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Fake It Till You Make It
Can the truth really set you free?
Genevieve Applegate is tired of her stagnant life and she’s ready to make a change by going after her dream job in New Jersey. The listing seems ideal when Genevieve scans it, but a big surprise comes at her interview: Out Shore Magazine is an LGBT publication. She’s willing to work around this detail with an innocent lie, one she’ll keep from her longtime boyfriend as well as her new boss, Harper Davies.
Out Shore has been Harper’s main focus since her heart was broken years ago, but Genevieve may be the one to change that with her fresh perspective and charm. While both women enjoy what they learn about each other, Genevieve is most surprised by what she learns about herself. Pretending to be a lesbian has never felt more honest.
Genevieve Applegate is tired of her stagnant life and she’s ready to make a change by going after her dream job in New Jersey. The listing seems ideal when Genevieve scans it, but a big surprise comes at her interview: Out Shore Magazine is an LGBT publication. She’s willing to work around this detail with an innocent lie, one she’ll keep from her longtime boyfriend as well as her new boss, Harper Davies.
Out Shore has been Harper’s main focus since her heart was broken years ago, but Genevieve may be the one to change that with her fresh perspective and charm. While both women enjoy what they learn about each other, Genevieve is most surprised by what she learns about herself. Pretending to be a lesbian has never felt more honest.
240 pages, Paperback
First published June 20, 2017
20 people are currently reading
495 people want to read
About the author
M. Ullrich
14 books202 followersM. Ullrich is a four-time Goldie Award finalist and a two-time Lambda Literary Award finalist, and she has been featured in The Advocate magazine. She currently resides by the New Jersey Shore, but dreams of living someplace a little less touristy and with a whole lot less road rage. When she’s not writing or working her full-time job, M. Ullrich appreciates the simple pleasures in life like breakfast foods and sweet treats, working on her artistic skills, and enjoying the company of someone who laughs at her ridiculous humor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
April 8, 2019
'Netgalley ARC provided by The Publisher in exchange for an honest review'
A generally successful,fluffy romantic story from an author to keep your eyes on. One of the most immediately striking aspects of this book is the cover. As the title might suggest 'Fitymi'--but in all honesty Ms.Ullrich's offering was more of someone being true to herself or really coming to grips with her sexuality and soothe without coddling plus the storyline will also foster empathy and understanding without ever preaching and most of all help us the readers to see clearly about love in its many forms: romantic love,family love,friendship love and self-love. The leads and supporting cast possess admirable qualities not to say there was not a few moments of misogyny to discourage us the reading community. Enjoyable ending and i do encourage everyone to read this lovely story from an incredible author.
A generally successful,fluffy romantic story from an author to keep your eyes on. One of the most immediately striking aspects of this book is the cover. As the title might suggest 'Fitymi'--but in all honesty Ms.Ullrich's offering was more of someone being true to herself or really coming to grips with her sexuality and soothe without coddling plus the storyline will also foster empathy and understanding without ever preaching and most of all help us the readers to see clearly about love in its many forms: romantic love,family love,friendship love and self-love. The leads and supporting cast possess admirable qualities not to say there was not a few moments of misogyny to discourage us the reading community. Enjoyable ending and i do encourage everyone to read this lovely story from an incredible author.
May 28, 2017
2 1/2 Stars. This is a quick read romance. This book has a real beach read feel to me. I loved Ullrich's last book, Life in Death. In fact I think it was the best lesfic drama written in 2016. This book is totally different, and Ullrich even mentioned she wanted to write a light, feel good story. I know this has gotten a lot of great reviews, but for me, it was not any better than just so-so. I don't mind a beach read, I just think Ullrich excels writing drama, not so much fluff.
When I said this was a quick read, I meant it. It took me only 2 hours and 15 mins exactly, to read from start to finish. I read pretty fast, but not that fast. And after just finishing a book that was almost 5 times this length, I really noticed how quick this read was. I don't know where the cut off of pages is, or how this will be marketed, but it felt almost more like a novella to me.
The story is about Gen, who gets an interview to write at Out Shore Magazine. She thinks the move, and possible writing assignment, would be perfect for her. What she does not realize is, that it is an LGBT magazine. To get the job, she tells her boss she is gay. With a boyfriend at home whom wants to get married, this lie could get messy fast. When Gen starts to fall for her boss, will she tell the truth, or will she keep faking it until she makes it? I got a little corny there I know, but could not help myself:)
I do not care for books based on lies. It is very hard to enjoy them, since you are just waiting for the other shoe to drop and everything to fall apart. I felt that the whole time I was reading this. Especially, all the times Gen tries to come clean, it just never works out. To be honest, I was bothered by how the climax of the conflict happened. I just did not find it believable, especially since Gen got enough truth out over time. Also, without give too much away, I kept thinking lawsuit, since it was a boss/worker relationship. I was also surprised Gen never considered she might be bisexual. Of course she might not be, but she never even thought about it. Which I found a little odd considering she had a boyfriend for 10 years and no previous feelings for women. Yeah, the boyfriend drove me nuts. If she didn't like him, let the poor guy off the hook. Especially since he thought they would be getting married. The lies and stringing the boyfriend along, I did not like. It was implied she had sex with him, when she already had feeling for her boss, didn't make me very sympathetic to Gen. I wanted to like her. She had quirky qualities I liked, but damn she was a mess.
There was other things that irked me, but I don't want to spoil anything. I will mention one last thing. I was bummed about the setting. A large chunk of my family is from New Jersey and New York. I spent my summers at the Jersey shore, most of my child and teenager-hood. I wanted to get the feeling like I was back there, but Ullrich really ignored it as a background. This story could have taken place in Texas or California and nothing would really be different.
