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Young Love #1
Fake Boyfriend
In desperation, Sarah hires Gage to pretend to be her boyfriend.
"Afraid to be alone with me?" he challenged. "How am I going to be your boyfriend then?"
"Pretend boyfriend," I emphasized.
He gave me a tight-lipped smile. "You do know that this has to look convincing if you expect people to believe I'm your boyfriend, don't you?"
"Afraid to be alone with me?" he challenged. "How am I going to be your boyfriend then?"
"Pretend boyfriend," I emphasized.
He gave me a tight-lipped smile. "You do know that this has to look convincing if you expect people to believe I'm your boyfriend, don't you?"
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2018
20 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Suzana Thompson
98 books102 followersI love to write, but quitting my day job is not an option. I survive on coffee and too little sleep. This is a habit from my teens when I used to stay up most of the night reading books.
Website: http://www.suzanathompson.com/
Website: http://www.suzanathompson.com/
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 21, 2019
Thank you to Suzana Thompson for providing me with a free audiobook in return for an honest review.
The fake boyfriend stories are one of my favourite genres, so when I found this book, I couldn't wait to read it. The story is through heroine, Sarah's point of view and begins with her meeting classmate and outcast Gage with a proposition to be her pretend boyfriend in order to protect her from sleezy boys at school.
This was a completely adorable story. I really felt for the main character; sweet, naive and harassed by her new step sister's friends. She had a really lovable personality with a spunky side to her. Her 'fake boyfriend' Gage is also a lovely character with probably the best progression. On our first meeting with him he seemed like a very uncaring, hardened character, however as the story progresses and he and Sarah get to know each other more he begins to really earn his role as a great book boyfriend.
The storyline is predictable but really enjoyable. I loved listening to Gage and Sarah's relationship grow from acquaintances to real feelings.
The narrator of the story did a good job for the most part. I found dialogue quite hard because she would usually use the same kind of voice that she would for Sarah, so I found it quite hard to differentiate. Other than that however, she kept good pace and understood the story as she read.
This story is short. I maybe would have liked a little more backstory into Gage and his mum but it didn't completely need it. It was a satisfying storyline that had a good ending.
I'd recommend this to young adult romance lovers. I really enjoyed it and will definitely look out for more books by Suzana Thompson.
The fake boyfriend stories are one of my favourite genres, so when I found this book, I couldn't wait to read it. The story is through heroine, Sarah's point of view and begins with her meeting classmate and outcast Gage with a proposition to be her pretend boyfriend in order to protect her from sleezy boys at school.
This was a completely adorable story. I really felt for the main character; sweet, naive and harassed by her new step sister's friends. She had a really lovable personality with a spunky side to her. Her 'fake boyfriend' Gage is also a lovely character with probably the best progression. On our first meeting with him he seemed like a very uncaring, hardened character, however as the story progresses and he and Sarah get to know each other more he begins to really earn his role as a great book boyfriend.
The storyline is predictable but really enjoyable. I loved listening to Gage and Sarah's relationship grow from acquaintances to real feelings.
The narrator of the story did a good job for the most part. I found dialogue quite hard because she would usually use the same kind of voice that she would for Sarah, so I found it quite hard to differentiate. Other than that however, she kept good pace and understood the story as she read.
This story is short. I maybe would have liked a little more backstory into Gage and his mum but it didn't completely need it. It was a satisfying storyline that had a good ending.
I'd recommend this to young adult romance lovers. I really enjoyed it and will definitely look out for more books by Suzana Thompson.
February 22, 2019
I listened to the audiobook version of this book.
This was a super cute listen, I have a special place in my heart for New Adult/Young Adult Romances. I loved listening as Sarah and Gage got closer to each other in their "fake" relationship as it began to develop into more. The story is kind of predictable, and we start getting hints early on that indicate where the story is going to go. However as it was getting closer to almost the very end, I started to really wonder if the author was going to leave us with an unhappy ending. There are a few things about the characters that are entirely unique which made them relatable and helped us get attached. I did think Sarah's parent's being mostly absent was a little strange. I thought it was a well written clean YA /new adult romance and enjoyed it all the way through.
I thought the narrator did a great job in this performance and that she fit Sarah well. She had just enough emotion in the important parts and kept me engaged in the story.
I received a review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.
This was a super cute listen, I have a special place in my heart for New Adult/Young Adult Romances. I loved listening as Sarah and Gage got closer to each other in their "fake" relationship as it began to develop into more. The story is kind of predictable, and we start getting hints early on that indicate where the story is going to go. However as it was getting closer to almost the very end, I started to really wonder if the author was going to leave us with an unhappy ending. There are a few things about the characters that are entirely unique which made them relatable and helped us get attached. I did think Sarah's parent's being mostly absent was a little strange. I thought it was a well written clean YA /new adult romance and enjoyed it all the way through.
