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North Pole, Minnesota #2
Artificial Sweethearts
It’s not chemistry between Tinka Foster and Sam Anderson that made them agree to fake date. With her parents trying to set her up with an annoying pro-track golf student, and intentionally single Sam’s family pressuring him to bring a date to his brother’s wedding, they could both use a drama-free summer.
So it’s not his muscular arms and quick wit that makes Tinka suggest they tell everyone they’re both taken. Definitely not. And it’s not butterflies that makes a kiss for appearances during the lake party go on way too long—so long that Sam wishes it were real.
But Tinka keeps people at arm’s length—she’s always been second best, even to her parents. And her relationship-for-show could crush everything when she realizes she’s done with fake, pretend, and second-best.
This Entangled Teen Crush book contains bikinis at the lake, a lot of making out in dark theaters, and a meet-cute you’ll read twice.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 10, 2017
38 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
About the author
Julie Hammerle
9 books248 followersUSA Today best-selling, RITA nominated author Julie Hammerle writes romantic comedies for adults and teens. Before settling down to write "for real," she studied opera, taught Latin, and held her real estate license for one hot minute. Currently, aside from writing, she ropes people into conversations about Game of Thrones and makes excuses to avoid the gym. Her favorite YA-centric TV shows include 90210 (original spice), Felicity, and Freaks and Geeks. Her iPod reads like a 1997 Lilith Fair set list.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
July 10, 2017
(I received an advance copy of this book for free. Thanks to Entangled Publishing, LLC and NetGalley.)
This was a YA contemporary romance story featuring a fake boyfriend/girlfriend storyline.
Tinka and Sam were okay characters in this, although I struggled to really connect with them, I’m not sure why.
The storyline in this was about Tinka and Sam pretending to date to get away from other interested parties and their feelings for one another changing because of the fake relationship. There was a bit of drama, and Tinka’s parents were quite annoying, but Tinka and Sam were pretty cute together.
The ending to this was happy, with everybody getting what they wanted.
6.5 out of 10
“He shuddered with pleasure as she left a trail of kisses from his mouth to her ear, where she whispered, “We really are good at this fake kissing thing.””
This was a YA contemporary romance story featuring a fake boyfriend/girlfriend storyline.
Tinka and Sam were okay characters in this, although I struggled to really connect with them, I’m not sure why.
The storyline in this was about Tinka and Sam pretending to date to get away from other interested parties and their feelings for one another changing because of the fake relationship. There was a bit of drama, and Tinka’s parents were quite annoying, but Tinka and Sam were pretty cute together.
The ending to this was happy, with everybody getting what they wanted.
6.5 out of 10
July 5, 2017
I am a huge fan of the fake bf/gf plot line, so I was pretty excited for this one.
Tinka is an okay MC. Her weird situation with her parents has sort of forced her into being selfish and making rash decisions when things are up to her. Sam is straight up adorable and he's the main reason I kept reading. Both of them do a lot of things they don't want to because their families are oblivious.
Plot wise, it was a lot of push and pull, some lying, and some sweet moments. I wish it could have been a bit less drama filled, but with the amount of backstory it was probably impossible.
Overall, I was intrigued to see how it was all going to end and Sam and his dimple kept me charmed.
**Huge thanks to Entangled Publishing for providing the arc free of charge**
Tinka is an okay MC. Her weird situation with her parents has sort of forced her into being selfish and making rash decisions when things are up to her. Sam is straight up adorable and he's the main reason I kept reading. Both of them do a lot of things they don't want to because their families are oblivious.
Plot wise, it was a lot of push and pull, some lying, and some sweet moments. I wish it could have been a bit less drama filled, but with the amount of backstory it was probably impossible.
Overall, I was intrigued to see how it was all going to end and Sam and his dimple kept me charmed.
**Huge thanks to Entangled Publishing for providing the arc free of charge**
July 10, 2017
I really enjoyed this fauxmance-romance! It was a wholly enjoyable big bowl of awww-cute.
I loved this fauxmance-romance, and I found it to be quite the quintessential summer read.
The book is set in the summer time. This book begins with Tinka returning from boarding school to find out that her parents have moved to the country. She is already reeling from the multitude of bad choices she had made over the course of the past year, and she was really looking forward to being back in her familiar surroundings. Lucky for her, the new house comes with a sweet and handsome neighbor, Sam, who happens to be stressed out due to planning his brother's upcoming wedding as he dodges barbs regarding his non-existent love life. Instead of a summer romance, the two settle on a summer fauxmance to keep the families content and to avoid any undesirable suitors.
The overall tone of the book is light and breezy. This book is filled with a lot of humor and we get to tag along on some really fun outings. There is sledding at Jingle Falls, nights on the lake, rides on the pontoon boat, movie nights, a wedding, and even a Christmas in July festival. These type of outings scream summer time fun to me, and they provided the perfect backdrop for our hero and heroine to get to know each other better. I really enjoyed watching these two grow and change as their feelings for each other grew and changed. Tinka was known as an artful dodger type. When things got tough, she avoided it. All this dodging has left her with several tangled webs and some really damaged relationships. Through her friendship with Sam, she learned a lot about herself and what she wanted, and she made those attempts towards positive change to make it happen. Sam, who was just a sweet darling of a man, had some baggage too. By being with Tinka, he was able to gain some confidence, but also had her as a sounding board to share his feelings, as he thought he had to be the rock of the family and keep it all bottled up inside.
Summer is about spending quality time with family and friends. There is a LOT of page time dedicated to the many interactions between Sam and his family, and Tinka and her family/friends. I really loved the dynamic over at Sam's house. The bond between the Andersen siblings was so obvious, and I was pretty jealous of it. Their home abounded with household and I attribute a lot of it to the great characters Hammerle created. Tinka's house was a little more complicated. This family was still working through their issues, but they were trying, and I was cheering them on with every small accomplishment.
Example of an adorable conversation between Sam and his brother's fiancee, Hakeem:
"Summer loving had me a blast!": I was shipping these two from their first glimpse across the yard. I was in love with Sam immediately, and I was worried about Tinka. I wanted her to find a fine young man, such as Sam, to treat her well and help her through the things she was experiencing. These two really complimented each other, and they talked, like really talked to each other. It was such a great give and take friendship, and there were so many sweet, adorable, and swoony moments.
Summer is about enjoying your free time. And for me, what better way to enjoy it then with friends, family, and lots of baked goods. You see, Tinka loved to bake, and she did so often in the book. I wished at times that the book was scratch and sniff, because some of her creations sounded amazing.
I have never had these before, but I want them after reading this book.
I devoured this book. Sweet romance with light drama, and a really great epilogue! This was really a great one too, as it tied up so many things quite nicely. Between the humor and great movie references, as well as the sweet perfection that was Sam, I wore a pretty big grin across my face from beginning to end of this book.
**I would like to thank the publisher for the advanced copy of this book. Quotes are from an ARC and may change upon publication.
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I loved this fauxmance-romance, and I found it to be quite the quintessential summer read.
The book is set in the summer time. This book begins with Tinka returning from boarding school to find out that her parents have moved to the country. She is already reeling from the multitude of bad choices she had made over the course of the past year, and she was really looking forward to being back in her familiar surroundings. Lucky for her, the new house comes with a sweet and handsome neighbor, Sam, who happens to be stressed out due to planning his brother's upcoming wedding as he dodges barbs regarding his non-existent love life. Instead of a summer romance, the two settle on a summer fauxmance to keep the families content and to avoid any undesirable suitors.
"Good Guy."
"Very good guy."
Tinka smiled. "You're kind of a Lloyd Dobbler, aren't you Sam?"
The overall tone of the book is light and breezy. This book is filled with a lot of humor and we get to tag along on some really fun outings. There is sledding at Jingle Falls, nights on the lake, rides on the pontoon boat, movie nights, a wedding, and even a Christmas in July festival. These type of outings scream summer time fun to me, and they provided the perfect backdrop for our hero and heroine to get to know each other better. I really enjoyed watching these two grow and change as their feelings for each other grew and changed. Tinka was known as an artful dodger type. When things got tough, she avoided it. All this dodging has left her with several tangled webs and some really damaged relationships. Through her friendship with Sam, she learned a lot about herself and what she wanted, and she made those attempts towards positive change to make it happen. Sam, who was just a sweet darling of a man, had some baggage too. By being with Tinka, he was able to gain some confidence, but also had her as a sounding board to share his feelings, as he thought he had to be the rock of the family and keep it all bottled up inside.
Summer is about spending quality time with family and friends. There is a LOT of page time dedicated to the many interactions between Sam and his family, and Tinka and her family/friends. I really loved the dynamic over at Sam's house. The bond between the Andersen siblings was so obvious, and I was pretty jealous of it. Their home abounded with household and I attribute a lot of it to the great characters Hammerle created. Tinka's house was a little more complicated. This family was still working through their issues, but they were trying, and I was cheering them on with every small accomplishment.
Example of an adorable conversation between Sam and his brother's fiancee, Hakeem:
"who I definitely saw looking at you like you were her favorite member of One Direction -"
"Oh, Hakeem, get new references." Sam could't help smiling a tiny bit.
"A girl who looked at you like you were the hottest member of 98 Degrees -" Now Sam actually did burst out laughing.
"Summer loving had me a blast!": I was shipping these two from their first glimpse across the yard. I was in love with Sam immediately, and I was worried about Tinka. I wanted her to find a fine young man, such as Sam, to treat her well and help her through the things she was experiencing. These two really complimented each other, and they talked, like really talked to each other. It was such a great give and take friendship, and there were so many sweet, adorable, and swoony moments.
Summer is about enjoying your free time. And for me, what better way to enjoy it then with friends, family, and lots of baked goods. You see, Tinka loved to bake, and she did so often in the book. I wished at times that the book was scratch and sniff, because some of her creations sounded amazing.
I have never had these before, but I want them after reading this book.
I devoured this book. Sweet romance with light drama, and a really great epilogue! This was really a great one too, as it tied up so many things quite nicely. Between the humor and great movie references, as well as the sweet perfection that was Sam, I wore a pretty big grin across my face from beginning to end of this book.
**I would like to thank the publisher for the advanced copy of this book. Quotes are from an ARC and may change upon publication.
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July 11, 2017
This was a nice following to Any Boy But You but not as good. By the way, you can read this one as a standalone; it barely used elements from the first story.
Tinka returned home from boarding school to find out she has been uprooted to this small town called North Pole,where it seems to always be Christmas. Also, not content in pushing her toward golfing, unknowingly to her dream of becoming a baker, her parents now expect her to date Dylan. Aside from him seeming to be a jerk, Tinka really needs time off from boys. When she finds out Sam the boy next door has already lied to someone they are together, why not use the fauxmance in her favor?
I found the first in this series to be much more entertaining while when it came to the fake boyfriend trope, this one brought no surprises and few scenes that made my heart skip beats. But let's point out the good parts.
First, we see how North Pole is in the summer this time, and it's as crazy as we'd seen during the winter in the first book. I loved it! Unfortunately, Elena and Oliver barely show up here but that's good for anyone who hasn't read #1, just go and read it already. Still, I think you'll find any spoilers you wouldn't already have guessed from reading the summary.
In addition to that lovely small town, I like how the author built characters here. I remember her doing a good work with her side characters in the first but I didn't remember it being that good. I loved Karen, Jane, Sam's family... Even Tinka's crazy parents!
No only the side characters get good stories, she went quite deep especially when building Tinka. I think Sam was a more straightforward type of character, so I don't mean to complain he was shallow but Tinka felt so real in the way she reacted to things. On the other hand, that could be one of the reasons I didn't fall in love with the story, it's hard to like someone that is so aloof? Distant? That sort of character always a risk you take when you're writing romance, I guess. But it doesn't negate her skills in making Tinka seem real.
I'd start this series from the first, but Artificial Sweethearts isn't all bad, and it still shows the writer's potential. Perhaps, this plot is even deeper than the former installment. I wonder which character will come next...
Review based on an ARC provided by Netgalley. I want to also thank the publisher for giving me this opportunity.
Tinka returned home from boarding school to find out she has been uprooted to this small town called North Pole,where it seems to always be Christmas. Also, not content in pushing her toward golfing, unknowingly to her dream of becoming a baker, her parents now expect her to date Dylan. Aside from him seeming to be a jerk, Tinka really needs time off from boys. When she finds out Sam the boy next door has already lied to someone they are together, why not use the fauxmance in her favor?
I found the first in this series to be much more entertaining while when it came to the fake boyfriend trope, this one brought no surprises and few scenes that made my heart skip beats. But let's point out the good parts.
First, we see how North Pole is in the summer this time, and it's as crazy as we'd seen during the winter in the first book. I loved it! Unfortunately, Elena and Oliver barely show up here but that's good for anyone who hasn't read #1, just go and read it already. Still, I think you'll find any spoilers you wouldn't already have guessed from reading the summary.
In addition to that lovely small town, I like how the author built characters here. I remember her doing a good work with her side characters in the first but I didn't remember it being that good. I loved Karen, Jane, Sam's family... Even Tinka's crazy parents!
No only the side characters get good stories, she went quite deep especially when building Tinka. I think Sam was a more straightforward type of character, so I don't mean to complain he was shallow but Tinka felt so real in the way she reacted to things. On the other hand, that could be one of the reasons I didn't fall in love with the story, it's hard to like someone that is so aloof? Distant? That sort of character always a risk you take when you're writing romance, I guess. But it doesn't negate her skills in making Tinka seem real.
I'd start this series from the first, but Artificial Sweethearts isn't all bad, and it still shows the writer's potential. Perhaps, this plot is even deeper than the former installment. I wonder which character will come next...
Review based on an ARC provided by Netgalley. I want to also thank the publisher for giving me this opportunity.
July 20, 2017
For a long while now I have been in the mood for a cute YA contemporary romance. I wanted something to completely sweep me off my feet and make me swoon over the characters and their overly dramatic love.
Basically, I needed a rom-com in book form. And yet, no matter how many contemporaries I seem to be reading, none have delivered what I’ve wanted.
Thankfully, this one at least came close. We’re not quite there yet, but almost.
One of my favorite little cliched tropes of YA contemporary romances is the whole fauxmance turned romance idea. For some reason, I love seeing people pretending to be in love eventually fall in love for real. Don’t know what it says about me, but I’m a sucker for it. So, obviously, I was super excited to read this one.
Tinka and Sam each have a problem. Tinka’s parents are trying to set her up with a guy she doesn’t like. Sam needs a date to a wedding. How are they going to solve this? Not like rational human beings in the real world. Of course not. Not when this is a rom-com in book form. Instead, they are going to pretend to be dating each other. But, as you can all guess, after a while real spark start to fly between the two pretend lovebirds, and real feelings start to bloom within their fake relationship.
And you know what? I loved it.
I loved seeing their Sam and Tinka’s fake relationship blossom and grow. I really enjoyed the relationship between them and the build up towards the end.
So, why only the three stars?
Well, it was extremely predictable. I mean, I knew that this was going to be predictable when I went into it. It’s not like anyone goes to watch a rom-com looking for a flare of originality. Still, I would have preferred something new, something different. Or, at least something to catch me off guards and surprise me just a bit. I like in my cliched stories to bring something new to the table.
Also, I am not too sure about how I feel about many of the supporting characters. Tinka’s parent annoyed me. Better yet, they angered me. Karen should have been removed from the story because I could barely stand her either. Some of the characters seemed to have been added for the sake of drama and not to really add to the main story and I didn’t like that either.
Still, in the end, I must admit that I was actually fairly entertained while reading this. It was delivered exactly what it promised, a quick read with a rom-com feel. It was cute, it was entertaining, and if you are looking for something light then I would totally recommend.
*I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.**
Basically, I needed a rom-com in book form. And yet, no matter how many contemporaries I seem to be reading, none have delivered what I’ve wanted.
Thankfully, this one at least came close. We’re not quite there yet, but almost.
One of my favorite little cliched tropes of YA contemporary romances is the whole fauxmance turned romance idea. For some reason, I love seeing people pretending to be in love eventually fall in love for real. Don’t know what it says about me, but I’m a sucker for it. So, obviously, I was super excited to read this one.
Tinka and Sam each have a problem. Tinka’s parents are trying to set her up with a guy she doesn’t like. Sam needs a date to a wedding. How are they going to solve this? Not like rational human beings in the real world. Of course not. Not when this is a rom-com in book form. Instead, they are going to pretend to be dating each other. But, as you can all guess, after a while real spark start to fly between the two pretend lovebirds, and real feelings start to bloom within their fake relationship.
And you know what? I loved it.
I loved seeing their Sam and Tinka’s fake relationship blossom and grow. I really enjoyed the relationship between them and the build up towards the end.
So, why only the three stars?
Well, it was extremely predictable. I mean, I knew that this was going to be predictable when I went into it. It’s not like anyone goes to watch a rom-com looking for a flare of originality. Still, I would have preferred something new, something different. Or, at least something to catch me off guards and surprise me just a bit. I like in my cliched stories to bring something new to the table.
Also, I am not too sure about how I feel about many of the supporting characters. Tinka’s parent annoyed me. Better yet, they angered me. Karen should have been removed from the story because I could barely stand her either. Some of the characters seemed to have been added for the sake of drama and not to really add to the main story and I didn’t like that either.
Still, in the end, I must admit that I was actually fairly entertained while reading this. It was delivered exactly what it promised, a quick read with a rom-com feel. It was cute, it was entertaining, and if you are looking for something light then I would totally recommend.
*I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.**
July 10, 2017
Cute cute cute !!!
Artificial Sweethearts is the second in the North Pole, Minnesota series. And while Any Boy But You was the perfect winter holiday read, Artificial Sweethearts is the perfect summer vacation cute & fluffy. And that's where their similarities end. Well, that's not quite accurate: they both set in North Pole, Minnesota. They both cute & fluffies. And they have some of the same characters. But they both can be read independently and work as stand-alones.
I actually love this. While the story is written from two different characters, people we didn't actually get to know in the first book, there is a similar feel, the town's quirky-ness is the same. Some of the characters reappear as well, and they feel the same, even though they seen through different eyes and we see a different side to them because of it.
While the support felt a bit flat in the first book, I liked the character building this time around just fine. I love the support cast and adored the MCs. Well, I adore Sam. Sam is your nice guy. He isn't your usual usual male MC. No bad boy, he is not a player or a jock.. nope he is the nice guy next door. And I totally fell for him. His insecurities, his loyalty, his sweetness and his caring nature. Total winner. Also kind of refreshing to not reading about a reformed bad boy.
Tinka was a bit, well, selfish and self-absorbed in the beginning. But she does change over the course of the book and I grew to care for her. I love how the girls have real girl quarrels but I love the way they deal with it even more. While this is a swoony lighthearted kind of book, Hammerle add a rather heavy topic to the story. Yet it doesn't make it less lighthearted, it does however give it more depth.
The storyline is the faking it until you make it kind. And absolutely perfect cute & fluffiness.
Which brings me back to what I said right at the beginning: This is a summer vacation must read.
July 10, 2017
// Received an advance readers copy in exchange for a fair review //
I am always interested in fake bf/gf tropes XD
---
Sam and Tinka were too lovable and adorable for a trope that is always being used in YA books nowadays
The writing style made me fall in love with these two MCs even though the plot was cliche in all the ways possible. Their chemistry was just so undeniable. It was a very enjoyable Ya romance read and I really felt everything that each of the characters were going through.
