and poorly written. Most of the characters don’t make any sense, whether they’re “in character” or not, because they’re so superficially developed. The romance between Vee and Olive is especially unconvincing—it lacks any real foundation, and Vee’s last-minute realization of her feelings falls flat because it comes out of nowhere. The writing doesn’t help. It leans heavily on fragmented dialogue and Vee’s inner monologue, neither of which adds depth, and it’s filled with bland, throwaway lines like “she continued to act weird and crazy.” There’s nothing sophisticated or particularly clever about any of it, and the fact that I read to the end almost pisses me off. It needed far more editing, more intention, and significantly less pointless chaos. The relationships are especially hard to buy—I never believed these people were actually friends, given how casually they treat each other without any concern for anyone's emotional, physical, or mental safety. Characters lie to each other, act without consent, manipulate each other, lock each other in rooms, tie each other up, and try their best to do things that trigger serious and known mental health symptoms. It's despicable.
More than anything, it feels like a group of people looking for an excuse to behave anyway they want and not suffer any world consequences. Which tracks, considering this was inspired by the author’s experience at Burning Man—essentially the Fakest Fake Night, where a bunch of rich people flock to the desert to cosplay being poor and deprive themselves of basic amenities for a week. This book reads like a miniature version of that, which explains exactly why I hated the execution so much and why I can't be on board with a "no holds barred" premise with no structure, rhyme, or reason.
The premise never really comes together. It’s introduced through a vague set of “rules,” but there’s no actual structure or purpose behind them. Come as a character—okay, but then what? There’s no clear goal, no stakes, no framework to support what anyone is doing. People just jump into chaotic roleplay with no boundaries, no consequences, and no real explanation of how any of this is supposed to function. It raises way more questions than it answers, and none of those questions are addressed in a meaningful way.
Vee is controlling, self-righteous, and bizarrely committed to preserving the “integrity” of a game that has no internal logic. She allows her house to be trashed, her neighbors disturbed, and increasingly questionable behavior to escalate—all under the assumption that participation equals blanket consent. It’s not just unrealistic; it’s grating.
Olive is no better. She effectively breaks the rules by showing up as herself and then drops a bomb about being in rehab but doesn’t clarify that she is serious. Instead of maybe taking a pause to see how she wants to proceed considering that their yearly tradition has always included alcohol, the group responds in the most absurd and ethically questionable manner possible—by deceiving her with fake substances and placebos so she can “feel” high again because she’s apparently more enjoyable that way. And it works?? Uhhhh what? This felt so irresponsible on everyone’s part and it was not made any better by their agreement at the end to ban drugs and alcohol from future Fake Nights. It just felt vapid.
Anyway, this book is just poorly executed and poorly written. Most of the characters don’t make any sense, whether they’re “in character” or not, because they’re so superficially developed. The romance between Vee and Olive is especially unconvincing—it lacks any real foundation, and Vee’s last-minute realization of her feelings falls flat because it comes out of nowhere. The writing doesn’t help. It leans heavily on fragmented dialogue and Vee’s inner monologue, neither of which adds depth, and it’s filled with bland, throwaway lines like “she continued to act weird and crazy.” There’s nothing sophisticated or particularly clever about any of it, and the fact that I read to the end almost pisses me off. It needed far more editing, more intention, and significantly less pointless chaos. The relationships are especially hard to buy—I never believed these people were actually friends, given how casually they treat each other without any concern for anyone's emotional, physical, or mental safety. Characters lie to each other, act without consent, manipulate each other, lock each other in rooms, tie each other up, and try their best to do things that trigger serious and known mental health symptoms. It's despicable.
More than anything, it feels like a group of people looking for an excuse to behave anyway they want and not suffer any world consequences. Which tracks, considering this was inspired by the author’s experience at Burning Man—essentially the Fakest Fake Night, where a bunch of rich people flock to the desert to cosplay being poor and deprive themselves of basic amenities for a week. This book reads like a miniature version of that, which explains exactly why I hated the execution so much and why I can't be on board with a "no holds barred" premise with no structure, rhyme, or reason.
March 15, 2026
I really hate writing poor reviews, and I hate rating a book one star. I feel like every author has put so much effort into their writing. However, I also need to be honest about this book, as it was provided by NetGalley for review.
I planned to finish the book for the purposes of review, but I just can’t; I made it about halfway. There is no story here, and the lack of proofreading and revision makes it impossible to follow. There is no character or plot development; all of the characters are flat and the story goes no where. There is very little development of the setting, and even what is shared is confusing… it takes place in a 2 story apartment? There is certainly no theme, or any advanced writing or literary elements. Even the dialogue, which is most of the story, is not how people talk or think.
I don’t even know where to start with how confusing this story is: the characters who have a fake name and real name but some just have one name the whole time, the repetition of actions and behaviors, the lack of narrative since it’s mostly dialogue, the random games the characters play that have nothing to do with the story, the disappearance and reappearance of characters coming and going… I could go on, but I won’t. More details are provided in other reviews and anyone reading this review probably already understands that this book is severely lacking.
I started feeling uncomfortable with the fake alcohol given to someone straight out of rehab, and the shrooms that were added to a pizza that was delivered and given to the wrong person, but, in reading other reviews, it seems it only gets more uncomfortable, and I have no interest in reading more. It’s not even a dark book, it’s just gross.
I apologize if this review is offensive; I feel a responsibility to be honest. There will be some readers who may like this book, and I am happy for that.
Thank you to NetGalley.
I planned to finish the book for the purposes of review, but I just can’t; I made it about halfway. There is no story here, and the lack of proofreading and revision makes it impossible to follow. There is no character or plot development; all of the characters are flat and the story goes no where. There is very little development of the setting, and even what is shared is confusing… it takes place in a 2 story apartment? There is certainly no theme, or any advanced writing or literary elements. Even the dialogue, which is most of the story, is not how people talk or think.
I don’t even know where to start with how confusing this story is: the characters who have a fake name and real name but some just have one name the whole time, the repetition of actions and behaviors, the lack of narrative since it’s mostly dialogue, the random games the characters play that have nothing to do with the story, the disappearance and reappearance of characters coming and going… I could go on, but I won’t. More details are provided in other reviews and anyone reading this review probably already understands that this book is severely lacking.
I started feeling uncomfortable with the fake alcohol given to someone straight out of rehab, and the shrooms that were added to a pizza that was delivered and given to the wrong person, but, in reading other reviews, it seems it only gets more uncomfortable, and I have no interest in reading more. It’s not even a dark book, it’s just gross.
I apologize if this review is offensive; I feel a responsibility to be honest. There will be some readers who may like this book, and I am happy for that.
Thank you to NetGalley.
February 18, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of those books that’s honestly hard to describe. I’m not even sure it really has a traditional plot, but that’s kind of what makes it unique. It feels more like an experience than a structured storyline.