I thought the narrator did a great job in this performance and that she fit Sarah well. She had just enough emotion in the important parts and kept me engaged in the story.
I received a review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.
July 17, 2019
Sweet, easy, quick read. I enjoyed the fake boyfriend scenario, and I liked the chemistry between Sarah and Gage. Sarah's mom just got married and she had to move with her mom. She now has a step-sister that leaves a lot to be desired and a jerk of a guy making lewd comments to her, so Sarah asks Gage to act like her boyfriend to get the creeper guys away from her. Sarah is an 18 year old Senior in high school, so she's still a bit naïve. She makes more problems for herself by not saying what's on her mind; she's a nice girl. Overall, I liked her. Gage has a bad boy reputation, but there's more to him. I really enjoyed Fake Boyfriend, but I wanted more ending. This read has good bones and could be really great if there was a little more bulk to the story. Still really liked it though. I also listened to the audio version. I wasn't loving the narrator at first because the quality isn't the best, but I did end up thinking she did a decent job and I liked listening.
January 25, 2019
I love these two! Despite totally different backgrounds these two fit each other perfectly. The do have a bit of confusion as to what the other feels because of the deal that began it all but they find a way to make it through and give us a hea. I can’t wait to see what may come next in this series.
January 31, 2019
Sarah needs a boyfriend to save herself from being harassed by her stepsister. She hires Gage and their fake relationship develops into a real one. Good young love story.
August 22, 2019
Great read!
Such a great read... It showed a high school romance at its best. I couldn't stop reading in the hopes that the two main characters would end up togetger
Such a great read... It showed a high school romance at its best. I couldn't stop reading in the hopes that the two main characters would end up togetger
September 11, 2019
I don't know why this is not more popular; This is an amazing Young Adult Romance novel, and it's free on Amazon! What more could you want?
January 31, 2019
Desperate to stop her new stepsister's harassment, Sarah hires Gage to be pretend to be her boyfriend. She hopes a few fake dates will convince her stepsister that she's not a threat, but her time with Gage seems like so much more than a paid arrangement.
This was a great YA novel I'd recommend for older teens, there's some explicit situations and language not suitable for younger teens. The hired boyfriend story is one I will never get tired of, I love all the different ways two people can fall in love. The author created two likable characters that were perfectly balanced and, well, perfect together. Gage is just dreamy, a true rock Sex God, and I loved watching him open up to Sarah. Sarah can lack confidence at times, but she is always friendly and kind. The book was a lot of fun. I would love to read a sequel featuring Dillan or Emily, as long as it has a cameo and update on Sarah and Gage!
The narration was well done, Kalena Schubert has the perfect voice for Sarah, and performed voices for each character. It pulled me right into the story and back into high school *yikes!*. I requested a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a great YA novel I'd recommend for older teens, there's some explicit situations and language not suitable for younger teens. The hired boyfriend story is one I will never get tired of, I love all the different ways two people can fall in love. The author created two likable characters that were perfectly balanced and, well, perfect together. Gage is just dreamy, a true rock Sex God, and I loved watching him open up to Sarah. Sarah can lack confidence at times, but she is always friendly and kind. The book was a lot of fun. I would love to read a sequel featuring Dillan or Emily, as long as it has a cameo and update on Sarah and Gage!
The narration was well done, Kalena Schubert has the perfect voice for Sarah, and performed voices for each character. It pulled me right into the story and back into high school *yikes!*. I requested a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
July 5, 2019
This is a wonderful romance book. This doesn’t promise forever. It just promises the beginning. And what a beginning it is! Sarah moves into a new household with a new stepsister....who makes her life a living H-E-double hockey sticks. Her only way to combat the rumors and stop Her stepsisters “Friend” from hitting on her is to hire a boyfriend. She finds Gage and decides to ask him to do it. The funny part is Gage goes along with it. I just think...who would do that?? But it’s Gage to the rescue.
Gage comes off as a bad boy but let me tell you he is anything but! He is kind, considerate and gentlemanly. Kind of a surprise for a nineteen yEar old known as a hot head and band member. But he was a delight to learn more about. This really makes me believe in the outer shells people show aren’t always what’s underneath.
I enjoyed reading about Sarah as well. She is smart and devises this crazy plan and it actually works! She is a worry wart but then I remember she is only eighteen. Girls...worry about everything!
This is a first time author for me. I loved the smoothness and flow of the story. I never got bored and just wondered how this would end up for Sarah and Gage. I listened to this on audio and Kalena Schubert did a good job. This is a first time listen from her as well. She articulated well and made it easy listening.