For my personally tastes, there was too many things that bothered me in this book. I can't recommend it, and it disappoints me to say that. I think Ullrich is a brilliant writer and would recommend Life in Death to anyone. This book is not bad, but it is not my cup of tea. A lot of other people really liked this, so I may be an outlier here. I would recommend reading some of the other reviews, not just mine, before making a decision if this book is right for you.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
When I said this was a quick read, I meant it. It took me only 2 hours and 15 mins exactly, to read from start to finish. I read pretty fast, but not that fast. And after just finishing a book that was almost 5 times this length, I really noticed how quick this read was. I don't know where the cut off of pages is, or how this will be marketed, but it felt almost more like a novella to me.
The story is about Gen, who gets an interview to write at Out Shore Magazine. She thinks the move, and possible writing assignment, would be perfect for her. What she does not realize is, that it is an LGBT magazine. To get the job, she tells her boss she is gay. With a boyfriend at home whom wants to get married, this lie could get messy fast. When Gen starts to fall for her boss, will she tell the truth, or will she keep faking it until she makes it? I got a little corny there I know, but could not help myself:)
I do not care for books based on lies. It is very hard to enjoy them, since you are just waiting for the other shoe to drop and everything to fall apart. I felt that the whole time I was reading this. Especially, all the times Gen tries to come clean, it just never works out. To be honest, I was bothered by how the climax of the conflict happened. I just did not find it believable, especially since Gen got enough truth out over time. Also, without give too much away, I kept thinking lawsuit, since it was a boss/worker relationship. I was also surprised Gen never considered she might be bisexual. Of course she might not be, but she never even thought about it. Which I found a little odd considering she had a boyfriend for 10 years and no previous feelings for women. Yeah, the boyfriend drove me nuts. If she didn't like him, let the poor guy off the hook. Especially since he thought they would be getting married. The lies and stringing the boyfriend along, I did not like. It was implied she had sex with him, when she already had feeling for her boss, didn't make me very sympathetic to Gen. I wanted to like her. She had quirky qualities I liked, but damn she was a mess.
There was other things that irked me, but I don't want to spoil anything. I will mention one last thing. I was bummed about the setting. A large chunk of my family is from New Jersey and New York. I spent my summers at the Jersey shore, most of my child and teenager-hood. I wanted to get the feeling like I was back there, but Ullrich really ignored it as a background. This story could have taken place in Texas or California and nothing would really be different.
For my personally tastes, there was too many things that bothered me in this book. I can't recommend it, and it disappoints me to say that. I think Ullrich is a brilliant writer and would recommend Life in Death to anyone. This book is not bad, but it is not my cup of tea. A lot of other people really liked this, so I may be an outlier here. I would recommend reading some of the other reviews, not just mine, before making a decision if this book is right for you.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
May 14, 2017
Fake It Till You Make It is another very good book by M. Ullrich. It is much less dramatic and complex than my all time favorite of hers Life in Death, but I liked it because of very likable protagonists, nice dose of humor, sweet romance and a nice satisfying ending. Some things in communication between the main characters are overused or done unconvincingly, especially all attempts of telling the truth interrupted by others, and that is my only major complaint worth mentioning in this review. Everything else is done properly, and I could easily recommend this book to all romance fans. M. Ullrich has become one of my trusted authors, and I can not wait to read her next book Time Will Tell.
4 stars
May 14, 2017
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
4 stars
May 14, 2017
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
June 15, 2017
This book kind of bothered me from the beginning. It was one single lie until she told the truth. The book kind of represented everything I hate. Sorry I don't like liars.
The main character Gen is in a dead end job wanting to spread her wings and find the perfect job that she could excel at. One that would also take her away from small town life to spread her wings. What she didn't realise was the magazine she applied to was an LGBT publication. So in order to get the job she tells them she is gay. She lies to her family, her friends, her boyfriend of 10 years and to her new boss. Now to me there is no coming back from all that.
What I don't really fathom is how she could be engaged to a guy for 10 years and never feel something was off between them. Ok, so she could have been bisexual. But why no questions, why no wondering why this didn't feel great. These feelings only manifested when she started to fancy her boss.
Maybe I'm being too hard. I did find the book short but I'm not going to complain about that because I was just glad it ended. Also, how can you tell so many lies and your misdemeanors are forgiven without any repercussions. Hell, it was a law suit waiting to happen. I really like Gen in some ways. She was quirky and had a great sense of humor. But I didn't like her because she felt the need to lie to get what she wanted.
Yes, I gave it 3 stars because the story without the lies was pretty good. I'm just not sure if I would recommend it. Lies hurt, Lies destroy. Yet she walked away and everything is good in the world according to Gen. So please forgive me when I say that I will leave it up to you to decide whether to read it or not. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
The main character Gen is in a dead end job wanting to spread her wings and find the perfect job that she could excel at. One that would also take her away from small town life to spread her wings. What she didn't realise was the magazine she applied to was an LGBT publication. So in order to get the job she tells them she is gay. She lies to her family, her friends, her boyfriend of 10 years and to her new boss. Now to me there is no coming back from all that.
What I don't really fathom is how she could be engaged to a guy for 10 years and never feel something was off between them. Ok, so she could have been bisexual. But why no questions, why no wondering why this didn't feel great. These feelings only manifested when she started to fancy her boss.
Maybe I'm being too hard. I did find the book short but I'm not going to complain about that because I was just glad it ended. Also, how can you tell so many lies and your misdemeanors are forgiven without any repercussions. Hell, it was a law suit waiting to happen. I really like Gen in some ways. She was quirky and had a great sense of humor. But I didn't like her because she felt the need to lie to get what she wanted.
Yes, I gave it 3 stars because the story without the lies was pretty good. I'm just not sure if I would recommend it. Lies hurt, Lies destroy. Yet she walked away and everything is good in the world according to Gen. So please forgive me when I say that I will leave it up to you to decide whether to read it or not. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
April 2, 2019
The perfect light read for a Sunday evening. It was a lovely toaster-oven romance.