I didn’t dislike this book, I just don’t think I was the main audience for it.
The synopsis felt a little misleading. I went in expecting a chaotic cozy mystery, and while there is some mystery, it’s not really the focus. Readers looking for classic cozy mystery structure and payoff may find it lacking.
There were also a few small inconsistencies that pulled me out of the story. For example, there’s a moment where a character is already sitting and then goes to sit down again. It’s minor, but things like that disrupted the flow for me.
I genuinely can’t decide if I loved or hated the characters. My favorite by far was Chemistry.
The pacing was interesting because it somehow felt fast and slow at the same time. A lot was happening, and things were definitely chaotic, but emotionally it sometimes felt like we were circling the same space without really moving forward.
That said, I did laugh multiple times and I kept reading because I wanted to know what would happen next. It was fun, weird, and had some unexpectedly introspective moments that I really appreciated.
This is one of those books that’s honestly hard to describe. I’m not even sure it really has a traditional plot, but that’s kind of what makes it unique. It feels more like an experience than a structured storyline.
I didn’t dislike this book, I just don’t think I was the main audience for it.
The synopsis felt a little misleading. I went in expecting a chaotic cozy mystery, and while there is some mystery, it’s not really the focus. Readers looking for classic cozy mystery structure and payoff may find it lacking.
There were also a few small inconsistencies that pulled me out of the story. For example, there’s a moment where a character is already sitting and then goes to sit down again. It’s minor, but things like that disrupted the flow for me.
I genuinely can’t decide if I loved or hated the characters. My favorite by far was Chemistry.
The pacing was interesting because it somehow felt fast and slow at the same time. A lot was happening, and things were definitely chaotic, but emotionally it sometimes felt like we were circling the same space without really moving forward.
That said, I did laugh multiple times and I kept reading because I wanted to know what would happen next. It was fun, weird, and had some unexpectedly introspective moments that I really appreciated.
February 22, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
If this wasn't an ARC and I did not feel obligated to finish this, I would have DNF at about a 10% mark.
While the premise has some potential, the reality boils down to truly terrible execution. The characters are annoying and one dimensional, the "absurdity" is really just repetitive and boring gimmicks like the adopted persona of Glitter... you guessed it... throwing glitter on everything.
This book reads like something a kid thought was cool and edgy like drug use (including drugging and lying to unsuspecting friends about substances) mental health medication, breaking sobriety, property destruction and randomly throwing in "I'm so random!" moments.
The writing is also truly appalling, and the author uses verbs clumsily and incorrectly with an alarming frequency. They also haven't heard of action tags, so the word "said" is used a whooping 1733 times in this book, and "asked" 437. I didn't bother checking how many times each character's name was used- the answer is "every time". Zero attempt at interesting descriptors or actions. Every other chapter break starts with "meanwhile".
I am not one to generally write a scathing review, but I feel truly robbed of the time I have spent reading this, and unfortunately I could not find anything redeeming about it. It calls itself a comedy, but honestly, I have laughed more at a funeral. The only thing that is accurate about the blurb is the absurdity.
If this wasn't an ARC and I did not feel obligated to finish this, I would have DNF at about a 10% mark.
While the premise has some potential, the reality boils down to truly terrible execution. The characters are annoying and one dimensional, the "absurdity" is really just repetitive and boring gimmicks like the adopted persona of Glitter... you guessed it... throwing glitter on everything.
This book reads like something a kid thought was cool and edgy like drug use (including drugging and lying to unsuspecting friends about substances) mental health medication, breaking sobriety, property destruction and randomly throwing in "I'm so random!" moments.
The writing is also truly appalling, and the author uses verbs clumsily and incorrectly with an alarming frequency. They also haven't heard of action tags, so the word "said" is used a whooping 1733 times in this book, and "asked" 437. I didn't bother checking how many times each character's name was used- the answer is "every time". Zero attempt at interesting descriptors or actions. Every other chapter break starts with "meanwhile".
I am not one to generally write a scathing review, but I feel truly robbed of the time I have spent reading this, and unfortunately I could not find anything redeeming about it. It calls itself a comedy, but honestly, I have laughed more at a funeral. The only thing that is accurate about the blurb is the absurdity.
February 17, 2026
This genuinely felt like I was on a manic, psychedelic trip the entire time I was reading it. I don’t even know if there are actual words I can use to explain it. I had no idea what way was up or down. It was an incredibly wild ride from start to finish and I lowkey loved it. Fake night is a night where a group of friends get to be their other selves - entire new people and new personalities. I’m a little concerned for their lack of care for the house though. I cannot imagine that repair bill every year. A manic who-did-it, combined with finding yourself and acknowledging that change is good.
February 18, 2026
I received an advance reader copy of Fake Night through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Fake Night is a unique and entertaining story that explores identity, friendship, and the blurred line between performance and reality. The concept is creative, and the tone leans strongly into absurd and chaotic humor, making the experience feel lively and unpredictable.
While the story touches on emotional moments, the comedic and exaggerated situations are what stand out the most. It is a fast paced and unconventional read that will appeal to readers who enjoy character driven stories with bold, offbeat humor.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Fake Night is a unique and entertaining story that explores identity, friendship, and the blurred line between performance and reality. The concept is creative, and the tone leans strongly into absurd and chaotic humor, making the experience feel lively and unpredictable.
While the story touches on emotional moments, the comedic and exaggerated situations are what stand out the most. It is a fast paced and unconventional read that will appeal to readers who enjoy character driven stories with bold, offbeat humor.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
March 18, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an arc of this book!
Hmm what to say, it was a short and fast read and that was probably the only(?) good thing about it? Also the only reason I stuck through with it. Don't have much to say about the story itself. The writing was a detriment to how everything was executed because I did think it could've been a good plot if the writing was better and more engaging.
Hmm what to say, it was a short and fast read and that was probably the only(?) good thing about it? Also the only reason I stuck through with it. Don't have much to say about the story itself. The writing was a detriment to how everything was executed because I did think it could've been a good plot if the writing was better and more engaging.
February 19, 2026
Fake Night just wasn’t for me. I’m all for a little chaos, but this felt chaotic in a messy, hard-to-follow way. It jumped around a lot and I found myself cringing more than connecting. Sadly, this ended up being a DNF for me.
February 12, 2026
"Just finished Fake Night by Eyal Rosen and WOW. 5 stars! 🌟 It’s a masterclass in dark comedy—quirky, sharp, and endlessly funny. If you love witty writing and addictive plots, add this to your TBR immediately. Huge thanks to NetGalley for the ARC! #FakeNight #EyalRosen #NetGalley"
February 6, 2026
Welcome to fake night, a darkly comedic psychological thriller where identity is a costume and secrets don’t stay buried.