If you asked me what went wrong, it's probably that I was just looking for more originality when it came to the plot. That's it. Everything else was just so sweet, cute, amusing, entertaining, and enjoyable. I couldn't really ask for more when it came to the writing style. The author did a wonderful job.
Highly recommend this to anyone who just wants an easy, cliche kind of read.
I am always interested in fake bf/gf tropes XD
---
Sam and Tinka were too lovable and adorable for a trope that is always being used in YA books nowadays
The writing style made me fall in love with these two MCs even though the plot was cliche in all the ways possible. Their chemistry was just so undeniable. It was a very enjoyable Ya romance read and I really felt everything that each of the characters were going through.
If you asked me what went wrong, it's probably that I was just looking for more originality when it came to the plot. That's it. Everything else was just so sweet, cute, amusing, entertaining, and enjoyable. I couldn't really ask for more when it came to the writing style. The author did a wonderful job.
Highly recommend this to anyone who just wants an easy, cliche kind of read.
July 10, 2017
There are certain storylines that just do it for you, and I love a blooming fake relationship.
Artificial sweethearts is the second book in the North Pole, Minnesota series, however, can definitely be read as a standalone.
Sam needs a date for his brother's wedding, or at least that's what his family thinks. He just wants them to get off his back.
Tinka doesn't want to be set up with Dylan. Her family think he's perfect for her, but she wants to be left alone. She has other issues to deal with. Sam is a good guy and needs a little relationship help himself. As you can see a plan is falling into place. It seems so simple. A fake relationship is beneficial for them both. A friendship is formed, and they are happy to spend time together.
They can both relax around each other, and be themselves. A few kisses, flutters and back seat snuggles aren't a big deal. Right?
I really enjoyed this little gem. Tinka has good personal growth throughout the book, and Sam isn't her usual type. She learns to think of others and get rid of her bad habits.
Sam is sweet, nerdy, and totally loveable. This book has an interesting storyline, and I loved the addition of a July Christmas. I can imagine some people going nuts for that chance to live in North Pole, Minnesota.
5 out of 5. An easy read that's sweet.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair review*
Artificial sweethearts is the second book in the North Pole, Minnesota series, however, can definitely be read as a standalone.
Sam needs a date for his brother's wedding, or at least that's what his family thinks. He just wants them to get off his back.
Tinka doesn't want to be set up with Dylan. Her family think he's perfect for her, but she wants to be left alone. She has other issues to deal with. Sam is a good guy and needs a little relationship help himself. As you can see a plan is falling into place. It seems so simple. A fake relationship is beneficial for them both. A friendship is formed, and they are happy to spend time together.
They can both relax around each other, and be themselves. A few kisses, flutters and back seat snuggles aren't a big deal. Right?
I really enjoyed this little gem. Tinka has good personal growth throughout the book, and Sam isn't her usual type. She learns to think of others and get rid of her bad habits.
Sam is sweet, nerdy, and totally loveable. This book has an interesting storyline, and I loved the addition of a July Christmas. I can imagine some people going nuts for that chance to live in North Pole, Minnesota.
5 out of 5. An easy read that's sweet.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair review*
June 27, 2017
Actual 3.5 Stars.
A cute, fun, well-written coming of age romance. Standalone with HEA.
Tinka has come home from boarding school for the summer with her bestie Jane in tow only to discover that her parents have moved home without telling her. This is nothing new to Tinka who feels like she is always second best and living in the shadow of her sibling Jake.
Sam is the second youngest in a family of four and he's grown up in North Pole, Minnesota his entire life. Tragedy struck his family five years ago and he's had to grow up a lot. Saddled with organizing his brother's impending nuptials, he's quite a happy-go-lucky character even if he struggles with self-doubt.
Sam is intrigued by the mysterious Tinka when he sees her on the balcony of her home one night and he creates a scenario where she's his girlfriend. When he meets Tinka, and he discovers she's trying to avoid the guy her parents are trying to set her up with, they agree to fake date.
The story unfolds from that point and we learn more about Tinka and Sam and gradually witness them falling for one another.
Sam was a very different male lead but refreshingly so. He was a real sweetheart. Tinka has done something despicable (the last night of boarding school) and she's harboring a lot of guilt. I felt she needed to man up and confess and was disappointed that she didn't to that however she was genuinely remorseful and it wasn't malicious so I could forgive her.
Secondary characterization was solid, the world building was great, the pacing was consistent, and I enjoyed the writing style.
This was a cute romance if totally predictable and lacking some tension to keep me on my toes. I still enjoyed it and if you are in the market for a quick, sweet, lighthearted read then you should definitely pick this one up. I prefer my romances a little edgier and a little more angsty so it lacked the wow factor for me but it's still a decent book.
Thanks to Entangled Teen for providing an ARC which I have voluntarily reviewed.
A cute, fun, well-written coming of age romance. Standalone with HEA.
Tinka has come home from boarding school for the summer with her bestie Jane in tow only to discover that her parents have moved home without telling her. This is nothing new to Tinka who feels like she is always second best and living in the shadow of her sibling Jake.
Sam is the second youngest in a family of four and he's grown up in North Pole, Minnesota his entire life. Tragedy struck his family five years ago and he's had to grow up a lot. Saddled with organizing his brother's impending nuptials, he's quite a happy-go-lucky character even if he struggles with self-doubt.
Sam is intrigued by the mysterious Tinka when he sees her on the balcony of her home one night and he creates a scenario where she's his girlfriend. When he meets Tinka, and he discovers she's trying to avoid the guy her parents are trying to set her up with, they agree to fake date.
The story unfolds from that point and we learn more about Tinka and Sam and gradually witness them falling for one another.
Sam was a very different male lead but refreshingly so. He was a real sweetheart. Tinka has done something despicable (the last night of boarding school) and she's harboring a lot of guilt. I felt she needed to man up and confess and was disappointed that she didn't to that however she was genuinely remorseful and it wasn't malicious so I could forgive her.
Secondary characterization was solid, the world building was great, the pacing was consistent, and I enjoyed the writing style.
This was a cute romance if totally predictable and lacking some tension to keep me on my toes. I still enjoyed it and if you are in the market for a quick, sweet, lighthearted read then you should definitely pick this one up. I prefer my romances a little edgier and a little more angsty so it lacked the wow factor for me but it's still a decent book.
Thanks to Entangled Teen for providing an ARC which I have voluntarily reviewed.
July 21, 2017
Heads up! This review contains spoilers.
This was a quick read for me. I loved Sam and Tinka and their denial of the chemistry they kept feeling throughout the story. I'm a huge sucker for fake romance books! Artificial Sweethearts didn't disappoint! It was a nice change to read about a female character who was the pretty girl who knew she could hook up with any guy she wanted but had already realized it didn't appeal to her anymore. The dynamic with her parents intrigued me from the start.
The romance was cute, but for me, the meat of this book was Tinka coming to terms with her role in her family. It was fascinating to see the different ways each member of the Foster family dealt with the death of her older brother, Jake, who died when he was four and she was one. I really enjoyed watching their growth as a family and individually as they came to terms with the very private feelings of mourning over the death of such a young child.
I felt like Tinka's growth could have been expanded a bit more. I would have liked to have a bit more explanation of why she pushed everyone away. I'm guessing it had to do with her parents and the way they pushed her away. I feel like the author needed to bridge that gap just a little better. But it was addressed enough that I was able to fill in the blanks. My guess is that her parents emotionally distancing themselves from her because of their inability to deal with their grief and that was what influenced her reaction to do the same to her friends.
It was beautiful to see her finally talk openly with her parents about their feelings over Jake's death, and consequently her issue with constantly pushing her closest friends, and Sam, away.
Overall, this book was a good read with lots of cute moments and swoonworthy scenes. The chemistry building between Sam and Tinka felt realistic and they were fully-fleshed out characters with real issues, hopes, and dreams coming to terms with issues they needed to overcome. I highly recommend it!
This was a quick read for me. I loved Sam and Tinka and their denial of the chemistry they kept feeling throughout the story. I'm a huge sucker for fake romance books! Artificial Sweethearts didn't disappoint! It was a nice change to read about a female character who was the pretty girl who knew she could hook up with any guy she wanted but had already realized it didn't appeal to her anymore. The dynamic with her parents intrigued me from the start.
The romance was cute, but for me, the meat of this book was Tinka coming to terms with her role in her family. It was fascinating to see the different ways each member of the Foster family dealt with the death of her older brother, Jake, who died when he was four and she was one. I really enjoyed watching their growth as a family and individually as they came to terms with the very private feelings of mourning over the death of such a young child.
I felt like Tinka's growth could have been expanded a bit more. I would have liked to have a bit more explanation of why she pushed everyone away. I'm guessing it had to do with her parents and the way they pushed her away. I feel like the author needed to bridge that gap just a little better. But it was addressed enough that I was able to fill in the blanks. My guess is that her parents emotionally distancing themselves from her because of their inability to deal with their grief and that was what influenced her reaction to do the same to her friends.
It was beautiful to see her finally talk openly with her parents about their feelings over Jake's death, and consequently her issue with constantly pushing her closest friends, and Sam, away.
Overall, this book was a good read with lots of cute moments and swoonworthy scenes. The chemistry building between Sam and Tinka felt realistic and they were fully-fleshed out characters with real issues, hopes, and dreams coming to terms with issues they needed to overcome. I highly recommend it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2017
First things first: I received this book through NetGalley.
This book comes out july 10th.
This book is the second book in the North Pole, Minnesota series. But it's one of those series, were the books centers around different characters in the same setting/town and you don't have to read all the books or don't have to read them in order. I haven't read the first book, but I'm sure I will check it out sometime.