May 14, 2017
M. Ullrich is a fantastic writer, one of the best, in my opinion in the f/f romance genre. I think when we pick up a book we are looking for a few key factors. Developed characters, yup Ullrich gives us those in spades. Good dialogue, once again we have that too, thank goodness. A strong balance between showing and telling, again we are good. Lastly the originality element. Is this another recycled plot line, and if it is you better bring it better that the predecessors. This factor Ullrich owns easily, her books have a uniqueness that we don’t always see in this particular genre. Her stories go a bit outside the box and they do it in the best possible way. Fake It Till You Make It is no exception.
Our main protagonist is Genevieve Applegate. Gen is your small town girl, from rural Pennsylvania. She has had the same friends since birth, knows every soul in town. Unlike everyone else, Gen feels this need to get out and do more. She feels as though her wings have been clipped both professionally and personally. So she scours the employment ads for a newspaper or magazine journalist position that will take her anywhere outside of Milan, Pennsylvania.
Harper Davies is the editor/owner of Out Shore Magazine. Harper who has been burned by love once does not see that in her cards anymore. She pours her heart and soul into the magazine and that takes precedence in her live above everything else. Everything changes when she interviews, the adorable girl next door, Genevieve Applegate. For the first time in a very long time, Harper wants to get to know a woman in more than a professional aspect.
There is a big problem, Gen has no clue she just accepted a position at LGBT publication. She also digs herself in a big ol’ self-inflicted hole by allowing everyone to believe she is a lesbian. This is especially a problem since she has a fiancé, a man, named Jeremy who she has been dating for a decade. EEK! You can see the dilemma, the drama from a mile away. You also get the see the amazing chemistry Harper and Gen have. A sweet romance, that is eye-opening for both of our leading ladies.
My only complaint is I wish the book when have been longer. This one is definitely on the shorter side than I usually prefer. Overall this is a really good book, and you can count on this author giving you a fantastic story time and time again. I cannot wait to see where she takes us next. 4.25 stars
Our main protagonist is Genevieve Applegate. Gen is your small town girl, from rural Pennsylvania. She has had the same friends since birth, knows every soul in town. Unlike everyone else, Gen feels this need to get out and do more. She feels as though her wings have been clipped both professionally and personally. So she scours the employment ads for a newspaper or magazine journalist position that will take her anywhere outside of Milan, Pennsylvania.
Harper Davies is the editor/owner of Out Shore Magazine. Harper who has been burned by love once does not see that in her cards anymore. She pours her heart and soul into the magazine and that takes precedence in her live above everything else. Everything changes when she interviews, the adorable girl next door, Genevieve Applegate. For the first time in a very long time, Harper wants to get to know a woman in more than a professional aspect.
There is a big problem, Gen has no clue she just accepted a position at LGBT publication. She also digs herself in a big ol’ self-inflicted hole by allowing everyone to believe she is a lesbian. This is especially a problem since she has a fiancé, a man, named Jeremy who she has been dating for a decade. EEK! You can see the dilemma, the drama from a mile away. You also get the see the amazing chemistry Harper and Gen have. A sweet romance, that is eye-opening for both of our leading ladies.
My only complaint is I wish the book when have been longer. This one is definitely on the shorter side than I usually prefer. Overall this is a really good book, and you can count on this author giving you a fantastic story time and time again. I cannot wait to see where she takes us next. 4.25 stars
August 9, 2017
I’ve been waiting and waiting for “Fake It Till You Make It” to arrive at Audible, but gave up and bought the Kindle book. Just as I finished it…it arrived at Audible…I’ve discovered a new superpower - pay Amazon for a book twice in a single week!
It was worth it - MCs Genevieve (Gen) and Harper are delightful, the supporting characters are fun and I enjoyed both reading the story and then listening to the narration!
Gen wants to spread her wings and move out of her small Pennsylvania town where she feels trapped into marrying her high school boyfriend, with whom she’s fallen into a routine that she wants to change. The boyfriend is one of the least believable of the supporting characters - a small town boy who is willing to wait 10+ years while his girlfriend evaluates job opportunities out of town? All of his beer drinking peers would have three children by now, and would be teasing him mercilessly! His later behavior doesn’t match what seems initially like a patient, understanding and loving guy. Perhaps the author wanted to write him out of the script without making Gen look bad.
Gen applies for a job without really reading about the company, and during the interview spontaneously embellishes her credentials…and she’s hired…to write as life as a young lesbian moving from a small town to a big city. Some reviews have hit hard on the “lying” aspect, but Gen didn’t plan in advance to purposely lie, nor is she lying to hurt anyone, nor is she lying about her professional ability to deliver to the employer articles that fit the lie and would grow readership. While this is a rather unusual falsehood, people are much more dishonest in many interview situations and I’m willing to conditionally forgive the initial lie, with final judgement to be determined by what she later says and does to preserve the lie.
Gen has a great personality, and the narrator has a great voice for her, so it turns out that what she later says and does is very humorous and entertaining. Flirting with Harper, her boss, feels natural to Gen, not part of maintaining faking “the lie”.
As Gen spends time living her new persona, she begins to realize that she likes and is comfortable with the new her. Her long-time BFF Chloe helps her realize that she was living a lie with fiancé Jeremy more than she is faking the new her. Gen’s lesbian porn research, and several interactions with her coworkers make for very laugh out loud moments.
I think Harper overreacted when she learns about Gen’s deception….Gen had been trying to tell Harper several times, and Harper kept saying the past didn’t matter. Also, Clarissa’s stunt stretched believability even for a fictional character. Still, it’s lesfic and some angst and uncertainty keeps things interesting. The ending was wonderful, and my final judgement is that I forgive Gen for her initial interview lie.
4.25*, with an extra 3/4* for the narrator to warrant a solid 5* - highly recommended and I’ll certainly listen to it again!