Fake night is a playground for trying the things. It’s the place where you can do anything. You have to do anything - if it fits your character. In fake night, things are never your fault - it’s your characters fault.
Fake Night by Eyal Rosen is one of those books that doesn’t rush you, it kind of pulls you in slowly and leaves you feeling a little unsettled the whole time. In fact make that very unsettled.
The writing is moody and quite introspective, and a lot of the story lives between the lines. Not everything is explained, and honestly that’s part of the experience, well at least it was for me. It’s less about what happens and more about how it feels disorientation, questioning what’s real and what isn’t. Took me a bit to get into it and had to be in the right frame of mind and remind myself it’s a humour and satire based book.
The characters are quiet and emotionally closed-off, which made them feel realistic to me. I found myself thinking about certain scenes after I finished, even if I couldn’t fully explain why.
This definitely isn’t a fast-paced or super clear-cut read, so if you like tidy endings and obvious answers, it might not be your thing. I found I had to be in the right mood to keep on reading and remind myself of the genre. But if you’re into atmospheric, slightly weird, reflective books that may stick with you, Fake Night is worth checking out.
Would recommend going in with patience and an open mind.
Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Fake night is a playground for trying the things. It’s the place where you can do anything. You have to do anything - if it fits your character. In fake night, things are never your fault - it’s your characters fault.
Fake Night by Eyal Rosen is one of those books that doesn’t rush you, it kind of pulls you in slowly and leaves you feeling a little unsettled the whole time. In fact make that very unsettled.
The writing is moody and quite introspective, and a lot of the story lives between the lines. Not everything is explained, and honestly that’s part of the experience, well at least it was for me. It’s less about what happens and more about how it feels disorientation, questioning what’s real and what isn’t. Took me a bit to get into it and had to be in the right frame of mind and remind myself it’s a humour and satire based book.
The characters are quiet and emotionally closed-off, which made them feel realistic to me. I found myself thinking about certain scenes after I finished, even if I couldn’t fully explain why.
This definitely isn’t a fast-paced or super clear-cut read, so if you like tidy endings and obvious answers, it might not be your thing. I found I had to be in the right mood to keep on reading and remind myself of the genre. But if you’re into atmospheric, slightly weird, reflective books that may stick with you, Fake Night is worth checking out.
Would recommend going in with patience and an open mind.
Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
February 8, 2026
I just finished Fake Night by Eyal Rosen, and wow, what a wild, manic adventure it was! I'm giving this a strong 4 stars on Goodreads and my book review site – it's one of those books that hooks you with its absurdity and keeps you turning pages late into the night. Published just last month (January 2026), it's a darkly comedic psychological thriller that feels like Agatha Christie crashed into an episode of Community, complete with queer vibes and a found family that's equal parts dysfunctional and endearing. If you're into stories where identity is just a costume and secrets bubble up in the most hilarious ways, this is for you.
Without spoiling too much, the plot revolves around six close friends who reunite every year on July 26th for "Fake Night" – a ritual where they ditch their real selves and fully embody new personas, complete with fake names, backstories, and personalities. The rules are strict: whatever happens stays with the character, not the person. This year, things escalate when one of them, Vee, dives headfirst into her role as a detective, convinced someone's hiding a massive secret. What follows is a single, chaotic evening of escalating madness – think glitter explosions, impromptu chemistry experiments, emotional meltdowns, and a suspects board that Vee obsessively updates with caffeine-fueled paranoia. Rosen packs so much into 258 pages; it's fast-paced, twisty, and laugh-out-loud funny, but with an undercurrent of real emotional depth that sneaks up on you.
What really elevated this book for me was how Eyal Rosen brings the characters to life. These aren't flat archetypes; they're messy, relatable people (or should I say, fake people?) who feel vividly real despite the over-the-top premise. Vee, our detective protagonist, is a standout – she's quirky, obsessive, and hilariously unhinged in her pursuit of the truth, but Rosen layers in vulnerability that makes her more than just comic relief. You can feel her internal tug-of-war between suspicion and unexpected desire, which adds a personal stake to the mystery. The other five friends form this tight-knit group that's like a chosen family on steroids – a workaholic accountant type, a glitter-throwing free spirit, and others who bounce off each other with razor-sharp wit and genuine affection. Rosen has a knack for dialogue that's snappy and authentic; their banter feels like eavesdropping on real friends mid-chaos. He uses the "fake" identities to peel back layers of their true selves, showing how playacting reveals hidden truths. It's masterful how he makes you care about them so quickly – by the end, I was invested in their friendships and rooting for them to survive the night intact.
One of the highlights for me was the LGBTQ+ elements woven throughout. This isn't just token representation; it's integral to the story's heart. The book is described as a "manic, queer" narrative, and it delivers with queer characters at the center. Vee's budding attraction to another woman in the group turns what starts as investigative paranoia into something tender and steamy, blurring the lines between role-play and real feelings. It's handled with humor and sensitivity, exploring how desire can complicate (and enrich) friendships in a found family. As someone who appreciates inclusive stories, I loved how naturally these elements fit – they add depth to the themes of identity and performance without feeling forced. It's refreshing to see queer joy and tension in a thriller that's more about laughs than darkness.
That said, it's not a perfect 5 stars for me. The pacing is breakneck, which is mostly a strength, but a few moments felt a tad rushed toward the end, like Rosen was juggling too many chaotic threads at once. Still, that's a minor quibble in an otherwise addictive read. If you're looking for a fresh take on mystery with heart, humor, and queer representation, pick up Fake Night.
Without spoiling too much, the plot revolves around six close friends who reunite every year on July 26th for "Fake Night" – a ritual where they ditch their real selves and fully embody new personas, complete with fake names, backstories, and personalities. The rules are strict: whatever happens stays with the character, not the person. This year, things escalate when one of them, Vee, dives headfirst into her role as a detective, convinced someone's hiding a massive secret. What follows is a single, chaotic evening of escalating madness – think glitter explosions, impromptu chemistry experiments, emotional meltdowns, and a suspects board that Vee obsessively updates with caffeine-fueled paranoia. Rosen packs so much into 258 pages; it's fast-paced, twisty, and laugh-out-loud funny, but with an undercurrent of real emotional depth that sneaks up on you.
What really elevated this book for me was how Eyal Rosen brings the characters to life. These aren't flat archetypes; they're messy, relatable people (or should I say, fake people?) who feel vividly real despite the over-the-top premise. Vee, our detective protagonist, is a standout – she's quirky, obsessive, and hilariously unhinged in her pursuit of the truth, but Rosen layers in vulnerability that makes her more than just comic relief. You can feel her internal tug-of-war between suspicion and unexpected desire, which adds a personal stake to the mystery. The other five friends form this tight-knit group that's like a chosen family on steroids – a workaholic accountant type, a glitter-throwing free spirit, and others who bounce off each other with razor-sharp wit and genuine affection. Rosen has a knack for dialogue that's snappy and authentic; their banter feels like eavesdropping on real friends mid-chaos. He uses the "fake" identities to peel back layers of their true selves, showing how playacting reveals hidden truths. It's masterful how he makes you care about them so quickly – by the end, I was invested in their friendships and rooting for them to survive the night intact.