Gage comes off as a bad boy but let me tell you he is anything but! He is kind, considerate and gentlemanly. Kind of a surprise for a nineteen yEar old known as a hot head and band member. But he was a delight to learn more about. This really makes me believe in the outer shells people show aren’t always what’s underneath.
I enjoyed reading about Sarah as well. She is smart and devises this crazy plan and it actually works! She is a worry wart but then I remember she is only eighteen. Girls...worry about everything!
This is a first time author for me. I loved the smoothness and flow of the story. I never got bored and just wondered how this would end up for Sarah and Gage. I listened to this on audio and Kalena Schubert did a good job. This is a first time listen from her as well. She articulated well and made it easy listening.
January 27, 2019
Sarah and Gage, I loved their story, I'm definitely looking forward for the next book. Good YA book, where teenager hires a fake boyfriend and gets more than she expected, a future rockstar, a bad boy outside but a sweet attentive guy in the inside. Kalena Shubert did a good job narrating this audiobook. It was short but hopefully we get more in the second one, as I think of done right it can be a good series.
December 20, 2018
Cute. Young love.
Would like to see a follow-up book to answer some things left pending. The young couple is about to graduate high school. Where are they a few years later. College, singing career, does the relationship last, etc.
Would like to see a follow-up book to answer some things left pending. The young couple is about to graduate high school. Where are they a few years later. College, singing career, does the relationship last, etc.
May 20, 2018
Cute story
Feel good romance to lift your day. I enjoyed the storyline. Not an all conformance but something you have to give time to blossom.
Feel good romance to lift your day. I enjoyed the storyline. Not an all conformance but something you have to give time to blossom.
September 20, 2019
{I received this book in exchange for an honest review}
This was surprisingly cute story of young love. That keeps you guessing “will he get the girl?” till the end.
This was surprisingly cute story of young love. That keeps you guessing “will he get the girl?” till the end.
January 9, 2020
Deeply romantic
A good story with pace. Characters are well written and interesting. Very romantic. I read it on one go. Couldn't stop in the middle.
A good story with pace. Characters are well written and interesting. Very romantic. I read it on one go. Couldn't stop in the middle.
June 29, 2021
Great romantic story
This story was so romantic. I love how Gage was a real man towards Sarah knowing she was shy. I love ❤️ it.
This story was so romantic. I love how Gage was a real man towards Sarah knowing she was shy. I love ❤️ it.
July 10, 2019
I loved it!
September 13, 2021
Thank you to Suzana Thompson for providing me with a free audiobook in return for an honest review.
First, it definitely needs to be said that there is a trigger warning for intense sexual harassment and it starts pretty much on page one. I certainly was not expecting it and wish I was warned lol. Once I got past the shock of just how awful this girl is being treated I started to really enjoy the book. I really like the friendship and romance between our main characters and thought it was well written. I was originally sent an audiobook version in exchange for a review, but me and the narrator did not click so I decided to purchase an ebook copy for the rest of my time with the book.
Overall: Enjoyed the book and would read more by this author, I just wish I knew how intense the sexual harassment was.
First, it definitely needs to be said that there is a trigger warning for intense sexual harassment and it starts pretty much on page one. I certainly was not expecting it and wish I was warned lol. Once I got past the shock of just how awful this girl is being treated I started to really enjoy the book. I really like the friendship and romance between our main characters and thought it was well written. I was originally sent an audiobook version in exchange for a review, but me and the narrator did not click so I decided to purchase an ebook copy for the rest of my time with the book.
Overall: Enjoyed the book and would read more by this author, I just wish I knew how intense the sexual harassment was.
February 24, 2019
This was my first Suzana Thompson's book. This is the first book in the Young Love Series. This is a cute YA Romance. The main characters are interesting and their story is captivating. Sarah and Gage are opposites characters, but they are great together. Sarah is strong and wise, and she learns how to be more confident. I like how Gage is protective and supportive with her. I love their happy ending. I'm looking forward fot the next book in the Series. Kalena Schubert did a good narration, and her young voice fits the characters. I received this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily written this review.
March 20, 2019
Pages: 186
My rating (stars): 3
Read other books from this author in the future: maybe
The idea for the book Fake Boyfriend is actually quite nice. But I don't think it's implemented so well.
The story starts right in the middle of it and the reader gradually learns the prehistory. I would have found it better if it had started with the marriage of the parents and the move and then that the parents went to a honeymoon and Sarah and Courtney were left alone right away.
Sarah then doesn't realize due to her inexperience that there is more than a business relationship is understandable, but that took too long, so that with 70% of the book at the latest I wished that the resolution now comes. But it only gets to this point at the end.
In short: The timing and the narrative order are not right for me in this book.