PS, this book is very humorous, I like the characters, and there is romance and soft eroticism but very little explicit steaminess….kind of a disappointment with Gen’s great curiosity and the narrator’s great voice!
PPS, a big part of the reason I was anxious to read “Fake It Till You Make It” was because the plot was very similar to another 5* favorite of mine - “The Beard” by Anne Eton, narrated wonderfully by Tillie Hooper. “The Beard” is sillier and has LOTS of explicitness as Anna agrees to help Kelly convince her office she has a girlfriend. Be aware though, that Kelly works hard to maintain her lie, and Anna has, hmmmm….rather extreme impulse control issues.
It was worth it - MCs Genevieve (Gen) and Harper are delightful, the supporting characters are fun and I enjoyed both reading the story and then listening to the narration!
Gen wants to spread her wings and move out of her small Pennsylvania town where she feels trapped into marrying her high school boyfriend, with whom she’s fallen into a routine that she wants to change. The boyfriend is one of the least believable of the supporting characters - a small town boy who is willing to wait 10+ years while his girlfriend evaluates job opportunities out of town? All of his beer drinking peers would have three children by now, and would be teasing him mercilessly! His later behavior doesn’t match what seems initially like a patient, understanding and loving guy. Perhaps the author wanted to write him out of the script without making Gen look bad.
Gen applies for a job without really reading about the company, and during the interview spontaneously embellishes her credentials…and she’s hired…to write as life as a young lesbian moving from a small town to a big city. Some reviews have hit hard on the “lying” aspect, but Gen didn’t plan in advance to purposely lie, nor is she lying to hurt anyone, nor is she lying about her professional ability to deliver to the employer articles that fit the lie and would grow readership. While this is a rather unusual falsehood, people are much more dishonest in many interview situations and I’m willing to conditionally forgive the initial lie, with final judgement to be determined by what she later says and does to preserve the lie.
Gen has a great personality, and the narrator has a great voice for her, so it turns out that what she later says and does is very humorous and entertaining. Flirting with Harper, her boss, feels natural to Gen, not part of maintaining faking “the lie”.
As Gen spends time living her new persona, she begins to realize that she likes and is comfortable with the new her. Her long-time BFF Chloe helps her realize that she was living a lie with fiancé Jeremy more than she is faking the new her. Gen’s lesbian porn research, and several interactions with her coworkers make for very laugh out loud moments.
I think Harper overreacted when she learns about Gen’s deception….Gen had been trying to tell Harper several times, and Harper kept saying the past didn’t matter. Also, Clarissa’s stunt stretched believability even for a fictional character. Still, it’s lesfic and some angst and uncertainty keeps things interesting. The ending was wonderful, and my final judgement is that I forgive Gen for her initial interview lie.
4.25*, with an extra 3/4* for the narrator to warrant a solid 5* - highly recommended and I’ll certainly listen to it again!
PS, this book is very humorous, I like the characters, and there is romance and soft eroticism but very little explicit steaminess….kind of a disappointment with Gen’s great curiosity and the narrator’s great voice!
PPS, a big part of the reason I was anxious to read “Fake It Till You Make It” was because the plot was very similar to another 5* favorite of mine - “The Beard” by Anne Eton, narrated wonderfully by Tillie Hooper. “The Beard” is sillier and has LOTS of explicitness as Anna agrees to help Kelly convince her office she has a girlfriend. Be aware though, that Kelly works hard to maintain her lie, and Anna has, hmmmm….rather extreme impulse control issues.
June 7, 2017
M. Ullrich continues to stretch her literary wings following the angst-filled Life in Death with something light and fluffy. The biggest mistake a reader can make when reading Fake It Till You Make It is to take the story too seriously. If you want to enjoy this quick, light-hearted read it would be wise to suspend belief on several fronts.
A small town girl, bored with her career and her ten year relationship with her high school sweetheart applies for a job online without googling the business or owner. Cue the awkward moment when Gen discovers the magazine she is interviewing for is an LGBT publication and she bluffs her way into the job with a little/big white lie.
After ten years with a boyfriend (because that’s what you do to survive in small town USA), when surrounded by gay coworkers it is impossible not to catch the gay and be infatuated with the androgynous boss, Harper. Ignore the queasy boss/employee dynamic. What is untenable in real life is possible in a fluffy romance, especially when someone is as handsome, suave and well dressed as Harper. Totally swoon-worthy. Historical evidence will eventually prove you might be more gay than you realized. Or Bi. That works too.
In every sunny lesbians life a little rain must fall. You can’t just walk off with the most eligible lesbian in New Jersey and not expect some fur to fly. They call it “living your truth” for good reason. Somebody will want to bring you down for your errors of omission.
I might laugh at the implausibility of some of the situations which our intrepid journo Genevieve found herself but like a Goldie Hawn or Sandra Bullock movie, sometimes it’s just fun to sit back and enjoy the awkward moments you know are coming. I loved the chapter titles as they foreshadowed what adventures awaited Gen. I did wish Harper wasn’t so one-dimensional or maybe she just came across that way when compared to the plucky Genevieve.
M. Ullrich remains on my must read forever list because from one book to the next, you never know what you’re going to get. I love a surprise.
4 stars
ARC received with thanks from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for review.
A small town girl, bored with her career and her ten year relationship with her high school sweetheart applies for a job online without googling the business or owner. Cue the awkward moment when Gen discovers the magazine she is interviewing for is an LGBT publication and she bluffs her way into the job with a little/big white lie.
After ten years with a boyfriend (because that’s what you do to survive in small town USA), when surrounded by gay coworkers it is impossible not to catch the gay and be infatuated with the androgynous boss, Harper. Ignore the queasy boss/employee dynamic. What is untenable in real life is possible in a fluffy romance, especially when someone is as handsome, suave and well dressed as Harper. Totally swoon-worthy. Historical evidence will eventually prove you might be more gay than you realized. Or Bi. That works too.