One of the highlights for me was the LGBTQ+ elements woven throughout. This isn't just token representation; it's integral to the story's heart. The book is described as a "manic, queer" narrative, and it delivers with queer characters at the center. Vee's budding attraction to another woman in the group turns what starts as investigative paranoia into something tender and steamy, blurring the lines between role-play and real feelings. It's handled with humor and sensitivity, exploring how desire can complicate (and enrich) friendships in a found family. As someone who appreciates inclusive stories, I loved how naturally these elements fit – they add depth to the themes of identity and performance without feeling forced. It's refreshing to see queer joy and tension in a thriller that's more about laughs than darkness.
That said, it's not a perfect 5 stars for me. The pacing is breakneck, which is mostly a strength, but a few moments felt a tad rushed toward the end, like Rosen was juggling too many chaotic threads at once. Still, that's a minor quibble in an otherwise addictive read. If you're looking for a fresh take on mystery with heart, humor, and queer representation, pick up Fake Night.
February 7, 2026
As I was perusing my NetGalley feed, this book popped up. It's not my usual read, but the idea of a book described as The Community written by Agatha Christie intrigued me. I requested it and got a copy! So, here's my review.
First, I want to say that I don't actually agree with the Agatha Christie part. The Community part is still up in the air because I haven't actually seen that show. But, in the standards of a "mystery", I feel Fake Night falters. I wouldn't even label it as a dark comedy . . . more like an overcast grey comedy. I say that because there is drug use and questionable sexual elements, but within the confines of the story itself, it's not dark; it's a more psychological comedy journey.
But "psychological comedy" as a sub-genre doesn't really exist. Therefore, I understand the label "dark comedy." I just wouldn't necessarily put it there.
Fake Night might be a bit difficult to properly convey, to be honest. It was a simple read and very quick to get through. For a fast reader, you could feasibly finish it in a day or two. For a slower reader, I'd say three tops. It's a fast read that keeps you engaged. It was like watching a train wreck, but that's not a good descriptor either. Really, it was like watching a roleplay therapy session without a mediator or actual psychologist.
Actually, yes, that's how I would describe the story in this book. It is very much a roleplay therapy session that a group of friends go through yearly. Drugs and alcohol have historically been a part of Fake Night, but this year it's different. And it's the going through this year's differences that the reader sees different facets of the characters who are actually in character.
Don't go into this book thinking you know who everyone is, because everyone is playing a character of sorts. It says it right in the Fake Night declaration: "4. On Fake Night, you become someone entirely new." So, when you read, you see people pretending to be someone else. All the while, they learn something about themselves through their characters.
Fake Night is a rather niche book. There isn't really a plot per se, and the characters' actions gave me moments of anxiety because of the many mini-explosions and yelling. But I actually really enjoyed the book. It might be because there is a catharsis in how they eventually end up. They clearly trust one another deeply because something like this takes a lot of trust. How they ended up doing the first Fake Night in high school is a mystery to me, but that doesn't matter.
What matters is the moment you learn something about yourself by pretending to be someone else.
And that's what I got from this book. Which, when you look at the book itself, is a rather poignant way to view the story.
Is Fake Night witty? No, I wouldn't say so. But it did make me think in the end. And I tend to value those types of reads more.
Would I read another book by Eyal Rosen? Yes, I think I would. I wouldn't know what to expect, though, because I feel the description of this book wasn't quite on the nose. Did it describe everything in the book to expect? Yes, but there is a deeper meaning that I wasn't expecting.
So, if you're willing to read something fast that may surprise you in the end, read Fake Night by Eyal Rosen.
First, I want to say that I don't actually agree with the Agatha Christie part. The Community part is still up in the air because I haven't actually seen that show. But, in the standards of a "mystery", I feel Fake Night falters. I wouldn't even label it as a dark comedy . . . more like an overcast grey comedy. I say that because there is drug use and questionable sexual elements, but within the confines of the story itself, it's not dark; it's a more psychological comedy journey.
But "psychological comedy" as a sub-genre doesn't really exist. Therefore, I understand the label "dark comedy." I just wouldn't necessarily put it there.
Fake Night might be a bit difficult to properly convey, to be honest. It was a simple read and very quick to get through. For a fast reader, you could feasibly finish it in a day or two. For a slower reader, I'd say three tops. It's a fast read that keeps you engaged. It was like watching a train wreck, but that's not a good descriptor either. Really, it was like watching a roleplay therapy session without a mediator or actual psychologist.
Actually, yes, that's how I would describe the story in this book. It is very much a roleplay therapy session that a group of friends go through yearly. Drugs and alcohol have historically been a part of Fake Night, but this year it's different. And it's the going through this year's differences that the reader sees different facets of the characters who are actually in character.
Don't go into this book thinking you know who everyone is, because everyone is playing a character of sorts. It says it right in the Fake Night declaration: "4. On Fake Night, you become someone entirely new." So, when you read, you see people pretending to be someone else. All the while, they learn something about themselves through their characters.
Fake Night is a rather niche book. There isn't really a plot per se, and the characters' actions gave me moments of anxiety because of the many mini-explosions and yelling. But I actually really enjoyed the book. It might be because there is a catharsis in how they eventually end up. They clearly trust one another deeply because something like this takes a lot of trust. How they ended up doing the first Fake Night in high school is a mystery to me, but that doesn't matter.
What matters is the moment you learn something about yourself by pretending to be someone else.
And that's what I got from this book. Which, when you look at the book itself, is a rather poignant way to view the story.
Is Fake Night witty? No, I wouldn't say so. But it did make me think in the end. And I tend to value those types of reads more.
Would I read another book by Eyal Rosen? Yes, I think I would. I wouldn't know what to expect, though, because I feel the description of this book wasn't quite on the nose. Did it describe everything in the book to expect? Yes, but there is a deeper meaning that I wasn't expecting.
So, if you're willing to read something fast that may surprise you in the end, read Fake Night by Eyal Rosen.
Did not finish
February 19, 2026I will not be rating this book, because I will not finish this book.
If you have issues with alcohol I would caution you on reading the book. I think it can be triggering if you're not in the right headspace.
I think you'll enjoy it if you like unlikeable characters, unusual premisces, and stories happening over the span of only one night. And it's queer.
I usually like those things, but I thought I was about to follow a group of friends and honestly? They are shitty friends. And the characters are making me so mad, the book isn't fun to read anymore for me.
There's also some headhopping happening. Not enough that I felt lost but enough for me to notice.