Deutsche Rezension:
Die Idee zu dem Buch Fake Boyfriend ist eigentlich ganz nett. Aber ich finde die Umsetzung nicht so gelungen.
Die Geschichte fängt mitten drin an und die Vorgeschichte erfährt der Leser nach und nach. Ich hätte es besser gefunden, wenn es mit der Heirat der Eltern und dem Umzug angefangen hätte und dann, dass die Eltern zu einem Honeymoon fahren und Sarah und Courtney gleich alleingelassen werden.
Das Sarah dann auf Grund ihrer Unerfahrenheit nicht merkt, dass da mehr ist als eine Geschäftsbeziehung ist ja verständlich, aber das zog sich dann doch zu lange hin, so dass bei 70 % des Buches spätestens mir gewünscht habe, dass die Auflösung nun kommt. Sie kommt aber erst ganz zum Schuss.
Kurz und gut: Das Timing und die Erzähl-Reihenfolge stimme für mich in diesem Buch nicht.
My rating (stars): 3
Read other books from this author in the future: maybe
The idea for the book Fake Boyfriend is actually quite nice. But I don't think it's implemented so well.
The story starts right in the middle of it and the reader gradually learns the prehistory. I would have found it better if it had started with the marriage of the parents and the move and then that the parents went to a honeymoon and Sarah and Courtney were left alone right away.
Sarah then doesn't realize due to her inexperience that there is more than a business relationship is understandable, but that took too long, so that with 70% of the book at the latest I wished that the resolution now comes. But it only gets to this point at the end.
In short: The timing and the narrative order are not right for me in this book.
Deutsche Rezension:
Die Idee zu dem Buch Fake Boyfriend ist eigentlich ganz nett. Aber ich finde die Umsetzung nicht so gelungen.
Die Geschichte fängt mitten drin an und die Vorgeschichte erfährt der Leser nach und nach. Ich hätte es besser gefunden, wenn es mit der Heirat der Eltern und dem Umzug angefangen hätte und dann, dass die Eltern zu einem Honeymoon fahren und Sarah und Courtney gleich alleingelassen werden.
Das Sarah dann auf Grund ihrer Unerfahrenheit nicht merkt, dass da mehr ist als eine Geschäftsbeziehung ist ja verständlich, aber das zog sich dann doch zu lange hin, so dass bei 70 % des Buches spätestens mir gewünscht habe, dass die Auflösung nun kommt. Sie kommt aber erst ganz zum Schuss.
Kurz und gut: Das Timing und die Erzähl-Reihenfolge stimme für mich in diesem Buch nicht.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2024
Genre & Tropes - fake boyfriend, sexual harassment, constant lying, step-family drama, both sides of the tracks
Setting - High school
Appropriate Age - 17+ vulgarity & sexual harassment
POV - Dual
Best suited for fans who like naive fmcs and sweet misunderstood mmcs mixed with teen angst.
I have read a couple books by Suzana now and I am struggling to decide if I like her books. This book still had all the things I did not like but was a sweet enough romance it made it worth enjoying.
Story *** World **
Main Characters *** Side Characters ***
Moving ** Reader Frustration ****
Slow burn ** Steam **
Violence * Humor *
Ending *** Deviant/Perverse **
Narration ***
Cons
- Surprisingly crude for the age
- 18 year old these days, going to public school who is naive is not likely
- Narrator is babyish and supported the 12 year old persona
- She lies about everything even if there is no justification
- The trope where she spends so much time self absorbed and in her own head she never hears or sees anything around her
- too much monologue
Pros
- He is SUPER patient to put up with her
- HEA
Setting - High school
Appropriate Age - 17+ vulgarity & sexual harassment
POV - Dual
Best suited for fans who like naive fmcs and sweet misunderstood mmcs mixed with teen angst.
I have read a couple books by Suzana now and I am struggling to decide if I like her books. This book still had all the things I did not like but was a sweet enough romance it made it worth enjoying.
Story *** World **
Main Characters *** Side Characters ***
Moving ** Reader Frustration ****
Slow burn ** Steam **
Violence * Humor *
Ending *** Deviant/Perverse **
Narration ***
Cons
- Surprisingly crude for the age
- 18 year old these days, going to public school who is naive is not likely
- Narrator is babyish and supported the 12 year old persona
- She lies about everything even if there is no justification
- The trope where she spends so much time self absorbed and in her own head she never hears or sees anything around her
- too much monologue
Pros
- He is SUPER patient to put up with her
- HEA
May 28, 2019
I had a really hard time finishing this book. Read this type of book before and this just did t do it for me.
July 22, 2020
I liked the idea of this book
I'm not a target group of this book. So I found it hard to read. The idea was great and there were good parts, too.
I'm not a target group of this book. So I found it hard to read. The idea was great and there were good parts, too.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews