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Two Truths and a Lie #1
A Real Good Lie
Name - Callahan McMillian Age - 31 Relationship status - Very single, and I like it that way. Looking for - Someone to make my ex-boyfriend jealous for the weekend. Biggest regret - Rhys St. George Hobbies - N/A Name - Jace Dare Age - 26 Relationship status - DTF Looking for - a good time, not a long time Biggest regret - kissing that hottie at the bar two weeks ago and letting him leave without getting his phone number Hobbies - art, photography, dancing, hanging out with my friendsCallahan and Jace couldn’t be less compatible, but they've been set up for the weekend and there's no going back. Callahan's pride is on the line, his mouth is all over Jace, and they need to put in the performance of a lifetime if they’re going to make their very fake relationship look convincing. To sell the lie, Jace and Callahan reach an real attraction, pretend emotion. But when make believe turns into making love, the only people they’re fooling are themselves.
294 pages, Paperback
First published April 27, 2021
141 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hawthorne
92 books926 followersWith over two dozen published romances to her name, Kate Hawthorne has built a recognizable brand around telling emotional stories that pack a figurative (and sometimes literal) punch.
Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she writes romance, reads romance, and hides from the humidity.
Visit her website at http://www.katehawthornebooks.com
Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she writes romance, reads romance, and hides from the humidity.
Visit her website at http://www.katehawthornebooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
April 28, 2021
5 “I want to know you [...] I want to deserve you. I want to earn you” stars
Every day Jace was treated to more and more of that man and hope bloomed in the deepest parts of him.
Maybe this time.
Maybe this person.
Maybe this once.
First I would like to start by mentioning that I am not giving this book 5 stars because it was perfect for me, because it wasn’t, some little details bothered me. But this book held my attention and I didn’t feel the need to take breaks while reading it and I was excited to pick it back up and continue reading and this has not happened to me in a couple of months, so I think that for that alone, this book deserves 5 stars. It captured my interest from the start and kept me enterested for the entire length of the book. Capturing my attention is really hard at the moment, so this book deserves all the congratulations in the world for doing so.
My absolute favourite type of books are the lower angst stories that still include a lot of conflict and people finding themselves and their place in the world. And this book gave me all of that. As I mentioned before, this book wasn’t perfect but it was exactly what I needed at this time in my life.
Brief summary: Callahan comes from a very rich and influencial family and he inherited the family business, which he doesn’t really want but he thinks he doesn’t have any other choice. He’s invited to a big cutting the ribbon ceremony organized by his ex and his best friend and ex’s brother sets him up with Jace, a photographer, and they go to the event as fake boyfriends. But turns out they already met in a club two weeks before and shared a kiss. So, their relationship slowing turns from fake to very real.
What I loved about the book
First, I absolutely adored how realistic this story felt. I loved how we got to see them form a little connection in the bar, before they started the fake dating. And I loved how we got to see them starting to want each other. I liked how at first they tried to convince themselves that they didn’t really want the other but then they couldn’t deny it any longer. That entire process, of them fake dating to them really dating, just felt so damn realistic. There wasn’t anything easy here and I really appreciated it. I liked how they didn’t just magically fit together and how it took them a bit to figure out how to make their relationship work. I really liked how it was awkward between them at first and how all the pieces didn’t just magically fit together, I liked how they had to work for it. I like how they didn’t really know how to be together and they had doubts about the other and it took them a bit to figure it out. I liked how they were two very different people and they had to work on themselves to make their relationship work. I liked how they both had fears and worries and that it coloured how they acted towards the relationship and how they saw the relationship. One of my favourite thing about this book was how they wanted each other but that it wasn’t easy and that there was pieces of the other that they didn’t like, I loved how they were both flawed and how they had to work and put in effort to make their relationship work. This part just felt so realistic and I absolutely adored it.
Second, I adored these two main characters. Jace, my dear Jace. He was such a good man. He was so charming and he wasn’t afraid to be himself and to take on every life challenges. He was very open and very giving, I absolutely adored him. But he also had a fear of abandoment because his parents left him when he was young. I really enjoyed how that changed how he took some decisions and how it coloured his actions, it felt so realistic. I also really loved Callahan. He was kind of an asshole sometimes but I understood why and it fit with his character so it was fine with me. He was such a giving man. I really enjoyed his character. Also his character growth was absolutely perfect. I loved how a good part of this book was him trying to find who he is and trying to be a better person. I loved it so much when we got to see him figure out who he is and want he wants, it was so good. I loved it so much when we got to see who he really is and not the pretend version to please others, it was so damn good to see.
Third, I loved these two together, so much. Their chemestry was really good and they fit together so well. Jace was so good to Callahan. I loved how affectionate with him he was and how he wanted to do things for him. I loved how he wanted to show Callahan that he’s a good man. And I absolutely adored how Callahan wanted to better himself, to be the man that Jace deserves, it was so good.
Fourth, I loved how this book was divided. Their two different point of views were done so we got to see how they both felt about everything that was happening and I really loved that, I loved being in both of their heads for the same scene, I loved seeing how they both reacted differently to what was happening.
Fifth, I would like to give a special mention to two things. I really loved how the relationship never felt one sided and how they both apologized for their wrong doings. And I also loved all of the photography aspects of this story. I loved how Jace would take pictures of Callahan, thats just so sweet.
Small niggles
As I mentioned before, I had some little problens with this book and clearly they didn’t bother me much but I would still like to mention them.
First, some of the sex scenes were really good and really hot but some of them felt a bit short for me, I would have liked a little bit more there.
Second, I would have liked a little more communication, the lack of communication made sense with the characters and their back stories but I still would have appreciated if they talked to each other more. Like damn, it isn’t that hard to speak to your partner.
I absolutely adored every second I spent reading this book, it was such a good experience. Also, I am really excited for the next book in this series, I am such a big fan of the set up for it.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange of my honest opinion
Every day Jace was treated to more and more of that man and hope bloomed in the deepest parts of him.
Maybe this time.
Maybe this person.
Maybe this once.
First I would like to start by mentioning that I am not giving this book 5 stars because it was perfect for me, because it wasn’t, some little details bothered me. But this book held my attention and I didn’t feel the need to take breaks while reading it and I was excited to pick it back up and continue reading and this has not happened to me in a couple of months, so I think that for that alone, this book deserves 5 stars. It captured my interest from the start and kept me enterested for the entire length of the book. Capturing my attention is really hard at the moment, so this book deserves all the congratulations in the world for doing so.
My absolute favourite type of books are the lower angst stories that still include a lot of conflict and people finding themselves and their place in the world. And this book gave me all of that. As I mentioned before, this book wasn’t perfect but it was exactly what I needed at this time in my life.
Brief summary: Callahan comes from a very rich and influencial family and he inherited the family business, which he doesn’t really want but he thinks he doesn’t have any other choice. He’s invited to a big cutting the ribbon ceremony organized by his ex and his best friend and ex’s brother sets him up with Jace, a photographer, and they go to the event as fake boyfriends. But turns out they already met in a club two weeks before and shared a kiss. So, their relationship slowing turns from fake to very real.
What I loved about the book
First, I absolutely adored how realistic this story felt. I loved how we got to see them form a little connection in the bar, before they started the fake dating. And I loved how we got to see them starting to want each other. I liked how at first they tried to convince themselves that they didn’t really want the other but then they couldn’t deny it any longer. That entire process, of them fake dating to them really dating, just felt so damn realistic. There wasn’t anything easy here and I really appreciated it. I liked how they didn’t just magically fit together and how it took them a bit to figure out how to make their relationship work. I really liked how it was awkward between them at first and how all the pieces didn’t just magically fit together, I liked how they had to work for it. I like how they didn’t really know how to be together and they had doubts about the other and it took them a bit to figure it out. I liked how they were two very different people and they had to work on themselves to make their relationship work. I liked how they both had fears and worries and that it coloured how they acted towards the relationship and how they saw the relationship. One of my favourite thing about this book was how they wanted each other but that it wasn’t easy and that there was pieces of the other that they didn’t like, I loved how they were both flawed and how they had to work and put in effort to make their relationship work. This part just felt so realistic and I absolutely adored it.
Second, I adored these two main characters. Jace, my dear Jace. He was such a good man. He was so charming and he wasn’t afraid to be himself and to take on every life challenges. He was very open and very giving, I absolutely adored him. But he also had a fear of abandoment because his parents left him when he was young. I really enjoyed how that changed how he took some decisions and how it coloured his actions, it felt so realistic. I also really loved Callahan. He was kind of an asshole sometimes but I understood why and it fit with his character so it was fine with me. He was such a giving man. I really enjoyed his character. Also his character growth was absolutely perfect. I loved how a good part of this book was him trying to find who he is and trying to be a better person. I loved it so much when we got to see him figure out who he is and want he wants, it was so good. I loved it so much when we got to see who he really is and not the pretend version to please others, it was so damn good to see.
Third, I loved these two together, so much. Their chemestry was really good and they fit together so well. Jace was so good to Callahan. I loved how affectionate with him he was and how he wanted to do things for him. I loved how he wanted to show Callahan that he’s a good man. And I absolutely adored how Callahan wanted to better himself, to be the man that Jace deserves, it was so good.
Fourth, I loved how this book was divided. Their two different point of views were done so we got to see how they both felt about everything that was happening and I really loved that, I loved being in both of their heads for the same scene, I loved seeing how they both reacted differently to what was happening.
Fifth, I would like to give a special mention to two things. I really loved how the relationship never felt one sided and how they both apologized for their wrong doings. And I also loved all of the photography aspects of this story. I loved how Jace would take pictures of Callahan, thats just so sweet.
Small niggles
As I mentioned before, I had some little problens with this book and clearly they didn’t bother me much but I would still like to mention them.
First, some of the sex scenes were really good and really hot but some of them felt a bit short for me, I would have liked a little bit more there.
Second, I would have liked a little more communication, the lack of communication made sense with the characters and their back stories but I still would have appreciated if they talked to each other more. Like damn, it isn’t that hard to speak to your partner.
I absolutely adored every second I spent reading this book, it was such a good experience. Also, I am really excited for the next book in this series, I am such a big fan of the set up for it.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange of my honest opinion
May 1, 2021
* 3 stars *
A Real Good Lie is a fake-boyfriends-turned-to-real-ones story. Callahan has to go to an event where he knows he'll see his ex-boyfriend, Rhys, so his best friend, Sebastian, (who also happens to be Rhy's younger brother) convinces him to bring a fake boyfriend with him. He has two weeks to get to know that person so they can make their relationship seem real, but he doesn't contact him until they're one their way to the event. When they see each other on the plane, they're in for a big surprise.
I liked the first half of the book a lot less than the second half, because both Callahan and Jace were acting badly. Callahan had decided to pretend to be in a relationship, but then he ignored Jace or acted like he was the one doing Jace a favor and not the other way around. No one forced him to pretend to have a boyfriend, so acting that way was unreasonable.
The same happened from Jace's part too: he had agreed to play the part of the boyfriend for a weekend and then he acted like it was a chore. No one had forced him to be there either, so if he didn't want to go he could have said no. Instead, he went along with the plan and then turned around and caused scene after scene, sulking, getting mad, fleeing places and on top of all that, he was judgemental and critical of everything and everyone. My point is, if he didn't want to do it, why did he agree in the first place?
The second part of the story was somewhat better, and I enjoyed it a lot more. They had moved on from the fake part and were giving a real relationship a try. Callahan took some serious decisions about his future and Jace took his first big step professionally. Rhys made some more appearances, always with the same amount of arrogance. I don't know what Callahan had seen in him to stay for so long in the relationship. Either Callahan is a terrible judge of character or Rhys is a spectacular actor.
I didn't like Callahan's attitude towards his social class in general. He had only bad things to say about everyone, except his best friend of course, and he seemed to hate everything about it. I'm sure that not everything is perfect up there, but this much complaining was tiring. The only one he could stand, was his best friend, Sebastian, and he had the same attitude as Callahan did.
Saddly, I didn't enjoy this book as much as I hoped I would. Fake boyfriends is a trope that usually works for me, but this time the magic didn't happen. The second book is about this couple's best friends who fall for each other, but I'll wait to read the blurb before I decide if I'll read their story or not.
~ I read an ARC of this book. ~
A Real Good Lie is a fake-boyfriends-turned-to-real-ones story. Callahan has to go to an event where he knows he'll see his ex-boyfriend, Rhys, so his best friend, Sebastian, (who also happens to be Rhy's younger brother) convinces him to bring a fake boyfriend with him. He has two weeks to get to know that person so they can make their relationship seem real, but he doesn't contact him until they're one their way to the event. When they see each other on the plane, they're in for a big surprise.
I liked the first half of the book a lot less than the second half, because both Callahan and Jace were acting badly. Callahan had decided to pretend to be in a relationship, but then he ignored Jace or acted like he was the one doing Jace a favor and not the other way around. No one forced him to pretend to have a boyfriend, so acting that way was unreasonable.
The same happened from Jace's part too: he had agreed to play the part of the boyfriend for a weekend and then he acted like it was a chore. No one had forced him to be there either, so if he didn't want to go he could have said no. Instead, he went along with the plan and then turned around and caused scene after scene, sulking, getting mad, fleeing places and on top of all that, he was judgemental and critical of everything and everyone. My point is, if he didn't want to do it, why did he agree in the first place?
The second part of the story was somewhat better, and I enjoyed it a lot more. They had moved on from the fake part and were giving a real relationship a try. Callahan took some serious decisions about his future and Jace took his first big step professionally. Rhys made some more appearances, always with the same amount of arrogance. I don't know what Callahan had seen in him to stay for so long in the relationship. Either Callahan is a terrible judge of character or Rhys is a spectacular actor.
I didn't like Callahan's attitude towards his social class in general. He had only bad things to say about everyone, except his best friend of course, and he seemed to hate everything about it. I'm sure that not everything is perfect up there, but this much complaining was tiring. The only one he could stand, was his best friend, Sebastian, and he had the same attitude as Callahan did.