If the synopsis intrigues you I would give the book a chance, maybe your feelings about the characters will be different from mine. Or maybe you'll just handle them better.
An advance reader copy was provided to me through NetGalley but all opinions are my own.
If you have issues with alcohol I would caution you on reading the book. I think it can be triggering if you're not in the right headspace.
I think you'll enjoy it if you like unlikeable characters, unusual premisces, and stories happening over the span of only one night. And it's queer.
I usually like those things, but I thought I was about to follow a group of friends and honestly? They are shitty friends. And the characters are making me so mad, the book isn't fun to read anymore for me.
There's also some headhopping happening. Not enough that I felt lost but enough for me to notice.
If the synopsis intrigues you I would give the book a chance, maybe your feelings about the characters will be different from mine. Or maybe you'll just handle them better.
An advance reader copy was provided to me through NetGalley but all opinions are my own.
March 4, 2026
I firmly believe that all art is good art. However.... I'm finding myself hard-pressed to find anything good to say about this book, other than 'at least it was short.'
Advertised as a fast-paced, chaotic, queer dark comedy, I can confidently say it was not very funny, nor very queer, and made incredibly little sense. The characters (supposedly best friends) seem to both hate each other and know nothing about each other. I mean, how could you NOT know that the girl you've allegedly been in love with for four years is over a month sober?
Not to mention, not a SINGLE character in this entire book is likable in the slightest. They consistently break things, ruin things, project their internalized issues onto one another, lie to each other, attempt to sexually assault and force sexual activity on one another, all in the sake of a game none of them even seem to enjoy??
I hate to criticize an author directly. I know how hard it is to write and publish a book, and I have so much respect for anyone willing to put themselves out there like that. HOWEVER. The writing is so incredibly halting and juvenile that it felt like I was reading a story written by a middle schooler with a fucked up internal monologue. There were no real moments of tension between any of the characters, everything was told-not-shown, and you can only say 'they kissed passionately' so many times before your readers will inevitably get sick of you.
Also, the way this book treats Olive is incredibly off-putting and quite frankly upsetting. To imply that she's only fun when she's drunk/high, and that it's not worth being around her or being her friend when she's sober and 'boring'? Not cool man. And then to PRETEND to get her drunk and drug her just to make her fun again? And lie to her about it? And we're just supposed to laugh it off in the name of the game? Maybe I'm too woke, I don't know man.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Advertised as a fast-paced, chaotic, queer dark comedy, I can confidently say it was not very funny, nor very queer, and made incredibly little sense. The characters (supposedly best friends) seem to both hate each other and know nothing about each other. I mean, how could you NOT know that the girl you've allegedly been in love with for four years is over a month sober?
Not to mention, not a SINGLE character in this entire book is likable in the slightest. They consistently break things, ruin things, project their internalized issues onto one another, lie to each other, attempt to sexually assault and force sexual activity on one another, all in the sake of a game none of them even seem to enjoy??
I hate to criticize an author directly. I know how hard it is to write and publish a book, and I have so much respect for anyone willing to put themselves out there like that. HOWEVER. The writing is so incredibly halting and juvenile that it felt like I was reading a story written by a middle schooler with a fucked up internal monologue. There were no real moments of tension between any of the characters, everything was told-not-shown, and you can only say 'they kissed passionately' so many times before your readers will inevitably get sick of you.
Also, the way this book treats Olive is incredibly off-putting and quite frankly upsetting. To imply that she's only fun when she's drunk/high, and that it's not worth being around her or being her friend when she's sober and 'boring'? Not cool man. And then to PRETEND to get her drunk and drug her just to make her fun again? And lie to her about it? And we're just supposed to laugh it off in the name of the game? Maybe I'm too woke, I don't know man.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 28, 2026
The premise of this book drew me in, but I feel it under delivered.
What it delivers on: Chaotic (no seatbelts provided), fast paced, queer, volatile relationships and moments of real discomfort.
(Emphasis on the moments of discomfort.)
For me - the book was like a cracked-out fever dream meets train wreck: not enjoyable at all, but I can’t seem to look away.
I don’t think Fake Night delivered well on the book description at all. But chaos? Chaos it delivers without hesitation, guilt or shame.
I’ll start by saying this book is incredibly dialogue heavy and engages in a lot of telling, instead of showing the reader. This would normally not be a problem for me, but the writing feels really juvenile on top of that. In fact, had I not been -explicitly- told that these characters were 23 years old, and older, I would never have figured it out. The entire cast of characters reads like a group of children who were given fistfulls of candy and then left unsupervised.
There were a few moments that seemed like they could play into a ‘dark humor’ style book, but they tended to fall flat because they were overshadowed by pure, unadulterated chaos that burst through the door like the kool-aid man.
When the trigger warning says ‘boundary-pushing scenes’ it really means it. From giving their 30-days-sober friend fake drugs to another character sexually pressuring someone who is 13 years her junior, it was very uncomfortable - and not in a way that makes you grow by sitting and reflecting.
The whole thing reads like it was written by a kid who has approximate knowledge of many things.
I wanted to like it, but sadly the way it was written just wasn’t for me. 1.75 stars.
Reviewed from an advanced reader copy; opinions remain entirely mine. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Eyal Rosen for providing this ARC.
What it delivers on: Chaotic (no seatbelts provided), fast paced, queer, volatile relationships and moments of real discomfort.
(Emphasis on the moments of discomfort.)
For me - the book was like a cracked-out fever dream meets train wreck: not enjoyable at all, but I can’t seem to look away.
I don’t think Fake Night delivered well on the book description at all. But chaos? Chaos it delivers without hesitation, guilt or shame.
I’ll start by saying this book is incredibly dialogue heavy and engages in a lot of telling, instead of showing the reader. This would normally not be a problem for me, but the writing feels really juvenile on top of that. In fact, had I not been -explicitly- told that these characters were 23 years old, and older, I would never have figured it out. The entire cast of characters reads like a group of children who were given fistfulls of candy and then left unsupervised.
There were a few moments that seemed like they could play into a ‘dark humor’ style book, but they tended to fall flat because they were overshadowed by pure, unadulterated chaos that burst through the door like the kool-aid man.
When the trigger warning says ‘boundary-pushing scenes’ it really means it. From giving their 30-days-sober friend fake drugs to another character sexually pressuring someone who is 13 years her junior, it was very uncomfortable - and not in a way that makes you grow by sitting and reflecting.
The whole thing reads like it was written by a kid who has approximate knowledge of many things.
I wanted to like it, but sadly the way it was written just wasn’t for me. 1.75 stars.
Reviewed from an advanced reader copy; opinions remain entirely mine. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Eyal Rosen for providing this ARC.
March 19, 2026
ARC from Publisher
Fake Night is an evocative story that takes place over one night. It slowly draws the reader into its fake world through carefully tailored tension and the unknown. Eyal Rosen approach to storytelling is unique in that they allow the story to unfold naturally. The characters develop organically which gives the story a distinct and memorable feel.