In every sunny lesbians life a little rain must fall. You can’t just walk off with the most eligible lesbian in New Jersey and not expect some fur to fly. They call it “living your truth” for good reason. Somebody will want to bring you down for your errors of omission.
I might laugh at the implausibility of some of the situations which our intrepid journo Genevieve found herself but like a Goldie Hawn or Sandra Bullock movie, sometimes it’s just fun to sit back and enjoy the awkward moments you know are coming. I loved the chapter titles as they foreshadowed what adventures awaited Gen. I did wish Harper wasn’t so one-dimensional or maybe she just came across that way when compared to the plucky Genevieve.
M. Ullrich remains on my must read forever list because from one book to the next, you never know what you’re going to get. I love a surprise.
4 stars
ARC received with thanks from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for review.
July 23, 2018
I have fairly mixed feeling about stories which begin where one character is lying. Sometimes it's fairly innocent or by omission and other times I find it more difficult to like the character even once they've come clean. Genevieve is tired of menial writing pieces she's assigned at the rural community newspaper she's working for and starts looking for a job. She gets an interview at a LGBT publication in Jersey not realising that it's an LGBT magazine. Thinking it will improve her chances of getting the job, she pretends to be a lesbian at the interview.
She's left her boyfriend in their hometown and he seems quite content to let her go because Gen is coming back to marry him. It's all going swimmingly with Gen writing columns about being in the lesbian dating pool (hmm) until she starts feeling an attraction for her boss, Harper.
I enjoyed the writing but I wasn't enamoured with Genevieve. I preferred Harper but Genevieve was more the focus of the story.
She's left her boyfriend in their hometown and he seems quite content to let her go because Gen is coming back to marry him. It's all going swimmingly with Gen writing columns about being in the lesbian dating pool (hmm) until she starts feeling an attraction for her boss, Harper.
I enjoyed the writing but I wasn't enamoured with Genevieve. I preferred Harper but Genevieve was more the focus of the story.
August 3, 2018
This read was a nice surprise for me. One might think by the book and chapters' titles that it will be a handbook on how to fake things to make them happen but this book goes beyond that. The story takes us to Genevieve Applegate's search for an ideal job that eventually turns into a sexual identity exploration. Add to the plot a slow burn romance, great dialogues and realistic supporting characters and the reader gets a very well written and entertaining story.
Overall a fun and enjoyable light read. 4 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
Overall a fun and enjoyable light read. 4 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
May 31, 2017
From the moment I started this book it just oozed fun. So much so,I didn’t want to put it down and read straight through the night and then began reading it again the very next day… Yes that good! Genevieve made me forget about the outside world and I just wanted to make her my friend. I was pulled into the story and got excited at every step in the ‘User’s guide’ (which incidentally is also the chapters of the book).
Also, I want to work for the magazine where Genevieve and Harper meet, again with the fun. Genevieve’s colleagues had me in stitches. One of the best one liners was:
“A lesbian choking on nuts,” Matthew said. “That’s not something you see every day.”
I felt like I was part of this emotional roller coaster that was Genevieve’s awakening! Every step (figuratively and not) I began to understand more and more why so many woman discover other sexualities a little later in life. Most of all there is an exquisite little twist that just keeps adding to the fun (yes I said fun again).
M. Ullrich’s ‘Fake it Till you make it’ just clarifies why she is one of my favourite authors. The story line was tight, the characters brought emotion and made me feel like I was living the story with them and best of all, I had fun reading every word. The pace was excellent, I at no point wanted to speed up or slow it down. Questions I had about characters were answered in due course and I was transported into the page and I became a part of the ride!
‘Fake It Till You Make It’ is written in the third person point of view, from Genevieve; this is the first time I have read a novel with this style of writing. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Genevieve manoeuvre through life, embracing her new found feelings. It was beautiful to read. I really hope this book gets a chance at a sequel or spin off because quite frankly I’m not done with these characters just yet, especially Genevieve.
Unequivocally 5 stars.
Also, I want to work for the magazine where Genevieve and Harper meet, again with the fun. Genevieve’s colleagues had me in stitches. One of the best one liners was:
“A lesbian choking on nuts,” Matthew said. “That’s not something you see every day.”
I felt like I was part of this emotional roller coaster that was Genevieve’s awakening! Every step (figuratively and not) I began to understand more and more why so many woman discover other sexualities a little later in life. Most of all there is an exquisite little twist that just keeps adding to the fun (yes I said fun again).
M. Ullrich’s ‘Fake it Till you make it’ just clarifies why she is one of my favourite authors. The story line was tight, the characters brought emotion and made me feel like I was living the story with them and best of all, I had fun reading every word. The pace was excellent, I at no point wanted to speed up or slow it down. Questions I had about characters were answered in due course and I was transported into the page and I became a part of the ride!
‘Fake It Till You Make It’ is written in the third person point of view, from Genevieve; this is the first time I have read a novel with this style of writing. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Genevieve manoeuvre through life, embracing her new found feelings. It was beautiful to read. I really hope this book gets a chance at a sequel or spin off because quite frankly I’m not done with these characters just yet, especially Genevieve.
Unequivocally 5 stars.
January 3, 2019
The plot for this book caught my eye and of course, the age gap, but this one didn't do it for me. The way everything unfolded in the second half just seemed... artificial... and I struggled to finish.
November 13, 2017
I hesitated to pick this up because it looked like a self-help book. Talk about packaging ... on the other hand side that also made me really curious.
Normally I enjoy a romcom where people lie because it's such a classic concept - I mean Shakespeare did it in Twelfth Night and I adore this: cross-dressing woman falls in love with the employer but garners the interest of the woman the employer wants to chat up.
Something like this can make for some very hilarious scenes and dialogue.