Saddly, I didn't enjoy this book as much as I hoped I would. Fake boyfriends is a trope that usually works for me, but this time the magic didn't happen. The second book is about this couple's best friends who fall for each other, but I'll wait to read the blurb before I decide if I'll read their story or not.
~ I read an ARC of this book. ~
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March 25, 2022
MM Romance
Fake Boyfriend
3 stars ⭐️
I’m going to keep this kind of short if possible 🤣 because I absolutely hate writing reviews for books like this because I never know what to rate it. Book, it’s not you, it’s me.
I really liked the sample of this book but I was under the impression this was going to be a light hearted fun read as most fake boyfriend stories are. Unfortunately, that’s not the story I got as this was quite dramatic, heavy at times and the miscommunication was enough to make me want to strangle both of them. I went from loving both characters to absolutely loathing them by the 50% mark because they treated each other like shit. These two had met previously and the chemistry had been off the charts so I didn’t understand why this time around they were so horrible to each other. Callahan was filthy rich and Jace judged him hard for it because Jace had always struggled. He was convinced he could never be with a person like Callahan but he still wanted him and this made him so wishy/washy I wanted to beat sense into him. Then Callahan treated Jace like complete shit for no apparent reason when Jace was there to be his fake boyfriend. Jace was doing you the favor moron. Callahan seems to have multiple sides to him because when it’s the two of them he’s shy, kind of awkward and sweet but in front of others he’s a real dickhead. Callahan is constantly putting his foot in his mouth and pissing Jace off but instead of talking about it like adults these two act like total idiots. Their inner thoughts were favorable towards each other but what they actually said to one another sucked.
I’ve never read this author before so when the first sex scene was fade to black I was super confused. The author was graphic enough to write about Jace prepping Callahan but not anything past pushing it in. The next page was the morning after and it felt so abrupt. I wasn’t sure if they were all going to be that way because if so I wasn’t down with how weird they were. Thankfully that was the only one written that way but after that, I kept feeling like this book just wasn’t for me. I hoped I could get back the feelings I had while reading the sample but I just couldn’t get there. It didn’t help that the chapters had titles and they foreshadowed what each chapter was going to be about or what I thought was going to happen and that expectation led to a lot of disappointment.
The bottom line is, this book was just not for me no matter how much I liked the sample. I want to pick something else up by this author but I’m nervous it may be her writing style and not the subject matter I am having trouble with. We’ll see.
Fake Boyfriend
3 stars ⭐️
I’m going to keep this kind of short if possible 🤣 because I absolutely hate writing reviews for books like this because I never know what to rate it. Book, it’s not you, it’s me.
I really liked the sample of this book but I was under the impression this was going to be a light hearted fun read as most fake boyfriend stories are. Unfortunately, that’s not the story I got as this was quite dramatic, heavy at times and the miscommunication was enough to make me want to strangle both of them. I went from loving both characters to absolutely loathing them by the 50% mark because they treated each other like shit. These two had met previously and the chemistry had been off the charts so I didn’t understand why this time around they were so horrible to each other. Callahan was filthy rich and Jace judged him hard for it because Jace had always struggled. He was convinced he could never be with a person like Callahan but he still wanted him and this made him so wishy/washy I wanted to beat sense into him. Then Callahan treated Jace like complete shit for no apparent reason when Jace was there to be his fake boyfriend. Jace was doing you the favor moron. Callahan seems to have multiple sides to him because when it’s the two of them he’s shy, kind of awkward and sweet but in front of others he’s a real dickhead. Callahan is constantly putting his foot in his mouth and pissing Jace off but instead of talking about it like adults these two act like total idiots. Their inner thoughts were favorable towards each other but what they actually said to one another sucked.
I’ve never read this author before so when the first sex scene was fade to black I was super confused. The author was graphic enough to write about Jace prepping Callahan but not anything past pushing it in. The next page was the morning after and it felt so abrupt. I wasn’t sure if they were all going to be that way because if so I wasn’t down with how weird they were. Thankfully that was the only one written that way but after that, I kept feeling like this book just wasn’t for me. I hoped I could get back the feelings I had while reading the sample but I just couldn’t get there. It didn’t help that the chapters had titles and they foreshadowed what each chapter was going to be about or what I thought was going to happen and that expectation led to a lot of disappointment.
The bottom line is, this book was just not for me no matter how much I liked the sample. I want to pick something else up by this author but I’m nervous it may be her writing style and not the subject matter I am having trouble with. We’ll see.
May 7, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I loved Jace and Callahan together! Despite their individual issues, their assholeishness and all the ways they were different, they chose to love one another. Their relationship felt realistic because even when they got together, the author didn't make it seem like they were perfect for one another.
I will say that since this book was very low-angst after they got together it did get a bit flat for me and I found the secondary characters a bit more interesting! Also even though both Jace and Callahan had a lot of issues (like family trauma) that affected them, it wasn't really talked about thoroughly. I think if they had unpacked that a bit more it would have made this book more interesting. I'm excited for the next book!