The setting is one of the strongest aspects of the story, as it is set over one specific night – Fake Night – where the characters follow a strict set of rules. As the story unfolds the reader is given small glimpses into the characters real lives, that contributes to the impending mystery. The writing style is a lot of dialogs between the characters that works to build a quiet intensity that keeps the story moving forward. It keeps the reader engaged and wanting to know how the mystery is solved.
I enjoyed how the characters came together and learned something about themselves as well as their characters as the pieces came together. However, there were moments where the pacing felt a little too restrained, and other parts that felt rushed. There was a lack of consistency in the pace but it seemed to work. I did have a problem with a 30 something woman trying to force herself onto a 20something male. If it was the other way around, this would not be tolerated. That element really detracted from the story and is part of why it is a 4-star read for me.
I will admit that this isn’t a story for a 40 something woman as it is hard to relate to it. While I loved the premise of Fake Night, the fact that they were able to blow things up and not bother the neighbours but talking in a normal tone in the hallway bothered them? That seemed unrealistic and took away from the atmosphere of the book. I am glad that I read it, and may read more from this author in the future, it was just hard to relate to a 20something party crowd.
Fake Night is an evocative story that takes place over one night. It slowly draws the reader into its fake world through carefully tailored tension and the unknown. Eyal Rosen approach to storytelling is unique in that they allow the story to unfold naturally. The characters develop organically which gives the story a distinct and memorable feel.
The setting is one of the strongest aspects of the story, as it is set over one specific night – Fake Night – where the characters follow a strict set of rules. As the story unfolds the reader is given small glimpses into the characters real lives, that contributes to the impending mystery. The writing style is a lot of dialogs between the characters that works to build a quiet intensity that keeps the story moving forward. It keeps the reader engaged and wanting to know how the mystery is solved.
I enjoyed how the characters came together and learned something about themselves as well as their characters as the pieces came together. However, there were moments where the pacing felt a little too restrained, and other parts that felt rushed. There was a lack of consistency in the pace but it seemed to work. I did have a problem with a 30 something woman trying to force herself onto a 20something male. If it was the other way around, this would not be tolerated. That element really detracted from the story and is part of why it is a 4-star read for me.
I will admit that this isn’t a story for a 40 something woman as it is hard to relate to it. While I loved the premise of Fake Night, the fact that they were able to blow things up and not bother the neighbours but talking in a normal tone in the hallway bothered them? That seemed unrealistic and took away from the atmosphere of the book. I am glad that I read it, and may read more from this author in the future, it was just hard to relate to a 20something party crowd.
January 31, 2026
This book promises a rollercoaster through insanity, and boy, did it deliver! If you want messy, manic, ridiculous queers, Fake Night is the book to read. It's like an explosive, drug-induced 10-hour night of Whose Line Is It Anyway? and every bit as bizarre as that sounds.
Premise: Every year, six friends come together for a night of fake identities and intense fun. Each friend must remain in character and go with the flow. This year, someone has left a note threatening Fake Night's existence. Ashley dons the persona of Detective Vee to figure out who is the culprit. From 10pm to 8am, these friends engage in absolute shenanigans.
This was a really quick read. I couldn't believe how fast I flew through it, but given the manic energy of it, that actually kind of tracks. There were parts that made me uncomfortable And there were times when I wondered HOW they were doing what they were doing and WHY they would.
Once I got into the groove of these are young, messy people (most are 23), it really was an addictive read.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review.
Content Warnings:
Alcohol use/alcoholism
Drug use and abuse
Drug-induced attempts at sexual activity
Premise: Every year, six friends come together for a night of fake identities and intense fun. Each friend must remain in character and go with the flow. This year, someone has left a note threatening Fake Night's existence. Ashley dons the persona of Detective Vee to figure out who is the culprit. From 10pm to 8am, these friends engage in absolute shenanigans.
This was a really quick read. I couldn't believe how fast I flew through it, but given the manic energy of it, that actually kind of tracks. There were parts that made me uncomfortable And there were times when I wondered HOW they were doing what they were doing and WHY they would.
Once I got into the groove of these are young, messy people (most are 23), it really was an addictive read.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review.
Content Warnings:
Alcohol use/alcoholism
Drug use and abuse
Drug-induced attempts at sexual activity
March 12, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really wanted to like Fake Night, but unfortunately it didn’t land for me.
Reading this felt a bit like watching a group of high school teenagers left alone without supervision for the night, only these were supposed to be adults. The characters move through a series of chaotic, absurd situations that often felt mindless and exaggerated, and instead of finding the experience entertaining or intriguing, I mostly found myself frustrated.
The tone of the book is very scattered and absurd, bouncing between moments of attempted depth and scenes that feel almost deliberately ridiculous. At times it felt both plot-driven and character-driven, but not in a way that created momentum; rather it made the narrative feel cluttered and unfocused.
One element that did stand out to me was what felt like an underlying philosophical thread about dishonesty: how the first lie can dull the sense of guilt, making each subsequent lie easier. I’m not sure whether this theme was intentional or something I simply interpreted while reading, but it was one of the few ideas that lingered after I finished.
Ultimately, though, the overall experience didn’t work for me. The characters’ behavior and the constant chaos made it difficult to connect with the story, and by the end I felt like I was pushing myself to finish rather than enjoying the journey.
This book may resonate more with readers who enjoy highly absurd, chaotic narratives, but it unfortunately wasn’t a match for my reading taste.
I really wanted to like Fake Night, but unfortunately it didn’t land for me.
Reading this felt a bit like watching a group of high school teenagers left alone without supervision for the night, only these were supposed to be adults. The characters move through a series of chaotic, absurd situations that often felt mindless and exaggerated, and instead of finding the experience entertaining or intriguing, I mostly found myself frustrated.
The tone of the book is very scattered and absurd, bouncing between moments of attempted depth and scenes that feel almost deliberately ridiculous. At times it felt both plot-driven and character-driven, but not in a way that created momentum; rather it made the narrative feel cluttered and unfocused.
One element that did stand out to me was what felt like an underlying philosophical thread about dishonesty: how the first lie can dull the sense of guilt, making each subsequent lie easier. I’m not sure whether this theme was intentional or something I simply interpreted while reading, but it was one of the few ideas that lingered after I finished.
Ultimately, though, the overall experience didn’t work for me. The characters’ behavior and the constant chaos made it difficult to connect with the story, and by the end I felt like I was pushing myself to finish rather than enjoying the journey.
This book may resonate more with readers who enjoy highly absurd, chaotic narratives, but it unfortunately wasn’t a match for my reading taste.