Sadly, I did not have the feeling here. Most of the time I felt bad for everybody involved (I mean you're supposed to on some level) but as I said the idea of such a plot is to not make it angsty but funny.
Now the book tried doing that with several ploys: first the look and feel of a self-help book (nice idea really, I applaud such creativity), second the naïveté of the main character (I mean who does not realize that the magazine you're applying to is LGBTQ) and third escapes me right now.
Anyways it was not funny enough to me that's the problem. So the things that can make a plot hilarious, started to grate on me. I mean why didn't she just dump her boyfriend?
Yet, I wish to stop on a high note. This book is well written and a quick read. It has not too much depth, so I guess it classifies as a sweet entertaining read and the concept of the self-help book really is a stroke of genius. So if nothing else I think I'll pick up another book of her and see if I like that better.
Normally I enjoy a romcom where people lie because it's such a classic concept - I mean Shakespeare did it in Twelfth Night and I adore this: cross-dressing woman falls in love with the employer but garners the interest of the woman the employer wants to chat up.
Something like this can make for some very hilarious scenes and dialogue.
Sadly, I did not have the feeling here. Most of the time I felt bad for everybody involved (I mean you're supposed to on some level) but as I said the idea of such a plot is to not make it angsty but funny.
Now the book tried doing that with several ploys: first the look and feel of a self-help book (nice idea really, I applaud such creativity), second the naïveté of the main character (I mean who does not realize that the magazine you're applying to is LGBTQ) and third escapes me right now.
Anyways it was not funny enough to me that's the problem. So the things that can make a plot hilarious, started to grate on me. I mean why didn't she just dump her boyfriend?
Yet, I wish to stop on a high note. This book is well written and a quick read. It has not too much depth, so I guess it classifies as a sweet entertaining read and the concept of the self-help book really is a stroke of genius. So if nothing else I think I'll pick up another book of her and see if I like that better.
June 21, 2017
Pretending to be a lesbian, what could possibly go wrong?
Genevieve Applegate is about to find out exactly that when she lands a job as a writer for a LGBT magazine. Of course it doesn't help things that her boss Harper is absolutely gorgeous and she herself still has a boyfriend back home. Admittedly the story is pretty predictable and you know the main characters will end up getting their happily ever after but despite all of this, the author managed to keep me hooked throughout their journey.
This was my first book by this author and from what I understand also a much lighter read compared to her other works which have a lot more angst in them. I'm looking forward to reading Life in Death and Fortunate Sum to see just how her writing of those stories compares. This end up with a 3.75*
Genevieve Applegate is about to find out exactly that when she lands a job as a writer for a LGBT magazine. Of course it doesn't help things that her boss Harper is absolutely gorgeous and she herself still has a boyfriend back home. Admittedly the story is pretty predictable and you know the main characters will end up getting their happily ever after but despite all of this, the author managed to keep me hooked throughout their journey.
This was my first book by this author and from what I understand also a much lighter read compared to her other works which have a lot more angst in them. I'm looking forward to reading Life in Death and Fortunate Sum to see just how her writing of those stories compares. This end up with a 3.75*
May 26, 2017
I'm really think of weather I'll give this a 3 or a 4. Got get me wrong this is very well written but I think I'm not just comfortable with deceiving people to get what you want and also it kind of involves cheating (or does it? Flirting and a kiss because of mistletoe?). Gen is nice I know but her decisions are really questionable. First she pretended to be a lesbian just to get the job then second she kind of like her boss even though she got a bf back home. Yeah her boyfriend is kind of an ass but hey they've been together 10years I think she owes him a bit of consideration. If she's not happy why not break up with him? I mean on her own not because she's falling in love with her boss.
Harper on the other hand she's a gorgeous soft butch. She avoided relationships because her ex wife cheated on her, she's always nice maybe that's why people always falls for her. And I think she's way too nice.
Okay, Hmmmm. I have mixed emotions about this book. About how they got together, how they stared a relationship together, how it was ruined. Everything!
Gen is great but I think she always tent to miscommunicate about her feelings or how to deal with it.
She liked Harper because Harper compliments her always but her long tome boyfriend doesn't.
And I think she liked the attention because again her long time boyfriend doesn't really make efforts but with Harper she always makes time. So if you really look into it, maybe she liked Harper because of the attention? Like the one time someone approached her and get her no? Like she's not used to that? I don't know.
I like the ending. So I'll round this up to 4.
3.5-3.75
But to end this, I really like the author of this book. And I'm looking forward to her next book.
Harper on the other hand she's a gorgeous soft butch. She avoided relationships because her ex wife cheated on her, she's always nice maybe that's why people always falls for her. And I think she's way too nice.
Okay, Hmmmm. I have mixed emotions about this book. About how they got together, how they stared a relationship together, how it was ruined. Everything!
Gen is great but I think she always tent to miscommunicate about her feelings or how to deal with it.
She liked Harper because Harper compliments her always but her long tome boyfriend doesn't.
And I think she liked the attention because again her long time boyfriend doesn't really make efforts but with Harper she always makes time. So if you really look into it, maybe she liked Harper because of the attention? Like the one time someone approached her and get her no? Like she's not used to that? I don't know.
I like the ending. So I'll round this up to 4.
3.5-3.75
But to end this, I really like the author of this book. And I'm looking forward to her next book.
May 12, 2017
Another great book from M. Ullrich. This was sweet, funny, and sexy. It was always entertaining to see what Gen's bad luck/klutz tendencies would cause next. The writing was great and so was the character development. Highly recommend!
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for honest review
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for honest review
May 13, 2017
*The copy provided by NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books Inc. in exchange for an honest review.*
I love the books with plots like this one. I was very eager to get my hands on this book, so to speak, and I wasn't exactly disappointed. The book is a very nice read, it practically flows once you start reading it. However, in order to be perfect, for me, this book has one big flaw: the supporting, minor characters in this book were far more interesting than two main ones. I actually thought Clarissa and Chloe were better written, with more substance than Harper and Genevieve. Hence, 4 stars from me.
I love the books with plots like this one. I was very eager to get my hands on this book, so to speak, and I wasn't exactly disappointed. The book is a very nice read, it practically flows once you start reading it. However, in order to be perfect, for me, this book has one big flaw: the supporting, minor characters in this book were far more interesting than two main ones. I actually thought Clarissa and Chloe were better written, with more substance than Harper and Genevieve. Hence, 4 stars from me.
June 30, 2017
Not my favorite by this author but still a good solid read.
February 27, 2018
Fun, flirty, and sexy. Good dialogue, well-rounded characters, and just an all around cool romance. If you're looking for a light, easy, fun read, this one hits the mark.
Netgalley ARC received for an unbiased review.
Netgalley ARC received for an unbiased review.
May 5, 2019
3.5 ⭐️
May 22, 2017
When you have the subtitle as "A User's Guide" it gives the expectation of a manual or diary or something along those lines. Maybe if the author had forgone that subtitle, I may have given this more of a pass. It's written entirely in the third person, and right away with these types of romance novels that tends to lead to a level of detachment and a tendency to rely upon telling instead of showing for any type of character development or story beat. The plot also heavily relies upon conveniences in order to buy the storyline, the biggest of which being that no one uses Google to ever look up this magazine or read any of Gen's "amazing" articles.
The hook that peaked my interest here was not the boss/subordinate romance (which now that I'm older and a boss myself, just feels icky and overwhelmingly unprofessional--not at all romantic) but that the story took place at the Jersey Shore, an area I am lovingly familiar with. However, this could have taken place literally anywhere, the fact that it was Jersey or "The Shore" had little play in the book other than lending its name to the magazine. There's one particularly memorable part of this book where after a breakup, Gen decides to return to Jersey because that's where she was able to cut loose and finally be herself--yet every single scene that didn't feature Gen sitting at her office desk, she was at home in sweatpants refusing to leave the house. It apparently took her months to even travel to the grocery store. Who is this woman? I never had any idea, I couldn't visualize her and frankly I didn't particular like her either. Nor could I figure out why she was considered some great writer as we never read anything she writes. Again, this is a faking it users guide, per the title, I was really expecting this speaking to the audience type tone a la Sex in the City.
The romance, again, just had me really uncomfortable and not rooting for these characters to get together, anathema for romance novels. I'm not sure how an author could really make the boss/employee relationship work with that level of power inequality always in play. The book would have worked just fine had Gen written her column as an actual column the reader could follow of her dating trials as a "small town" girl in a more liberal area. She still could have had a "surprise" lesbian reveal and the book would have still essentially been the same type of story, minus all of the self-induced melodrama and obvious grounds for law suits.
This one is firmly in the "meh" category; the best I could say about it is that it was a quick read.
ARC provided by NetGalley
The hook that peaked my interest here was not the boss/subordinate romance (which now that I'm older and a boss myself, just feels icky and overwhelmingly unprofessional--not at all romantic) but that the story took place at the Jersey Shore, an area I am lovingly familiar with. However, this could have taken place literally anywhere, the fact that it was Jersey or "The Shore" had little play in the book other than lending its name to the magazine. There's one particularly memorable part of this book where after a breakup, Gen decides to return to Jersey because that's where she was able to cut loose and finally be herself--yet every single scene that didn't feature Gen sitting at her office desk, she was at home in sweatpants refusing to leave the house. It apparently took her months to even travel to the grocery store. Who is this woman? I never had any idea, I couldn't visualize her and frankly I didn't particular like her either. Nor could I figure out why she was considered some great writer as we never read anything she writes. Again, this is a faking it users guide, per the title, I was really expecting this speaking to the audience type tone a la Sex in the City.
The romance, again, just had me really uncomfortable and not rooting for these characters to get together, anathema for romance novels. I'm not sure how an author could really make the boss/employee relationship work with that level of power inequality always in play. The book would have worked just fine had Gen written her column as an actual column the reader could follow of her dating trials as a "small town" girl in a more liberal area. She still could have had a "surprise" lesbian reveal and the book would have still essentially been the same type of story, minus all of the self-induced melodrama and obvious grounds for law suits.
This one is firmly in the "meh" category; the best I could say about it is that it was a quick read.
ARC provided by NetGalley
June 2, 2017
This is another good book by M. Ullrich. It is a pleasant romance with just enough drama to keep the reader’s attention.
There are two main characters Genevieve Applegate, a writer for a newspaper, and Harper Davies, the owner of an LGBT publication, Out Shore. Genevieve is tired of her current job and is looking for a change. She finds a job posting for a writing position for Out Shore. Genevieve gets the job but tells a little lie to Harper. Harper is led to believe that Genevieve is gay. Instead, she is straight and has a long-time boyfriend.
Chloe, Genevieve’s supportive best friend, Clarissa, the office bully, and Jeremy, Genevieve’s boyfriend, are a few of the sub-characters. They are also solidly written characters.
The plot is enjoyable and even believable. Genevieve’s humor adds to the lightness of the storyline.
I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to read a fast-paced romance with a happy ending. I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.
I was given this ARC in return for a fair and honest review.
There are two main characters Genevieve Applegate, a writer for a newspaper, and Harper Davies, the owner of an LGBT publication, Out Shore. Genevieve is tired of her current job and is looking for a change. She finds a job posting for a writing position for Out Shore. Genevieve gets the job but tells a little lie to Harper. Harper is led to believe that Genevieve is gay. Instead, she is straight and has a long-time boyfriend.
Chloe, Genevieve’s supportive best friend, Clarissa, the office bully, and Jeremy, Genevieve’s boyfriend, are a few of the sub-characters. They are also solidly written characters.
The plot is enjoyable and even believable. Genevieve’s humor adds to the lightness of the storyline.
I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to read a fast-paced romance with a happy ending. I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.
I was given this ARC in return for a fair and honest review.
January 4, 2019
I discovered this author via an anthology I read. Having loved her short story in Girls Next Door, I couldn’t wait to dive into a full-length novel by her.
The words ‘A user’s Guide’ on the cover might lead readers to believe this is a work of non-fiction; however that’s far from the case. Despite the fact the chapters are titled, step 1, step 2, step 3 and so on, this is very much a work of fiction.
This story is told in third person and completely from Genevieve’s point-of-view. She is a delightful and believable character. I absolutely loved the journey she took me on.
I could’ve done without the drama that occurred around the 80% mark; however it seems to be a pre-required factor in romantic fiction.
I look forward to reading many more books by M. Ullrich.
Copy provided by the publisher, Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley.
The words ‘A user’s Guide’ on the cover might lead readers to believe this is a work of non-fiction; however that’s far from the case. Despite the fact the chapters are titled, step 1, step 2, step 3 and so on, this is very much a work of fiction.
This story is told in third person and completely from Genevieve’s point-of-view. She is a delightful and believable character. I absolutely loved the journey she took me on.
I could’ve done without the drama that occurred around the 80% mark; however it seems to be a pre-required factor in romantic fiction.
I look forward to reading many more books by M. Ullrich.
Copy provided by the publisher, Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley.
October 12, 2018
This book was a really nice read. And I liked how for once the boss was not an ice-queen. I really enjoyed it. It was sweet, that's not usually what I go for and I think that is why I was unable to give it 5 stars.
June 8, 2017
The plot in this book is very interesting. It is about a woman faking her lesbianism to advance her career. Unfortunately very little happens in this book.
January 5, 2020
LOVED the LOVE
Genevieve is so tired of her life in the small town where she was born. Her job is stifling and her boyfriend... well don’t even get me started on his stupid self!!! Craving a new life and experiences, she sends her resume to Out Shore Magazine not realizing until her interview that it is a LGBT publication. Desperate for the job, she tells one little lie, not only to her boss but her boyfriend too. With her boss, Harper’s help, she ends up finding her truth and helps Harper find her heart.
I LOVED this book!!!! I ADORED Gen and Harper so much!!! I totally fell in love with Harper and wished I could have stared at her like Gen does. She is smart and driven but so taken with the sweet and gentle Genevieve. Gen is great at her job and loves it and the people who she works with. She has a lot to learn about lesbian life but her attraction to Harper comes naturally and unexpectedly. They are a wonderful couple, the long looks, the shy blushes, the cute awkwardness… it is all so endearing. Of course it’s not all sunshine and roses, there are more than a few problems but your heart will go out to these beautiful women and be so grateful you took the chance on this magnificent book!!
Genevieve is so tired of her life in the small town where she was born. Her job is stifling and her boyfriend... well don’t even get me started on his stupid self!!! Craving a new life and experiences, she sends her resume to Out Shore Magazine not realizing until her interview that it is a LGBT publication. Desperate for the job, she tells one little lie, not only to her boss but her boyfriend too. With her boss, Harper’s help, she ends up finding her truth and helps Harper find her heart.
I LOVED this book!!!! I ADORED Gen and Harper so much!!! I totally fell in love with Harper and wished I could have stared at her like Gen does. She is smart and driven but so taken with the sweet and gentle Genevieve. Gen is great at her job and loves it and the people who she works with. She has a lot to learn about lesbian life but her attraction to Harper comes naturally and unexpectedly. They are a wonderful couple, the long looks, the shy blushes, the cute awkwardness… it is all so endearing. Of course it’s not all sunshine and roses, there are more than a few problems but your heart will go out to these beautiful women and be so grateful you took the chance on this magnificent book!!
July 8, 2017
For the first three-quarters of the book, this is a witty, funny romance novel. The end, however, lets it down badly; the twist comes too late, the characters don't seem to know how to react to the 'shocking revelation', the whole workplace situation is portrayed completely unrealistically and the inevitable reunion is quite the damp squib.
It's such a pity as up until then the idea and the structure (roughly based on a self-help guide) really works, Gen and Harper are genuine and quite sweet together but it all just falls apart.
Light beach reading at best.
It's such a pity as up until then the idea and the structure (roughly based on a self-help guide) really works, Gen and Harper are genuine and quite sweet together but it all just falls apart.
Light beach reading at best.
July 14, 2018
I really enjoyed this funny, sweet book. Problematic elements aside, such as pretending to be gay to land a job and how the lie is revealed, I couldn't help rooting for Genevieve and Harper as they fall for each other. This is one book I could see myself re-reading just to see the magic unfold again. 😍
June 20, 2017
*ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review*
Ullrich's book Life in Death was amazing and nothing like this book. Life in Death was drama and deep emotion while Fake it Till You Make It is a feel good afternoon read but that doesn't make it any less interesting and the characters are just as well written.
What I really liked about this story was that the author didn't spend chapters drawing out feelings of betrayal and angst which worked perfectly for the type of book Ullrich wrote.
I will definitely be reading more of this authors books.
Ullrich's book Life in Death was amazing and nothing like this book. Life in Death was drama and deep emotion while Fake it Till You Make It is a feel good afternoon read but that doesn't make it any less interesting and the characters are just as well written.
What I really liked about this story was that the author didn't spend chapters drawing out feelings of betrayal and angst which worked perfectly for the type of book Ullrich wrote.
I will definitely be reading more of this authors books.
March 12, 2018
I liked the premise of the story. It could have gone a bit faster for my taste. Again I found one of the the main characters, in this case Genevieve, immature and a little weak. I thought the same about one of the main characters in Fortunate Sum. Still I enjoyed the book. It was well written and edited.
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