Summary: It’s not chemistry between Tinka Foster and Sam Anderson that made them agree to fake date. With her parents trying to set her up with an annoying pro-track golf student, and intentionally single Sam’s family pressuring him to bring a date to his brother’s wedding, they could both use a drama-free summer.
So it’s not his muscular arms and quick wit that makes Tinka suggest they tell everyone they’re both taken. Definitely not. And it’s not butterflies that makes a kiss for appearances during the lake party go on way too long—so long that Sam wishes it were real.
But Tinka keeps people at arm’s length—she’s always been second best, even to her parents. And her relationship-for-show could crush everything when she realizes she’s done with fake, pretend, and second-best.
Disclaimer: This Entangled Teen Crush book contains bikinis at the lake, a lot of making out in dark theaters, and a meet-cute you’ll read twice.
I have read a lot of fantasy and thriller in the last couple weeks, contemporary wasn't one my radar that much. So, when I got my usual Entangled Teen email, showing me ARC's I could request, I was all for it. And this book was just what I needed at the moment.
This was super easy to get into. The writing was fun and just amazing. You want a fun and easy summer read, HERE IT IS.
The characters are great. We have Tinka and Sam, the two main characters. They both have their issues. They both have their problems. No, just being together, doesn't solve their problems. They do that themselves. I also loved the side characters in the story. Sam's family. I loved Jane, Tinka's friend from school and Karen, Tinka's friend from way back when.
I loved all the relationships. The rocky one between Tinka and her parents. The broken friendship between Tinka and her childhood best friend Karen. The fun and easy friendship between Tinka and Jane. I loved Sam with his family. I loved his brother Matt with his fiance and later husband Hakeem. I loved that element. Also I wanna read a whole book about them. JUST SAYING!!!
Of course I loved Tinka and Sam. I'm a sucker for fake-dating stories. GIVE ME ALL OF THEM. Seriously. It won't be much of a spoiler, telling you, that the whole fake dating thing will lead to real feelings and trouble ahead. I expected that. BUT I LOVED IT.
The characters went through such a journey in this story. So wonderful to read. Tinka and her parents worked things out, she finally got to tell them what she really wanted in her life. I loved the baking element, made me hungry and crave sweets but it was super cute. Sam got to lean on his siblings for once. And just everything. I know this review is a lot of me feeling things but this was just SO DAMN CUTE!!!!
This book comes out july 10th.
This book is the second book in the North Pole, Minnesota series. But it's one of those series, were the books centers around different characters in the same setting/town and you don't have to read all the books or don't have to read them in order. I haven't read the first book, but I'm sure I will check it out sometime.
Summary: It’s not chemistry between Tinka Foster and Sam Anderson that made them agree to fake date. With her parents trying to set her up with an annoying pro-track golf student, and intentionally single Sam’s family pressuring him to bring a date to his brother’s wedding, they could both use a drama-free summer.
So it’s not his muscular arms and quick wit that makes Tinka suggest they tell everyone they’re both taken. Definitely not. And it’s not butterflies that makes a kiss for appearances during the lake party go on way too long—so long that Sam wishes it were real.
But Tinka keeps people at arm’s length—she’s always been second best, even to her parents. And her relationship-for-show could crush everything when she realizes she’s done with fake, pretend, and second-best.
Disclaimer: This Entangled Teen Crush book contains bikinis at the lake, a lot of making out in dark theaters, and a meet-cute you’ll read twice.
I have read a lot of fantasy and thriller in the last couple weeks, contemporary wasn't one my radar that much. So, when I got my usual Entangled Teen email, showing me ARC's I could request, I was all for it. And this book was just what I needed at the moment.
This was super easy to get into. The writing was fun and just amazing. You want a fun and easy summer read, HERE IT IS.
The characters are great. We have Tinka and Sam, the two main characters. They both have their issues. They both have their problems. No, just being together, doesn't solve their problems. They do that themselves. I also loved the side characters in the story. Sam's family. I loved Jane, Tinka's friend from school and Karen, Tinka's friend from way back when.
I loved all the relationships. The rocky one between Tinka and her parents. The broken friendship between Tinka and her childhood best friend Karen. The fun and easy friendship between Tinka and Jane. I loved Sam with his family. I loved his brother Matt with his fiance and later husband Hakeem. I loved that element. Also I wanna read a whole book about them. JUST SAYING!!!
Of course I loved Tinka and Sam. I'm a sucker for fake-dating stories. GIVE ME ALL OF THEM. Seriously. It won't be much of a spoiler, telling you, that the whole fake dating thing will lead to real feelings and trouble ahead. I expected that. BUT I LOVED IT.
The characters went through such a journey in this story. So wonderful to read. Tinka and her parents worked things out, she finally got to tell them what she really wanted in her life. I loved the baking element, made me hungry and crave sweets but it was super cute. Sam got to lean on his siblings for once. And just everything. I know this review is a lot of me feeling things but this was just SO DAMN CUTE!!!!
June 27, 2017
3.5*
Cute, sweet, and while at times frustrating, Artificial Sweethearts is an enjoyable read. I thought the storyline was great- the "fake" boyfriend/girlfriend/fiance trope is one you see more of in the New Adult genre so it was fun to see a young adult take on it. I really liked Tinka and adored Sam.
They each had their own issues and problems they were dealing with when it came to family and friendships and I loved seeing how they, and their relationship(s), grew and evolved over the course of the book.
While Sam and Tinka kept me entertained, I struggled with most of the side characters. Tinka's parents, Sam's brother and sister, and Tinka's best friend, Karen, all annoyed me, and that caused me not to love this book as much as I would have liked. Jane, Tinka's friend from school who came home for the summer with her, and Hakeem, Sam's brother's fiance, were the 2 bright spots in the supporting cast. There was just a distinct lack of communication all around which led to a lot of headache and heartache. When people finally started opening up and talking to each other, expressing their feelings and frustrations, it made a world of difference. I think that's a lesson that everyone could take away from this book- communicate! Don't just let things fester until you're buried under a weight you really don't need to be shouldering.
The setting for this book was unique and really became a character in its self. I was happy with the way things were resolved, for Tinka and Sam, with Tinka and her friends, and for Sam and his family.
I didn't realize this the second of a series, but after looking back at the first book it just seems they are all set in the same small town. I didn't have the feeling I was missing out on anything by not having read the first book, so I do believe these can be read as standalones.
*Arc received courtesy of Entangled via Netgalley.
July 3, 2017
Tinka Foster headed off to boarding school and decided that she would re-invent herself and so she became Tinka Foster - Party girl. However, during the last day of the school year at a party, Tinka ended up hooking up with her best friend Jane's ex-boyfriend Colin. Regretting it, Tinka tries to get Colin to keep quiet especially since Jane is coming home to spend Summer break with Tinka and her family. When Tinka's parents pick her up at the airport, though they are not the same people she said goodbye to and then to her surprise her family has moved to a small town called the North Pole in Minnesota. Here Tinka meets Sam and as they are both trying to get away from matchmakers the two end up in a fake relationship. Since it's summer, this should be easy since they are both off back to school after the break. However as the book goes on and as us readers know, a fake relationship can never stay fake as sooner or later along the way they will start to feel "real" feelings. What will happen though when Sam and the rest of Tinka's old and new friends find out about Colin and her's kiss? Will they be able to forgive her and move on or will they see this as Tinka's true colors? Find out in Book #2 of the North Pole, Minnesota series by Julie Hammerle. The other good thing about this series is that they can be read as stand-alone stories.
July 9, 2017
Sam is getting ready to go to college and his family put him to take care of the preparations for his brother's wedding. Sam is a gentle, educated, extremely responsible young man who has low self-esteem, a true prince who does not realize his value. Because he does not think he's cute and thinks he's too nerd about his passion for movies, he has a hard time getting close to the girls. Extremely romantic does not want to succumb to the pressure of the family to get a girl to go with him to the wedding, but he sees no way out.
Tinka, after a situation of the past, assumes the responsibility of always making the parents happy following the rules and tastes imposed by them. She has a big surprise to see her parents on her summer vacation and is not understanding what happened to them. She returns to a house that he does not recognize, with roommate Jane who has a very different image of the friend in school, because when going to boarding school, Tinka decides to rebel a little and do things that always prohibited to do. Which ends up generating unexpected consequences for her.
With an addictive script, the writer arrested me with a well-constructed plot showing how important the dialogue is and not trying to please everyone besides using an improbable romance between a beautiful and strong girl and a dreamy and passionate boy.
I loved the young characters and Sam's family too much, but I got so angry with Tinka's family that it was selfish and ended up isolating the girl from the decisions of the family and the care and responsibilities of father and mother.
I loved Sam and his passion for movies. I loved Tinka and her passion for cooking. I loved the fake romance and the way the couple slowly get to know each other and open up with each other. I loved the point of conflict and the villains and almost villains of the book. I loved the cover and the title. I loved the outcome very much and how everything was resolved in the best way possible.
I did not know this writer and I became a fan of her, I already want all her books.
6/5 stars.
Kisses, Myl
Tinka, after a situation of the past, assumes the responsibility of always making the parents happy following the rules and tastes imposed by them. She has a big surprise to see her parents on her summer vacation and is not understanding what happened to them. She returns to a house that he does not recognize, with roommate Jane who has a very different image of the friend in school, because when going to boarding school, Tinka decides to rebel a little and do things that always prohibited to do. Which ends up generating unexpected consequences for her.
With an addictive script, the writer arrested me with a well-constructed plot showing how important the dialogue is and not trying to please everyone besides using an improbable romance between a beautiful and strong girl and a dreamy and passionate boy.