March 14, 2026
This book wasn't for me. I did stick in through to the end, because I wanted to see if it got more coherent and/or had a point. This book was about 10% heartfelt content and 90% chaotic stupidity. The protagonist is "Vee"/Ashley, a woman in her early 20s who is struggling to manage her OCD and compensates by trying to control everything around her. She doesn't have much sense of satisfaction or purpose in her life, and so her annual "Fake Night" event has become overinflated in her mind, and she clings to it desperately (a lot like Simon Pegg a character in The World's End). Fake Night is under threat, though, with one of the other members of the group seeking to sabotage it, as well as mess with Ashley's OCD by sabotaging her coping strategies. Ashley spends the night in character as Vee the detective, trying to solve the mystery, while her friends get high, pretend to get high, pretend to get each other high, hook up or attempt to hook up (with dubious consent in some of the subplots), and cause chaos and destruction. The final chapters reveal that the characters they were pretending to be provided "insights" into their personal challenges/dissatisfactions, and the characters come together to find a path forward where they can all be happier versions of themselves, and learn the ultimate lesson that "you don't have to wait for Fake Night to be yourself". This book will appeal to people who like absurdist plots and general glittery, explosive chaos. It wasn't for me, but others may enjoy it.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.
February 15, 2026
Fake Night is a night where anything is possible. You can be whoever you want.
The comparison of Agatha Christie and Community caught my attention because I do love mysteries even though I have not read any of her novels yet but I have watched a bit of Community and found it funny.
There are five friends including the host, who become other people for a night. Different names, different personalities and different lives than they do on the day to day. Ashley becomes Vee, a detective. Disney becomes a pizza delivery guy. Alex becomes Mr. Chemistry. Emily becomes Glitter, who has Daddy issues with Numbers. Brad becomes Numbers, who is trying to reconcile his relationship with Glitter. Olive because Olive, but the question is is she in character or being herself?
However, strange things keep happening such as the coffee machine explodes or Fake Night Rules go missing. Vee tries to figure it out but things are chaotic, she starts to feel like Fake Night is out of control.
While I did enjoy everyone being different people, I was a big confused while reading a lot of this book. I was expecting a goofy night, but with the way people are acting, it seems less fun and more stressful. One person want alcohol even though they have been sober for a few weeks. One person is high on mushrooms after accidentally consuming pizza laced with it.
I enjoyed the premise of being someone different for a night but I don’t think I understood or liked the execution.
The comparison of Agatha Christie and Community caught my attention because I do love mysteries even though I have not read any of her novels yet but I have watched a bit of Community and found it funny.
There are five friends including the host, who become other people for a night. Different names, different personalities and different lives than they do on the day to day. Ashley becomes Vee, a detective. Disney becomes a pizza delivery guy. Alex becomes Mr. Chemistry. Emily becomes Glitter, who has Daddy issues with Numbers. Brad becomes Numbers, who is trying to reconcile his relationship with Glitter. Olive because Olive, but the question is is she in character or being herself?
However, strange things keep happening such as the coffee machine explodes or Fake Night Rules go missing. Vee tries to figure it out but things are chaotic, she starts to feel like Fake Night is out of control.
While I did enjoy everyone being different people, I was a big confused while reading a lot of this book. I was expecting a goofy night, but with the way people are acting, it seems less fun and more stressful. One person want alcohol even though they have been sober for a few weeks. One person is high on mushrooms after accidentally consuming pizza laced with it.
I enjoyed the premise of being someone different for a night but I don’t think I understood or liked the execution.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2026
ARC provided via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This is one of those books where I can fully appreciate the writing and the effort behind the story, but it just was not my personal reading style.
Fake Night is clearly well written and intentionally crafted. The author commits fully to the voice, and the tone is bold, surreal, and high energy in a way that feels very deliberate. I can see why other readers describe it as a wild ride, because the book absolutely leans into disorientation and momentum.
The premise is genuinely creative and loaded with potential. It plays with identity, performance, and what people reveal when they believe they can hide behind a version of themselves. That concept is the strongest hook for me, and I respect how confidently the book executes its style.
For my personal taste, though, I never fully connected to the story emotionally. I kept waiting for the moment where I would feel completely pulled in, but I stayed a little removed the whole time. Nothing was objectively wrong. It just did not click with my usual preferences, since I gravitate toward more grounded thrillers and twist driven plots.
If you love surreal, chaotic, experimental reads that focus more on experience and tone than tidy structure, this may really work for you. It was not quite the right fit for me, but I am glad I tried it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is one of those books where I can fully appreciate the writing and the effort behind the story, but it just was not my personal reading style.
Fake Night is clearly well written and intentionally crafted. The author commits fully to the voice, and the tone is bold, surreal, and high energy in a way that feels very deliberate. I can see why other readers describe it as a wild ride, because the book absolutely leans into disorientation and momentum.
The premise is genuinely creative and loaded with potential. It plays with identity, performance, and what people reveal when they believe they can hide behind a version of themselves. That concept is the strongest hook for me, and I respect how confidently the book executes its style.
For my personal taste, though, I never fully connected to the story emotionally. I kept waiting for the moment where I would feel completely pulled in, but I stayed a little removed the whole time. Nothing was objectively wrong. It just did not click with my usual preferences, since I gravitate toward more grounded thrillers and twist driven plots.
If you love surreal, chaotic, experimental reads that focus more on experience and tone than tidy structure, this may really work for you. It was not quite the right fit for me, but I am glad I tried it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 13, 2026
I was given the opportunity to read Fake Night as an ARC and wanted to give an honest review of the book. The cover made me want to know what the book was about and then I went to read the blurb and had to request it! This is a wild read that will have you laughing so much! I really enjoyed the strangeness of the story and how the characters acted. It brought me back to my teens/early 20s and I got a kick out of how much I connected with the main character. The story starts out normal and then fake night starts and things get crazy with everyone. I love the idea of taking a night and just being someone else, having fun with your friends, and then going back to regular life the next day. The antics that each character brought to the fake night made it even more funny. There were some serious moments and trying to do what is best for someone new to sobriety and then a mystery that Detective Vee is desperate to solve. It may be a funny and outrageous story, but there are so many beautiful moments in it, that tackle issues many of us deal with in our own lives. Sobriety, depression, ADHD, letting go, allowing yourself to become who you are meant to be, and so much more. If you want a story that will make you laugh, shake your head, and shed a few happy tears, then this is a book you will love!
February 8, 2026
I’m trying to add more variety to my reading this year, and with this book I think I overshot my goal by quite a distance. I’d even say it pushed me so far out of my comfort zone that I doubt anything else will compare going forward.
We follow a group of friends who hold a yearly gathering called "Fake Night". They created official rules and documented them as a constant reminder. Each year, they choose a character for themselfes and must stay in that role the entire time.
Based on what I experienced, these characters and their interactions seem to grow more chaotic every year. The current one felt disturbing, strange, confusing, and at times very funny, though some moments were not funny at all. There were sections where I genuinely had no idea what was happening or what exactly I was reading.
This book is unlike anything I’ve come across and feels very much like an acquired taste. Certainly not for everyone. But if you’re looking for something that will genuinely blow your mind and make you question what you’ve gotten yourself into, you might want to give it a try. Just make yourself one promise: stick with it, and accept it for what it is. 😊
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We follow a group of friends who hold a yearly gathering called "Fake Night". They created official rules and documented them as a constant reminder. Each year, they choose a character for themselfes and must stay in that role the entire time.
Based on what I experienced, these characters and their interactions seem to grow more chaotic every year. The current one felt disturbing, strange, confusing, and at times very funny, though some moments were not funny at all. There were sections where I genuinely had no idea what was happening or what exactly I was reading.
This book is unlike anything I’ve come across and feels very much like an acquired taste. Certainly not for everyone. But if you’re looking for something that will genuinely blow your mind and make you question what you’ve gotten yourself into, you might want to give it a try. Just make yourself one promise: stick with it, and accept it for what it is. 😊
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 26, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Eyal Rosen for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.
1.5 stars: Fake Night is described as a chaotic dark comedy, though it reads more as a middle grade level novel with adult topics and a never ending “yes, and…” bit. Editing errors aside, this novel is a tough to follow read, with continuously switching character names, random and disjointed plot lines, and no clear central plot aside from “it is Fake Night”. The author has a clear affinity for a liberal usage of ALL CAPS on every single page and the language style is simplistic and repetitive. The final twenty or so pages brought some closure and structure to the novel, but at that point I was already thoroughly confused and ready to be done with the book. It is also quite short (169 pages) and yet I could not get into a flow, taking me two days to read something I could typically read in an hour. It definitely needs a couple solid passes with an editor and perhaps a rewrite with a central plot in mind, because, as a fourth grade teacher, it was reminiscent of the writing I grade regularly.
The plot was a bit confusing in execution but I think it could have potential if workshopped appropriately. However, it is not there yet. In the end, it was not for me.
1.5 stars: Fake Night is described as a chaotic dark comedy, though it reads more as a middle grade level novel with adult topics and a never ending “yes, and…” bit. Editing errors aside, this novel is a tough to follow read, with continuously switching character names, random and disjointed plot lines, and no clear central plot aside from “it is Fake Night”. The author has a clear affinity for a liberal usage of ALL CAPS on every single page and the language style is simplistic and repetitive. The final twenty or so pages brought some closure and structure to the novel, but at that point I was already thoroughly confused and ready to be done with the book. It is also quite short (169 pages) and yet I could not get into a flow, taking me two days to read something I could typically read in an hour. It definitely needs a couple solid passes with an editor and perhaps a rewrite with a central plot in mind, because, as a fourth grade teacher, it was reminiscent of the writing I grade regularly.
The plot was a bit confusing in execution but I think it could have potential if workshopped appropriately. However, it is not there yet. In the end, it was not for me.
February 28, 2026
Listen. Fake Night did not gently take my hand and guide me through a thoughtful exploration of identity.
It grabbed me by the collar, shoved me onto a tilt-a-whirl, cranked the speed to “unhinged,” and said, “Good luck, babe.”
The concept? Iconic. An annual night where everyone becomes someone else? Delicious chaos. I live for a messy identity experiment. The creative potential is off the charts, and the author absolutely commits to the bit.
But whew.
The rotating personas, the emotional reveals, the addiction arcs, the rapid-fire character swaps I felt like I needed a seatbelt and a therapist. There’s depth here (real depth), especially around acceptance and self-destruction, and when it hits, it hits. The dialogue snaps. The humor lands. The emotional undercurrents are very real.
However…
Between the huge cast and the constant shifts, my brain was doing gymnastics. At times it felt less like “whimsical escapism” and more like narrative whiplash.
Did I enjoy the ride? Yes.
Did I get off slightly dizzy and questioning my life choices? Also yes.
If you love character-driven chaos, layered emotional drama, and a story that refuses to sit still this one’s for you. Just hydrate first.
It grabbed me by the collar, shoved me onto a tilt-a-whirl, cranked the speed to “unhinged,” and said, “Good luck, babe.”
The concept? Iconic. An annual night where everyone becomes someone else? Delicious chaos. I live for a messy identity experiment. The creative potential is off the charts, and the author absolutely commits to the bit.
But whew.
The rotating personas, the emotional reveals, the addiction arcs, the rapid-fire character swaps I felt like I needed a seatbelt and a therapist. There’s depth here (real depth), especially around acceptance and self-destruction, and when it hits, it hits. The dialogue snaps. The humor lands. The emotional undercurrents are very real.
However…
Between the huge cast and the constant shifts, my brain was doing gymnastics. At times it felt less like “whimsical escapism” and more like narrative whiplash.
Did I enjoy the ride? Yes.
Did I get off slightly dizzy and questioning my life choices? Also yes.
If you love character-driven chaos, layered emotional drama, and a story that refuses to sit still this one’s for you. Just hydrate first.
March 2, 2026
Fake Night immediately intrigued me with its high-concept premise — a chaotic party built around shifting identities and blurred boundaries. I went in expecting things to spiral in bold, unpredictable ways, and I found myself waiting for that moment when everything would fully tip into delicious, unrestrained chaos.
As the story progressed, it did improve. The latter half felt more confident, and there were a few scenes — especially toward the end — that genuinely made me laugh. Those moments of humor, along with some noticeable character development, ultimately shifted my rating from a 2.5 to a solid 3 stars.
That said, I personally struggled to fully connect with most of the characters, and I found myself wanting more escalation and emotional stakes. The premise promises volatility, and while there were flashes of creativity and potential, the payoff never quite matched the hype for me.
Even so, this is not an author I would write off. There is clear promise in the concept and voice. With more polish and experience, I can absolutely see their storytelling becoming sharper and more impactful. I would gladly pick up their next book to see how their craft continues to grow.
Overall, a 3-star read that shows potential and improvement, even if it didn’t fully land for me.
As the story progressed, it did improve. The latter half felt more confident, and there were a few scenes — especially toward the end — that genuinely made me laugh. Those moments of humor, along with some noticeable character development, ultimately shifted my rating from a 2.5 to a solid 3 stars.
That said, I personally struggled to fully connect with most of the characters, and I found myself wanting more escalation and emotional stakes. The premise promises volatility, and while there were flashes of creativity and potential, the payoff never quite matched the hype for me.
Even so, this is not an author I would write off. There is clear promise in the concept and voice. With more polish and experience, I can absolutely see their storytelling becoming sharper and more impactful. I would gladly pick up their next book to see how their craft continues to grow.
Overall, a 3-star read that shows potential and improvement, even if it didn’t fully land for me.
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