I loved the young characters and Sam's family too much, but I got so angry with Tinka's family that it was selfish and ended up isolating the girl from the decisions of the family and the care and responsibilities of father and mother.
I loved Sam and his passion for movies. I loved Tinka and her passion for cooking. I loved the fake romance and the way the couple slowly get to know each other and open up with each other. I loved the point of conflict and the villains and almost villains of the book. I loved the cover and the title. I loved the outcome very much and how everything was resolved in the best way possible.
I did not know this writer and I became a fan of her, I already want all her books.
6/5 stars.
Kisses, Myl
June 26, 2017
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
4.5 Stars
Young Adult age-range: 12+. Kissing.
Artificial Sweethearts is the second installment in the North Pole, Minnesota series and can easily be read as a standalone. Some mentions of the past book, and cameos by past narrators, but it doesn't affect the overall plot or lead to any confusion.
To be honest, I struggled to fall into the story during the first chapter. Tinka's narration, while being picked up at the airport, there were plot holes being purposefully left open for later, to add a mystery/suspense vibe, but it was the execution that made the narration jarring. I liked Tinka's character, but the style in which it was written was difficult to navigate. Bumpy and all over the place.
As soon as Sam was voiced, I was hooked immediately. Sam was a chubby boy. He's the helper/giver, non-complainer. The one who is easily taken for granted. He's helping his big brother plan a wedding (do everything), with his younger sister running off to camp, and his baby sister is too young to help at all. So everything falls on his shoulders, and he doesn't say a word about it. Now slim, after doing yard work and probably shedding the baby fat, Sam is still stuck in that mindset of being the chubby, invisible, always happy boy. & siblings will always see you how you used to be, not how you are now.
Tinka is also a giver, but she lacks self-reflection. It's hinted at that she's a bad girl (no shaming, her actions were a cry for help, not because she was enjoying herself and feeling empowered by it). But, being inside Tinka's head, the reader knows the core of her, even if that's not the perception others have of her. She's hurt her friends in the recent past, but her parents are hurting her.
Tinka and Sam connect- it's not instantaneous, but it's obvious. I'm a sucker for the intimacy of a hug, so when Tinka sees Sam and thinks he'd give great hugs, I was won over right then. That's actually something I think when sizing up a guy *winks*
Their personalities are complementary, neither one having a voice in their family, just going with the flow. Together, they try to find their voice.
Yes, there is a tiny bit of angst, but not truly between Sam and Tinka- it's with Tinka's friends and family, and Sam with his family and friends. Sam is a solid guy, and he takes Tinka at face-value, because she opens up to him and is 'real', and he's the same way back. No tension, they're relaxed together, like finding home and finally being able to breathe. So there isn't miscommunication central between them, even with the 'fake-dating' to keep their family off their backs.
For two-hundred pages, the journey is Sam and Tinka finding a voice- no longer avoiding conflict because it's easier on everyone else while costing themselves dearly. They learn to stand up for themselves, ask for what they want, and make no apologies for it. We only get one life, and we're the ones who have to live it. I felt this a great message, one people need to learn- the younger the better.
I thoroughly enjoyed Sam and Tinka's journey, and look forward to both more in this series and by this author in the future. Definitely recommend to fans of the young adult genre.
4.5 Stars
Young Adult age-range: 12+. Kissing.
Artificial Sweethearts is the second installment in the North Pole, Minnesota series and can easily be read as a standalone. Some mentions of the past book, and cameos by past narrators, but it doesn't affect the overall plot or lead to any confusion.
To be honest, I struggled to fall into the story during the first chapter. Tinka's narration, while being picked up at the airport, there were plot holes being purposefully left open for later, to add a mystery/suspense vibe, but it was the execution that made the narration jarring. I liked Tinka's character, but the style in which it was written was difficult to navigate. Bumpy and all over the place.
As soon as Sam was voiced, I was hooked immediately. Sam was a chubby boy. He's the helper/giver, non-complainer. The one who is easily taken for granted. He's helping his big brother plan a wedding (do everything), with his younger sister running off to camp, and his baby sister is too young to help at all. So everything falls on his shoulders, and he doesn't say a word about it. Now slim, after doing yard work and probably shedding the baby fat, Sam is still stuck in that mindset of being the chubby, invisible, always happy boy. & siblings will always see you how you used to be, not how you are now.
Tinka is also a giver, but she lacks self-reflection. It's hinted at that she's a bad girl (no shaming, her actions were a cry for help, not because she was enjoying herself and feeling empowered by it). But, being inside Tinka's head, the reader knows the core of her, even if that's not the perception others have of her. She's hurt her friends in the recent past, but her parents are hurting her.
Tinka and Sam connect- it's not instantaneous, but it's obvious. I'm a sucker for the intimacy of a hug, so when Tinka sees Sam and thinks he'd give great hugs, I was won over right then. That's actually something I think when sizing up a guy *winks*
Their personalities are complementary, neither one having a voice in their family, just going with the flow. Together, they try to find their voice.
Yes, there is a tiny bit of angst, but not truly between Sam and Tinka- it's with Tinka's friends and family, and Sam with his family and friends. Sam is a solid guy, and he takes Tinka at face-value, because she opens up to him and is 'real', and he's the same way back. No tension, they're relaxed together, like finding home and finally being able to breathe. So there isn't miscommunication central between them, even with the 'fake-dating' to keep their family off their backs.
For two-hundred pages, the journey is Sam and Tinka finding a voice- no longer avoiding conflict because it's easier on everyone else while costing themselves dearly. They learn to stand up for themselves, ask for what they want, and make no apologies for it. We only get one life, and we're the ones who have to live it. I felt this a great message, one people need to learn- the younger the better.
I thoroughly enjoyed Sam and Tinka's journey, and look forward to both more in this series and by this author in the future. Definitely recommend to fans of the young adult genre.
June 23, 2017
Netgalley copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book is as good as the first one. You find all the elements you loved before: the great characters, the fun aspect of the story, the more dramatic one, the heart and the writing.
I loved it all.
The characters were gorgeous. Sam and Tinka are truly good people, ones that I would love to know in real life. I LOVED their story, as well as how much they evolve (on their own and together) from the beginning until the end. Their development was well-paced and believable. That's the most important thing for me: they all feel very real and flawed, which is the best way to portray real life.
The story had me cringe and bite my lips in frustration at how much I wanted to know how it would end. This is a very good point, in my opinion.
All in all, as I said, I found everything I loved in this book, and I always found myself wanting more. Julie Hammerle is one of the new authors on my list that I know I can trust for a good time and quality story-telling. Can't wait for what's to come next!
This book is as good as the first one. You find all the elements you loved before: the great characters, the fun aspect of the story, the more dramatic one, the heart and the writing.
I loved it all.
The characters were gorgeous. Sam and Tinka are truly good people, ones that I would love to know in real life. I LOVED their story, as well as how much they evolve (on their own and together) from the beginning until the end. Their development was well-paced and believable. That's the most important thing for me: they all feel very real and flawed, which is the best way to portray real life.
The story had me cringe and bite my lips in frustration at how much I wanted to know how it would end. This is a very good point, in my opinion.
All in all, as I said, I found everything I loved in this book, and I always found myself wanting more. Julie Hammerle is one of the new authors on my list that I know I can trust for a good time and quality story-telling. Can't wait for what's to come next!
July 6, 2017
I haven’t read anything by Julie Hammerle previously but I have always adored Entangled Crush books. Ms. Hammerle did not disappoint in the very least. I think this book was well written and really sucked the reader into this small town in Minnesota. I was almost tempted to bring out some Christmas stuff, after all it is July!
We meet Tinka who is back from boarding school and who has moved to a new town without even knowing it. Her parents just uprooted and did all this without her knowledge, as if that wasn’t shock enough she was going through her own things with her roommate who just happened to come along for the summer break. This book definitely had a lot of complicated realistic situations that happen to people all the time. It was hard to read but worth the read. Tinka is a strong girl, but instead of facing her issues head on she tends to run away. You see her grown throughout the book and finally realize what she’s been doing to herself and others around her. Of course she has help learning this not only from old friends but from Sam, her neighbor.
Sam also has his own family issues to deal with, he never really stands up for himself and let people know what’s going on. Sometimes it’s hard keeping up a façade like that. But together he and Tinka learn to grown as people with new emotions growing between the two of them.
I really can’t say enough good things about this book. It was a quick read, very sweet and endearing. I had my heart strings pulled more than once throughout the book, I really felt invested in the characters and what they were going through. I just hope you get a chance to read it and remember how important family and friends are in your life, and how important it is to always talk to them truthfully. Letting things go will not only make yourself feel better but will make those around you understand and feel better as well.
The relationship between Sam and Tinka was cute, should I or shouldn’t I, is this real or is this pretend struggle between the two. It was sweet, and I was rooting for them the entire time. Loved this book, definitely need to go read the first book in this series just to see how it all began in this small town in Minnesota.
We meet Tinka who is back from boarding school and who has moved to a new town without even knowing it. Her parents just uprooted and did all this without her knowledge, as if that wasn’t shock enough she was going through her own things with her roommate who just happened to come along for the summer break. This book definitely had a lot of complicated realistic situations that happen to people all the time. It was hard to read but worth the read. Tinka is a strong girl, but instead of facing her issues head on she tends to run away. You see her grown throughout the book and finally realize what she’s been doing to herself and others around her. Of course she has help learning this not only from old friends but from Sam, her neighbor.
Sam also has his own family issues to deal with, he never really stands up for himself and let people know what’s going on. Sometimes it’s hard keeping up a façade like that. But together he and Tinka learn to grown as people with new emotions growing between the two of them.
I really can’t say enough good things about this book. It was a quick read, very sweet and endearing. I had my heart strings pulled more than once throughout the book, I really felt invested in the characters and what they were going through. I just hope you get a chance to read it and remember how important family and friends are in your life, and how important it is to always talk to them truthfully. Letting things go will not only make yourself feel better but will make those around you understand and feel better as well.
The relationship between Sam and Tinka was cute, should I or shouldn’t I, is this real or is this pretend struggle between the two. It was sweet, and I was rooting for them the entire time. Loved this book, definitely need to go read the first book in this series just to see how it all began in this small town in Minnesota.
July 20, 2017
I love Sam. He is too sweet and kind. He is always there for everyone and always doing what everyone needs. It was sad to see him be walked on by his family although I don’t think they realized they were doing it. The question for Sam who is there for him? It didn’t seem like anyone was. Yes his family was close but when Sam needed a shoulder or help it seemed he dealt with it by himself. He was strong and resilient. Kind and adorable. His family dynamic was great to see in a book. I was just sad to see him feel so alone and isolated at times. When he sticks up for himself I was proud.
Tinka didn’t like at the beginning. She was selfish and very child like. But as you got to know her you do feel for her. She is a shell of a person. Always doing what is best for those around her. Never doing what she likes. So going off to school had her go off the rails. She did what she could to be numb. She felt unwanted. Her parents were going through things and didn’t really see her tinka.
Upon meeting Sam we see Tinka change. She learns to be free and kind. She wants to change but is scared. No one knows Tinka. Well Sam is learning who Tinka is and it is a sweet adorable story this reveal. Her and Sam are perfect for each other. One helps the other get strong and see they are worth it and the other helps them gain feet and stand up for themself. Sam’s patience and kindness helps Tinka become a better person. Helps her see who she wants to be and gives her strength to try. Tinka helps Sam see that he has someone to lean on and support him.
Tinka and Sam are adorable together. He has such a big heart and is so kind and laid back. He is also the one that deals with things and keeps peace. He has never found anyone to like him for him and Tinka is that person only the fear of her running keeps him from doing anything about it. It has him become less than he wants to be and Tinka feels hurt. Although it was what she wanted or so she thought. When Sam is the one hurt we see it all come out and see where this will go. We see her finally be real and honest. We see his family finally see him and all he does and we see Sam learn more about life, love, friends and family. I loved seeing him stand strong for his family and Tinka.
this is such a fun sweet story. You fall in love with Sam who everyone loves for he is such a sweet, great, kind guy. You see Tinka change and become who she is meant to be and mend relationships. We see two people find friendship and love with one another while helping each other through some tough times. And you fall in love with them and their fun entertainingly adorable story.
Tinka didn’t like at the beginning. She was selfish and very child like. But as you got to know her you do feel for her. She is a shell of a person. Always doing what is best for those around her. Never doing what she likes. So going off to school had her go off the rails. She did what she could to be numb. She felt unwanted. Her parents were going through things and didn’t really see her tinka.
Upon meeting Sam we see Tinka change. She learns to be free and kind. She wants to change but is scared. No one knows Tinka. Well Sam is learning who Tinka is and it is a sweet adorable story this reveal. Her and Sam are perfect for each other. One helps the other get strong and see they are worth it and the other helps them gain feet and stand up for themself. Sam’s patience and kindness helps Tinka become a better person. Helps her see who she wants to be and gives her strength to try. Tinka helps Sam see that he has someone to lean on and support him.
Tinka and Sam are adorable together. He has such a big heart and is so kind and laid back. He is also the one that deals with things and keeps peace. He has never found anyone to like him for him and Tinka is that person only the fear of her running keeps him from doing anything about it. It has him become less than he wants to be and Tinka feels hurt. Although it was what she wanted or so she thought. When Sam is the one hurt we see it all come out and see where this will go. We see her finally be real and honest. We see his family finally see him and all he does and we see Sam learn more about life, love, friends and family. I loved seeing him stand strong for his family and Tinka.
this is such a fun sweet story. You fall in love with Sam who everyone loves for he is such a sweet, great, kind guy. You see Tinka change and become who she is meant to be and mend relationships. We see two people find friendship and love with one another while helping each other through some tough times. And you fall in love with them and their fun entertainingly adorable story.
July 5, 2017
Thank you netgalley!
"Artificial Sweethearts" was a cute YA read with fun, emotion, romance and realistic relationship issues between family and friends. This story takes place in North Pole, Minnesota and is the 2nd book set here though it can be read as a standalone. I was happy to see that Sam was the focus of this book and I just adored his character from the start. Tinka on the other hand wasn't so easy to fall in line with and support. Arriving home from her boarding school where she plays golf and has spent most of the year partying, along with her roommate Jane, Tinka is shocked to find her parents have sold her childhood home and relocated to North Pole. She finds herself being set up by her parents and Sam finds himself avoiding the mean bakery girl, Dottie, so they decided to fake their relationship. Both of the characters and their relationship grew on me and I really enjoyed the story. It was a super quick read and it was nice to see characters from the first novel. The story deals with how people deal with loss in different ways and the pressures parents put on their kids (sometimes without even realizing). I definitely want to read more stories set in this town and am glad that I got to read this one!
"Artificial Sweethearts" was a cute YA read with fun, emotion, romance and realistic relationship issues between family and friends. This story takes place in North Pole, Minnesota and is the 2nd book set here though it can be read as a standalone. I was happy to see that Sam was the focus of this book and I just adored his character from the start. Tinka on the other hand wasn't so easy to fall in line with and support. Arriving home from her boarding school where she plays golf and has spent most of the year partying, along with her roommate Jane, Tinka is shocked to find her parents have sold her childhood home and relocated to North Pole. She finds herself being set up by her parents and Sam finds himself avoiding the mean bakery girl, Dottie, so they decided to fake their relationship. Both of the characters and their relationship grew on me and I really enjoyed the story. It was a super quick read and it was nice to see characters from the first novel. The story deals with how people deal with loss in different ways and the pressures parents put on their kids (sometimes without even realizing). I definitely want to read more stories set in this town and am glad that I got to read this one!
July 6, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Entangled: Crush for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a cute, fun, coming of age romance. I have to say that even though the female main character makes a ton of mistakes in this book, she learns from them and her character develops nicely. Sam is such a sweetheart with very low confidence in himself and I like the fact that he starts to see his value and builds his confidence in this book. Well done!!
This story is full of teenage drama, from friends, parents, future choices to of course their “fake” romance turning into the real thing.
I love the fact that this is something I would let my teen daughter read. That is always a plus in my book. It contained just a little kissing but other wise a clean read. Great summer, coming of age teen read!!
This was a cute, fun, coming of age romance. I have to say that even though the female main character makes a ton of mistakes in this book, she learns from them and her character develops nicely. Sam is such a sweetheart with very low confidence in himself and I like the fact that he starts to see his value and builds his confidence in this book. Well done!!
This story is full of teenage drama, from friends, parents, future choices to of course their “fake” romance turning into the real thing.
I love the fact that this is something I would let my teen daughter read. That is always a plus in my book. It contained just a little kissing but other wise a clean read. Great summer, coming of age teen read!!
July 9, 2017
Honestly, I was really disappointed in this story. I read Julie Hammerle's The Sound of Us last year and really, really enjoyed her debut novel. It was sweet and cheesy and without being too over the top.
Artificial Sweethearts, on the other hand, was just TOO much cheese. I found myself rolling my eyes at parts of the dialogue or things the character's would think. A lot of it was cliche and seemed to rely too heavily on over done tropes. The ending was something out of an early 90's rom-com. Overall, I just felt like this novel only touches the surface level with nothing that really grabs your heart strings. And I just found myself not really wanting to pick this book up after I'd put it down.
Artificial Sweethearts, on the other hand, was just TOO much cheese. I found myself rolling my eyes at parts of the dialogue or things the character's would think. A lot of it was cliche and seemed to rely too heavily on over done tropes. The ending was something out of an early 90's rom-com. Overall, I just felt like this novel only touches the surface level with nothing that really grabs your heart strings. And I just found myself not really wanting to pick this book up after I'd put it down.
June 29, 2017
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review from Entagled Teen (sent through Netgalley).
I loved this book! It was an awesome romance! And I'm totally in love with Sam! He was so cute and adorable and sweet and sexy! I found my new bookboyfriend! Yay!
Tinka really did bad things to her friends and she acted selfish. But she was a good girl. And she got to prove it to everyone in the end. And anyway, everyone makes mistakes at some point in their lives.
Jane I liked her some times. She really cared for Tinka and was a forgiving kind of person. Karen I didn't like at all. Sure she was hurt by Tinka's behavior, but she still acted like a b!tch most times.
Tinka's parents were awful. They sort of redeemed themselves in the end, but still, they weren't really good parents. Really selfish. It wasn't nice how they treated her, like what she thought or wanted didn't count or matter.
The story was good, the romance really sweet, Tinka and Sam really adorable together.
A MUST READ!
I loved this book! It was an awesome romance! And I'm totally in love with Sam! He was so cute and adorable and sweet and sexy! I found my new bookboyfriend! Yay!
Tinka really did bad things to her friends and she acted selfish. But she was a good girl. And she got to prove it to everyone in the end. And anyway, everyone makes mistakes at some point in their lives.
Jane I liked her some times. She really cared for Tinka and was a forgiving kind of person. Karen I didn't like at all. Sure she was hurt by Tinka's behavior, but she still acted like a b!tch most times.
Tinka's parents were awful. They sort of redeemed themselves in the end, but still, they weren't really good parents. Really selfish. It wasn't nice how they treated her, like what she thought or wanted didn't count or matter.
The story was good, the romance really sweet, Tinka and Sam really adorable together.
A MUST READ!
July 18, 2017
Super cute - you'll be begging for Tinka and Sam to finally share their real, totally not fake, feelings for one another.
June 27, 2017
I received a copy of this book from Entangled Teen sent through Netgalley.
Artificial Sweethearts was a cute, quick read. Sam was the sweetest boy and I adored him. There were some moments when Tinka got on my nerves, but I ended up really liking her, too. The movie references were a lot of fun. What I really love about these Entangled Teen books is that they are just so light and mostly happy. It's great to have these to read in between some of the more serious books.
Artificial Sweethearts was a cute, quick read. Sam was the sweetest boy and I adored him. There were some moments when Tinka got on my nerves, but I ended up really liking her, too. The movie references were a lot of fun. What I really love about these Entangled Teen books is that they are just so light and mostly happy. It's great to have these to read in between some of the more serious books.
July 21, 2017
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**
Artificial Sweethearts by Julie Hammerle is the second book in the young adult contemporary North Pole, Minnesota series. I liked the first book in the series, Any Boy But You, but I enjoyed this book even more! Each of the books in the North Pole Minnesota series can be read as standalones, so you don't have to read them in order, though if given the choice, I always prefer to read a series in order. Elena, the girl from the first book, only makes very small appearances in this story, so there isn't much overlap.
Artificial Sweethearts is the story of Sam and Tinka. I flat out loved Sam. He is the biggest sweetheart on the planet. And Tinka is so fabulously complex that I found her fascinating. Overall, this couple won me over. Here are the things that I loved about Artificial Sweethearts. Sam and Tinka are up front with each other right off the bat. That was so refreshing to see. Yes, Tinka had her own secrets that she was keeping from other people, but with each other they were totally real and honest from day one. Watching their romance go from fake to real was adorable. I know it has been done a million times, but I am still a sucker for a good fake romance story. It works for me (almost) every time. And it worked for me in Artificial Sweethearts. I love Sam and his family and I love how good Sam and Tinka are for each other. They genuinely had each other's backs so many times throughout the book. I liked Sam way more than I liked Tinka, but even Tinka won me over. I think she is a good person. I really do. (even with what I am about to say in the next paragraph.) And I think she got to relax and be the best version of herself with Sam. And Sam is so awesome- it is about time someone recognized that about him. I hated seeing him be the running joke in his family. It was also super refreshing to see the male character in the story be the one with body issues and insecurities. I don't think I have encountered that in a young adult book yet.
I did have a few, minor, issues with Artificial Sweethearts. I loved how multi-dimensional Tinka was. She is a very complex character. But that being said, she is not always the best person. I do think a few of the insults that her ex best friend, Karen threw out at her were pretty accurate. Tinka is selfish. She is also not a very good friend. When she moved away, she basically dropped her best friend. She didn't call or text her and she flat out ignored all of the phone calls and text messages that Karen was sending her. And she did it all for basically no good reason. I think that is pretty harsh thing to do. Then there was the whole issue of hooking up with her current best friend's boyfriend right after he dumped said friend. Tinka does not always make the best decisions, and she certainly does not handle her mistakes maturely. But I genuinely think she is a good person, and I loved her interactions with Sam. They felt like two different people to me, which made it hard for me to figure out my feelings on Tinka while I was reading. Overall, I liked her, even though she annoyed me at times. The characters I did not like were Tinka's parents. They did not seem interested in their daughter for anything except renovation help. The only thing they seemed to care about for a majority of the story was getting drunk with their new friends. I wasn't a fan of them.
Overall, my annoyances were only a small part of the story, and they didn't detract from my overall enjoyment much. I fell head over heels in love with Sam. I loved that Artificial Sweehearts was told in dual narrative. I want to see more Sam and Tinka because they really won me over. Artificial Sweethearts was a cute read. One that I really enjoyed.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Artificial Sweethearts by Julie Hammerle is the second book in the young adult contemporary North Pole, Minnesota series. I liked the first book in the series, Any Boy But You, but I enjoyed this book even more! Each of the books in the North Pole Minnesota series can be read as standalones, so you don't have to read them in order, though if given the choice, I always prefer to read a series in order. Elena, the girl from the first book, only makes very small appearances in this story, so there isn't much overlap.
Artificial Sweethearts is the story of Sam and Tinka. I flat out loved Sam. He is the biggest sweetheart on the planet. And Tinka is so fabulously complex that I found her fascinating. Overall, this couple won me over. Here are the things that I loved about Artificial Sweethearts. Sam and Tinka are up front with each other right off the bat. That was so refreshing to see. Yes, Tinka had her own secrets that she was keeping from other people, but with each other they were totally real and honest from day one. Watching their romance go from fake to real was adorable. I know it has been done a million times, but I am still a sucker for a good fake romance story. It works for me (almost) every time. And it worked for me in Artificial Sweethearts. I love Sam and his family and I love how good Sam and Tinka are for each other. They genuinely had each other's backs so many times throughout the book. I liked Sam way more than I liked Tinka, but even Tinka won me over. I think she is a good person. I really do. (even with what I am about to say in the next paragraph.) And I think she got to relax and be the best version of herself with Sam. And Sam is so awesome- it is about time someone recognized that about him. I hated seeing him be the running joke in his family. It was also super refreshing to see the male character in the story be the one with body issues and insecurities. I don't think I have encountered that in a young adult book yet.
I did have a few, minor, issues with Artificial Sweethearts. I loved how multi-dimensional Tinka was. She is a very complex character. But that being said, she is not always the best person. I do think a few of the insults that her ex best friend, Karen threw out at her were pretty accurate. Tinka is selfish. She is also not a very good friend. When she moved away, she basically dropped her best friend. She didn't call or text her and she flat out ignored all of the phone calls and text messages that Karen was sending her. And she did it all for basically no good reason. I think that is pretty harsh thing to do. Then there was the whole issue of hooking up with her current best friend's boyfriend right after he dumped said friend. Tinka does not always make the best decisions, and she certainly does not handle her mistakes maturely. But I genuinely think she is a good person, and I loved her interactions with Sam. They felt like two different people to me, which made it hard for me to figure out my feelings on Tinka while I was reading. Overall, I liked her, even though she annoyed me at times. The characters I did not like were Tinka's parents. They did not seem interested in their daughter for anything except renovation help. The only thing they seemed to care about for a majority of the story was getting drunk with their new friends. I wasn't a fan of them.
Overall, my annoyances were only a small part of the story, and they didn't detract from my overall enjoyment much. I fell head over heels in love with Sam. I loved that Artificial Sweehearts was told in dual narrative. I want to see more Sam and Tinka because they really won me over. Artificial Sweethearts was a cute read. One that I really enjoyed.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
November 20, 2017
I just reviewed both books in the series at my blog, Trish Talks Texts.
Three and a half stars. Thanks to publisher and Netgalley for advanced copy. Released on July 10.
Three and a half stars. Thanks to publisher and Netgalley for advanced copy. Released on July 10.
August 5, 2017
Good Read.
Quick, cute and easy. Just what I needed after planning my own wedding. The writer did a good job at building up the tension and the building a believable relationship between the main characters.
Quick, cute and easy. Just what I needed after planning my own wedding. The writer did a good job at building up the tension and the building a believable relationship between the main characters.
June 23, 2017
“Artificial Sweethearts” is a cute and quick YA romance about Tinka (short for Christina) and Sam. Tinka is home from boarding school and learns that her parents have moved away from everything she knows in the Twin Cities to a small town named North Pole. The town is pretty unique, as people have taken the name pretty literally and turned into a year-round Christmas attraction. To make matters better, Tinka’s parents have purchased a fixer-upper and expect her to help them fix it up all summer. Tinka has arrived in town with her friend from school, Jane, who is super upbeat and positive though sad about a recent break-up. They are joined by the extremely moody Karen, Tinka’s former BFF who really hates her and doesn’t seem to want to be there.
Tinka’s family has just moved next door to Sam’s family. Sam is the third of four kids, and heading off to college after the summer. He’s primarily planning his brother’s wedding and making sure everything is all set for that while holding down a job at the video store and generally being amazing. He seems to think he is pretty unattractive (the usual YA teenage girl stereotype) although others seem to think he’s very attractive. After being pushed into awkward encounters with the terrible Dottie (vengeful and rude), he makes up a fake relationship with his neighbor to keep her at arm’s length. He admits this to Tinka when he starts to get to know her, and she ends up using the same excuse to keep her parents from trying to set her up with their friends’ son, Dylan (who seems a little sleazy).
Although the book starts off a little rough with a lot of characters to figure out, it grows on you as Tinka and Sam grow on each other. Tinka experiences a lot of personal growth as she must confront her mistakes and the shortcomings of her parents. It’s really predictable but had some really great moments throughout. Sam and Tinka might be the most thoughtful and introspective teenagers I’ve read about in a YA book. It’s a really fast read- needs only a sitting or two to finish. There are the classic blunders of a fake relationship in this book, and it was overall extremely predictable. If you are on the market for a fake-relationship-turned-more book, this would be a great choice! I had some mixed feelings, so I am giving it three stars or "I liked it" (mostly for predictability, awkward events, and a rocky start but a cute book overall). Nothing bad about the book, per se, but nothing stellar either. Notably, this book functions as a stand-alone, although part of a series.
Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Tinka’s family has just moved next door to Sam’s family. Sam is the third of four kids, and heading off to college after the summer. He’s primarily planning his brother’s wedding and making sure everything is all set for that while holding down a job at the video store and generally being amazing. He seems to think he is pretty unattractive (the usual YA teenage girl stereotype) although others seem to think he’s very attractive. After being pushed into awkward encounters with the terrible Dottie (vengeful and rude), he makes up a fake relationship with his neighbor to keep her at arm’s length. He admits this to Tinka when he starts to get to know her, and she ends up using the same excuse to keep her parents from trying to set her up with their friends’ son, Dylan (who seems a little sleazy).
Although the book starts off a little rough with a lot of characters to figure out, it grows on you as Tinka and Sam grow on each other. Tinka experiences a lot of personal growth as she must confront her mistakes and the shortcomings of her parents. It’s really predictable but had some really great moments throughout. Sam and Tinka might be the most thoughtful and introspective teenagers I’ve read about in a YA book. It’s a really fast read- needs only a sitting or two to finish. There are the classic blunders of a fake relationship in this book, and it was overall extremely predictable. If you are on the market for a fake-relationship-turned-more book, this would be a great choice! I had some mixed feelings, so I am giving it three stars or "I liked it" (mostly for predictability, awkward events, and a rocky start but a cute book overall). Nothing bad about the book, per se, but nothing stellar either. Notably, this book functions as a stand-alone, although part of a series.
Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.
October 23, 2017
Book Review- Artificial Sweethearts by Julie Hammerlee
Tinka Foster has come home from her private school with her friend Jane in tow. She is shocked to see her parents. She doesn’t even recognize them. They surprise her by taking her to her new home in North Pole. They sold their house in Minneapolis without telling her.
She buries her feelings about it and tries to show her “happiness”. Jane is excited to help with the new house. Tinka feels guilty. Jane gets to spend her summer doing house repairs. She also feels guilty about what happened at the party ending the school year. Jane doesn’t know and Tinka doesn’t want to deal with it. She will just try and make it through the summer. Unfortunately her parents have their own plans for her. She’s not sure what to do but she doesn’t think she can go along with their plans.
Sam is her next door neighbor. He is busy helping plan his brother’s wedding. His brother and sister are pressuring him into finding a date for the wedding. They talk him into texting Dottie. It doesn’t turn out well and he tells her he has a girlfriend, his neighbor.
Sam and Tinka decide to keep up the charade. It will benefit them both. Tinka’s parents will hopefully back off and Sam is hoping his siblings will leave him alone. They do their best to sell it but be friends. Both are confused by the growing feelings they have for each other. However they know that the other person doesn’t want a relationship. Besides Tinka runs the other direction when things get hard.
This book was interesting. I liked Sam’s family. They loved each other and stood by each other. Sam was a sweet guy. I was rooting for him from the beginning. Tinka, on the other hand, was a complete mess. The reader understood once her parents are introduced. They were shockingly clueless. I couldn’t stand them. Tinka keeps everything inside so she doesn’t rock the boat and her parents didn’t even notice. Their relationship is troubling. They don’t think of how Tinka would feel if….. They completely annoyed me.
So when Sam and Tinka decided to be fake boyfriend and girlfriend, it was sweet. They had this instant connection. I liked how the story evolved. You knew they would develop real feelings. Unfortunately Tinka had to be her dysfunctional self. It all falls apart. All her secrets come out and Tinka has to deal with the fallout. She doesn’t do it very well. I was disappointed at that point. However she redeems herself in the end in the most surprising way. It turned out to be a pretty good story. I give it a 4 out of 5.
Tinka Foster has come home from her private school with her friend Jane in tow. She is shocked to see her parents. She doesn’t even recognize them. They surprise her by taking her to her new home in North Pole. They sold their house in Minneapolis without telling her.
She buries her feelings about it and tries to show her “happiness”. Jane is excited to help with the new house. Tinka feels guilty. Jane gets to spend her summer doing house repairs. She also feels guilty about what happened at the party ending the school year. Jane doesn’t know and Tinka doesn’t want to deal with it. She will just try and make it through the summer. Unfortunately her parents have their own plans for her. She’s not sure what to do but she doesn’t think she can go along with their plans.
Sam is her next door neighbor. He is busy helping plan his brother’s wedding. His brother and sister are pressuring him into finding a date for the wedding. They talk him into texting Dottie. It doesn’t turn out well and he tells her he has a girlfriend, his neighbor.
Sam and Tinka decide to keep up the charade. It will benefit them both. Tinka’s parents will hopefully back off and Sam is hoping his siblings will leave him alone. They do their best to sell it but be friends. Both are confused by the growing feelings they have for each other. However they know that the other person doesn’t want a relationship. Besides Tinka runs the other direction when things get hard.
This book was interesting. I liked Sam’s family. They loved each other and stood by each other. Sam was a sweet guy. I was rooting for him from the beginning. Tinka, on the other hand, was a complete mess. The reader understood once her parents are introduced. They were shockingly clueless. I couldn’t stand them. Tinka keeps everything inside so she doesn’t rock the boat and her parents didn’t even notice. Their relationship is troubling. They don’t think of how Tinka would feel if….. They completely annoyed me.
So when Sam and Tinka decided to be fake boyfriend and girlfriend, it was sweet. They had this instant connection. I liked how the story evolved. You knew they would develop real feelings. Unfortunately Tinka had to be her dysfunctional self. It all falls apart. All her secrets come out and Tinka has to deal with the fallout. She doesn’t do it very well. I was disappointed at that point. However she redeems herself in the end in the most surprising way. It turned out to be a pretty good story. I give it a 4 out of 5.
July 1, 2017
Tinka and her best friend-slash-roommate Jane head home to Minnesota for the summer after spending the year at their South Carolina boarding school. Tinka is looking forward to some relaxation. To shedding the party girl persona she wears all year. To just kicking back and catching up with her friends from home. What she doesn’t expect is the shocking revelation from her parents that they’ve moved to North Pole, a town where it’s Christmas all year.
Tinka’s parents have bought a wreck of a house. It’s falling apart around them, but they seem convinced that with enough help from Tinka and Jane, it’ll feel like home by the end of the summer. Tinka, still reeling from the revelation that her childhood home isn’t hers anymore, is less than thrilled at the prospect of a summer of manual labor in a town where she knows no one. She’s also pretty embarrassed that her BFF has to be a part of this.
Throw into the mix parents who’ve completely changed -- partying like teenagers, trying to set her up with their friends’ very attractive but highly annoying son, throwing caution to the wind and leaping before they look -- and Tinka is pretty miserable. She’s never been particularly happy at home, feeling like she must constantly compete with her brother Jake, but this summer takes the cake for the actual worst The one bright spot in the summer comes in the form of Sam, her new neighbor.
Out of the four Anderson siblings, Sam has the reputation for being the good guy. He never complains. He goes with the flow. Tease him as much as you’d like and he’ll never do anything but smile. Sam is the glue that holds the Anderson family together, and his older brother’s upcoming wedding has only increased his family’s expectations.
Sam and Tinka click almost instantly. Tinka likes Sam because he doesn’t judge her for the mistakes she made at school. He just accepts her as she is. Sam likes Tinka because she’s honest. She might feel pretty guilty about what happened back at school, but with Sam, she can own up to it and try to become a better version of herself. When Tinka grows tired of her parents’ matchmaking efforts and Sam gets fed up with his siblings’ relentless teasing over his perpetually single status, the two agree to a fake relationship.
But what happens when a fake relationship starts feeling more and more real?
This book was very cute and I really liked both Tinka and Sam. It’s an incredibly fast read that kept me entertained throughout, but it does fall victim to one of my least favorite tropes: Poor Communication Kills. Sam and Tinka are great about communicating. Early on in their friendship, they lay everything on the line, no matter how embarrassing. It’s a shame that these two crazy kids couldn’t communicate about their actual feelings. If they had, this could have been a five-star review.
But even with that complaint, I still really enjoyed this book. The secondary characters, particularly Hakeem and Dottie, made this book great. (And for very different reasons!) This is a great book for those times you’re looking to wind down after a hard day. It’s easy to read with just enough tension to keep you going.
Tinka’s parents have bought a wreck of a house. It’s falling apart around them, but they seem convinced that with enough help from Tinka and Jane, it’ll feel like home by the end of the summer. Tinka, still reeling from the revelation that her childhood home isn’t hers anymore, is less than thrilled at the prospect of a summer of manual labor in a town where she knows no one. She’s also pretty embarrassed that her BFF has to be a part of this.
Throw into the mix parents who’ve completely changed -- partying like teenagers, trying to set her up with their friends’ very attractive but highly annoying son, throwing caution to the wind and leaping before they look -- and Tinka is pretty miserable. She’s never been particularly happy at home, feeling like she must constantly compete with her brother Jake, but this summer takes the cake for the actual worst The one bright spot in the summer comes in the form of Sam, her new neighbor.
Out of the four Anderson siblings, Sam has the reputation for being the good guy. He never complains. He goes with the flow. Tease him as much as you’d like and he’ll never do anything but smile. Sam is the glue that holds the Anderson family together, and his older brother’s upcoming wedding has only increased his family’s expectations.
Sam and Tinka click almost instantly. Tinka likes Sam because he doesn’t judge her for the mistakes she made at school. He just accepts her as she is. Sam likes Tinka because she’s honest. She might feel pretty guilty about what happened back at school, but with Sam, she can own up to it and try to become a better version of herself. When Tinka grows tired of her parents’ matchmaking efforts and Sam gets fed up with his siblings’ relentless teasing over his perpetually single status, the two agree to a fake relationship.
But what happens when a fake relationship starts feeling more and more real?
This book was very cute and I really liked both Tinka and Sam. It’s an incredibly fast read that kept me entertained throughout, but it does fall victim to one of my least favorite tropes: Poor Communication Kills. Sam and Tinka are great about communicating. Early on in their friendship, they lay everything on the line, no matter how embarrassing. It’s a shame that these two crazy kids couldn’t communicate about their actual feelings. If they had, this could have been a five-star review.
But even with that complaint, I still really enjoyed this book. The secondary characters, particularly Hakeem and Dottie, made this book great. (And for very different reasons!) This is a great book for those times you’re looking to wind down after a hard day. It’s easy to read with just enough tension to keep you going.
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