I will say that since this book was very low-angst after they got together it did get a bit flat for me and I found the secondary characters a bit more interesting! Also even though both Jace and Callahan had a lot of issues (like family trauma) that affected them, it wasn't really talked about thoroughly. I think if they had unpacked that a bit more it would have made this book more interesting. I'm excited for the next book!
April 30, 2021
This book took me by surprise. I ended up liking it way more than I thought I would. I figured it would be light and quick read but it really wasn’t. I don’t usually mesh with the “fake dating” trope. I know! Hold in your gasps. But this really worked for me.
“Rhys told me you’d never love me.”
“He what?” Callahan nearly shouted
“He said I was beneath you.” Jace tipped Callahan’s chin up with the side of his finger. “And I told him he was right.”
“He’s not
“But I showed him this picture that I took of you.” Jace leaned down, his words hot against Callahan’s mouth. “And let him know I was very much above you when I took it.”
Their relationship was a lot more chaotic than I thought. Their different lifestyles and financial positions set a wall between them and them trying to beat it down was so beautiful. Jace and Callahan are both such honest characters with depth and theres more to their personality that they try to discover together
Callahan’s character development was fucking phenomenal. His change from the rigid and “has to meet everybodies standards” to softhearted, determined and “will do anything to get who he wants” was such an emotional and uncertain ride. The journey he went through with jace to find out who he really is and what he really wants was filled with ups and downs and arguments and I think that’s what made it real.
“I want to know you”
“I want to deserve you. I want to earn you”
Jace had a lot more of a subtle development. We see him learn to trust and equally depend on Callahan. He lets himself be more vulnerable and its nothing but beautiful to read about.
“I thought sex wasn’t intimate.”
“I was wrong.” He squeezed Callahan’s hand. “Everything with you is intimate. Everything with you is real.”
“I don’t know how I ever pretended otherwise.” Callahan laughed to himself.
“You tried to tell a real good lie,” Jace said, looking back up at the picture. “And ended up with the truth.”
“Rhys told me you’d never love me.”
“He what?” Callahan nearly shouted
“He said I was beneath you.” Jace tipped Callahan’s chin up with the side of his finger. “And I told him he was right.”
“He’s not
“But I showed him this picture that I took of you.” Jace leaned down, his words hot against Callahan’s mouth. “And let him know I was very much above you when I took it.”
Their relationship was a lot more chaotic than I thought. Their different lifestyles and financial positions set a wall between them and them trying to beat it down was so beautiful. Jace and Callahan are both such honest characters with depth and theres more to their personality that they try to discover together
Callahan’s character development was fucking phenomenal. His change from the rigid and “has to meet everybodies standards” to softhearted, determined and “will do anything to get who he wants” was such an emotional and uncertain ride. The journey he went through with jace to find out who he really is and what he really wants was filled with ups and downs and arguments and I think that’s what made it real.
“I want to know you”
“I want to deserve you. I want to earn you”
Jace had a lot more of a subtle development. We see him learn to trust and equally depend on Callahan. He lets himself be more vulnerable and its nothing but beautiful to read about.
“I thought sex wasn’t intimate.”
“I was wrong.” He squeezed Callahan’s hand. “Everything with you is intimate. Everything with you is real.”
“I don’t know how I ever pretended otherwise.” Callahan laughed to himself.
“You tried to tell a real good lie,” Jace said, looking back up at the picture. “And ended up with the truth.”
April 28, 2021
4.5 stars. Playing boyfriend for a rich guy just for a weekend, Jace can do that, a free trip and food. He doesn’t know the guy, yet.
Callahan McMillian, CEO/owner of McMillian Marketing, will attend an event and his ex will be there with a fiancé, ugh. Callahan’s friend Sebastian has a fake boyfriend for him. Just for the weekend.
They don’t know it yet, but they met before, what a coincidence!
The people at the event are horrible, Callahan’s ex is rude, haughty and it gets to Jace.
Who knew besides all their differences, Jace and Callahan would fit perfectly, only both are stubborn about it. It’s just attraction nothing more, hiding their vulnerability.
“Pretend for the weekend,” Jace announced from the doorway.
“What?” Callahan blinked up at him, startled.
“Real sex. Pretend relationship.”
Seems easy but oh boy, it isn’t at all. It goes much further than they ever expected.
This is the wonderful story about a barista/photographer and a CEO. The beauty of deeper connections it goes beyond everything, status, money, physics, it’s so much more. The author did an amazing job! It was all palpable and so beautiful.
Callahan McMillian, CEO/owner of McMillian Marketing, will attend an event and his ex will be there with a fiancé, ugh. Callahan’s friend Sebastian has a fake boyfriend for him. Just for the weekend.
They don’t know it yet, but they met before, what a coincidence!
The people at the event are horrible, Callahan’s ex is rude, haughty and it gets to Jace.
Who knew besides all their differences, Jace and Callahan would fit perfectly, only both are stubborn about it. It’s just attraction nothing more, hiding their vulnerability.
“Pretend for the weekend,” Jace announced from the doorway.
“What?” Callahan blinked up at him, startled.
“Real sex. Pretend relationship.”
Seems easy but oh boy, it isn’t at all. It goes much further than they ever expected.
This is the wonderful story about a barista/photographer and a CEO. The beauty of deeper connections it goes beyond everything, status, money, physics, it’s so much more. The author did an amazing job! It was all palpable and so beautiful.
May 2, 2021
Cute 🥰 Looking forward to reading Sebastian and Remington’s story next 💜
did-not-finish
May 2, 2021DNF at 57%
The first thing I noticed was the cover which is stunning, followed by the blurb which is super interesting. The story though? Nope.
This book is messy and coupled with a storyline that is much more complicated than what suggested by the blurb and characters that made me ask WTF?? many times it was quite easy to nope right out of there.
So you may have read the blurb and might be thinking that Jace and Callahan make an agreement to hook up while they pretend to date but as they get to know each other they fall in love and have to deal with their differences. Sounds like a good book, doesn't it? Yeah, but that's not this book.
Callahan and Jace argue from the moment they meet (mostly because of Callahan) and you are almost half through the book before you get to the "real attraction, pretend emotion" part that doesn't even last very much. And that's after they are already pretending for 50% of the time they have to pretend.
The thing that made me dnf wasn't that, though. It was this absurd idea without any context or reasonable explanation that Callahan is wrong by fulfilling his responsibilities. Jace and Sebastian seem to think that he is living a fake and double life because of that alone.
He might very well be living a fake life but that is not shown at all in the book besides the general idea that he didn't want to inherit his father's company. It happens that I don't think that people that attend to their responsibilities even when they don't want to are living fake or double lives, no. If Callahan living a fake life was something I was supposed to believe that should have been actually shown in the story.
There is this one moment (which made me dnf), where Jace seems to expect Callahan to drop his obligations because of something happening with Sebastian, Callahan's best friend. Which would be all well and good but Jace seems to think that by doing so he would somehow prove that he is not living a fake life and his devotion to Jace (even though they have only met the day before). What? Yeah, that wasn't working for me, clearly.
To summon this up: this was messy, with characters with weird expectations, not very nicely written and left me with a mild headache and very annoyed. Wouldn't recommend and I think this puts to rest all possible attempts with the writer.
It's kind of awful when the blurb is better than the book, isn't? Now I want to read that story, not this one. Maybe I will reread Fake Out that has a similar idea but is much much better.
The first thing I noticed was the cover which is stunning, followed by the blurb which is super interesting. The story though? Nope.
This book is messy and coupled with a storyline that is much more complicated than what suggested by the blurb and characters that made me ask WTF?? many times it was quite easy to nope right out of there.
So you may have read the blurb and might be thinking that Jace and Callahan make an agreement to hook up while they pretend to date but as they get to know each other they fall in love and have to deal with their differences. Sounds like a good book, doesn't it? Yeah, but that's not this book.
Callahan and Jace argue from the moment they meet (mostly because of Callahan) and you are almost half through the book before you get to the "real attraction, pretend emotion" part that doesn't even last very much. And that's after they are already pretending for 50% of the time they have to pretend.
The thing that made me dnf wasn't that, though. It was this absurd idea without any context or reasonable explanation that Callahan is wrong by fulfilling his responsibilities. Jace and Sebastian seem to think that he is living a fake and double life because of that alone.
He might very well be living a fake life but that is not shown at all in the book besides the general idea that he didn't want to inherit his father's company. It happens that I don't think that people that attend to their responsibilities even when they don't want to are living fake or double lives, no. If Callahan living a fake life was something I was supposed to believe that should have been actually shown in the story.
There is this one moment (which made me dnf), where Jace seems to expect Callahan to drop his obligations because of something happening with Sebastian, Callahan's best friend. Which would be all well and good but Jace seems to think that by doing so he would somehow prove that he is not living a fake life and his devotion to Jace (even though they have only met the day before). What? Yeah, that wasn't working for me, clearly.
To summon this up: this was messy, with characters with weird expectations, not very nicely written and left me with a mild headache and very annoyed. Wouldn't recommend and I think this puts to rest all possible attempts with the writer.
It's kind of awful when the blurb is better than the book, isn't? Now I want to read that story, not this one. Maybe I will reread Fake Out that has a similar idea but is much much better.
May 3, 2021
Not even on my 'okay' list sadly. I really thought it would be nice. They just seemed to have 'invisible' problems all the time. Like they didn't find it weird that the only people having problems with the other seemed to be each other?
Now I need to go cleanse my soul.
Now I need to go cleanse my soul.
May 8, 2025
kissing that hottie at the bar two weeks ago and letting him leave without getting his phone number. Hobbies - art, photography, dancing, hanging out with my friendsCallahan and Jace couldn’t be less compatible, but they've been set up for the weekend and there's no going back. Callahan's pride is on the line, his mouth is all over Jace, and they need to put in the performance of a lifetime if they’re going to make their very fake relationship look convincing. To sell the lie, Jace and Callahan reach an agreement: real attraction, pretend emotion. But when make believe turns into making love, the only people they’re fooling are themselves.
Callahan McMillian grew up rich and privileged. He also had his life planned out for him. He went to the college his family choose, majored in marketing like they wanted, and took a job at the family business. While Callahan knows that he's in many ways lucky, he is also miserable, and he doesn’t know how to change it. Then his father died, he endowed a wing at their alma mater and the ceremony is soon happening. He doesn’t want to go, but he doesn’t see that he has much of a choice. To make matters even worse, he finds out that his ex, Rhys, will be there with his new fiancé. Callahan grudgingly agrees to his best friend Sebastian’s offer to set him up with a guy he knows that can pose as Callahan’s boyfriend for the weekend.
Jace Dare has always worked and scraped for everything he's ever had. He knows he won't really "fit" in Callahan’s world, but a luxurious weekend away seems like too good a deal to pass up. Jace is surprised when he boards the plane only to find out that "his" Callahan is none other than the hot guy, that he hooked up with a couple of weeks ago. He remembers that that man was open, warm and sexy...but THIS Callahan is closed off...prickly as a porcupine, and so uptight that he may break in two. Still, that doesn’t change Jace's attraction for Callahan, or the attraction Callahan feels for Jace. They both think that with the heat between them, they can easily fake being boyfriends, and when the weekend is over, they will go their separate ways.
Things get off to a rocky start as the pressure of expectations, and Rhys’ bad behavior, have Callahan showing the worst sides of himself. Jace is struggling with fitting into this world of wealth and privilege, as well as putting up with Callahan’s on again off again surprising nature. When they are alone together, it is just like that night in the bar. But as soon as they are around others, Jace can’t help but wonder which one is the "real" Callahan. The story looks at the duality of Callahan, and to a lesser degree Jace, as they have two sides to themselves.
I really liked how the story allows Callahan to remake himself and step back from that weight of obligation to choose what he really wants. Jace has a lot of doubts, not only about Callahan, but also about if he would ever be able to "fit" into that world. It was really a fascinating exploration of these two guys, and I loved watching how their relationship grew. It was at times, sweet and tender, but at other times... intense and not always easy. We got a chance to meet both Jace and Callahan’s best friends, and they gave us a different look at both men. Jace and Callahan are open with their friends in ways they can’t be with others and so it was a good means to get a better sense of who they really were. I like both the Remington and Sebastian characters, and I liked this story a lot. I found myself drawn in by Jace and Callahan’s journeys. It was also a nice twist on the "fake relationship" trope. I definitely recommend this one or almost anything that Kate Hawthorne writes.
Callahan McMillian grew up rich and privileged. He also had his life planned out for him. He went to the college his family choose, majored in marketing like they wanted, and took a job at the family business. While Callahan knows that he's in many ways lucky, he is also miserable, and he doesn’t know how to change it. Then his father died, he endowed a wing at their alma mater and the ceremony is soon happening. He doesn’t want to go, but he doesn’t see that he has much of a choice. To make matters even worse, he finds out that his ex, Rhys, will be there with his new fiancé. Callahan grudgingly agrees to his best friend Sebastian’s offer to set him up with a guy he knows that can pose as Callahan’s boyfriend for the weekend.
Jace Dare has always worked and scraped for everything he's ever had. He knows he won't really "fit" in Callahan’s world, but a luxurious weekend away seems like too good a deal to pass up. Jace is surprised when he boards the plane only to find out that "his" Callahan is none other than the hot guy, that he hooked up with a couple of weeks ago. He remembers that that man was open, warm and sexy...but THIS Callahan is closed off...prickly as a porcupine, and so uptight that he may break in two. Still, that doesn’t change Jace's attraction for Callahan, or the attraction Callahan feels for Jace. They both think that with the heat between them, they can easily fake being boyfriends, and when the weekend is over, they will go their separate ways.
Things get off to a rocky start as the pressure of expectations, and Rhys’ bad behavior, have Callahan showing the worst sides of himself. Jace is struggling with fitting into this world of wealth and privilege, as well as putting up with Callahan’s on again off again surprising nature. When they are alone together, it is just like that night in the bar. But as soon as they are around others, Jace can’t help but wonder which one is the "real" Callahan. The story looks at the duality of Callahan, and to a lesser degree Jace, as they have two sides to themselves.
I really liked how the story allows Callahan to remake himself and step back from that weight of obligation to choose what he really wants. Jace has a lot of doubts, not only about Callahan, but also about if he would ever be able to "fit" into that world. It was really a fascinating exploration of these two guys, and I loved watching how their relationship grew. It was at times, sweet and tender, but at other times... intense and not always easy. We got a chance to meet both Jace and Callahan’s best friends, and they gave us a different look at both men. Jace and Callahan are open with their friends in ways they can’t be with others and so it was a good means to get a better sense of who they really were. I like both the Remington and Sebastian characters, and I liked this story a lot. I found myself drawn in by Jace and Callahan’s journeys. It was also a nice twist on the "fake relationship" trope. I definitely recommend this one or almost anything that Kate Hawthorne writes.
May 3, 2021
Oh man, this was a rollercoaster of changing my review rating throughout the whole book, and despite some really great moments, the total whole was just OK for me. I just couldn't make heads or tails of this plot and these characters.
* Despite an extremely small age difference, Callahan was referred to as old, haggard, and wrinkly throughout the book. 31 is young, people.
* I knew immediately that Sebastian and Remington would be the main couple for book two, and I was happy; I really liked both of them.
* Is Rhys supposed to have a redemption book down the road in the series? I feel like it's likely he'll be mentioned again seeing as he's Sebastian's brother, but his appearances felt uneven. One second he was showing a teeny glimpse of not being a douchenozzle, but it didn't really feel believable his entire existence in this book. Too extreme.
* This book reminded me so much of previous m/m books - Take My Picture and True Colors. Not necessarily the author's fault seeing as how it is different characters and plot, but I couldn't shake the déjà vu.
* The insta-love KILLED me. I know sometimes it happens, but it's one of my least favorite aspects in some romance novels. I need tension, throughout. Not necessarily slow burn, but definitely tension. I need an edginess to my stories.
* I really liked Jace at times, but I think the book could have really delved into the class inequities between him and Callahan as the source of their relationship stress. It was told repeatedly to the reader, but it wasn't shown as much as I would have liked.
* The latter part of the novel where Jace was taking pictures that he didn't want anyone else to see was beautiful. I wish we had more of those kinds of moments and writing throughout the book.
* The sex scenes were a mishmash. I couldn't understand why the first sex was fade to black; I don't always need sex in my books, but this felt like a glaring absence. However, all the scenes with fingering were insanely hot.
I'm not sure I'll read the second book. I really do want to see how Sebastian and Remington find their HEA, but if it's similar to this, I'm not sure I'll love it honestly.
* Despite an extremely small age difference, Callahan was referred to as old, haggard, and wrinkly throughout the book. 31 is young, people.
* I knew immediately that Sebastian and Remington would be the main couple for book two, and I was happy; I really liked both of them.
* Is Rhys supposed to have a redemption book down the road in the series? I feel like it's likely he'll be mentioned again seeing as he's Sebastian's brother, but his appearances felt uneven. One second he was showing a teeny glimpse of not being a douchenozzle, but it didn't really feel believable his entire existence in this book. Too extreme.
* This book reminded me so much of previous m/m books - Take My Picture and True Colors. Not necessarily the author's fault seeing as how it is different characters and plot, but I couldn't shake the déjà vu.
* The insta-love KILLED me. I know sometimes it happens, but it's one of my least favorite aspects in some romance novels. I need tension, throughout. Not necessarily slow burn, but definitely tension. I need an edginess to my stories.
* I really liked Jace at times, but I think the book could have really delved into the class inequities between him and Callahan as the source of their relationship stress. It was told repeatedly to the reader, but it wasn't shown as much as I would have liked.
* The latter part of the novel where Jace was taking pictures that he didn't want anyone else to see was beautiful. I wish we had more of those kinds of moments and writing throughout the book.
* The sex scenes were a mishmash. I couldn't understand why the first sex was fade to black; I don't always need sex in my books, but this felt like a glaring absence. However, all the scenes with fingering were insanely hot.
I'm not sure I'll read the second book. I really do want to see how Sebastian and Remington find their HEA, but if it's similar to this, I'm not sure I'll love it honestly.
June 17, 2021
This was a sweet and easy read with two likable MCs in a fake boyfriend trope.
I love fake boyfriend tropes when I’m in the mood for something predictable yet fun. This was exactly that. It was cute and hot. The sex was good. The characters were distinct and both good people. There was low angst. The right amount of fighting the inevitable was present. Everything was solid and an easy read.
The things keeping this from a higher rating:
-A few too many mentions of how different the MCs worlds/lives/experiences were.
-One MC having money equated him with being bad even though he wasn’t.
-Miscommunication that really didn’t make sense for our MCs and to the reader from a comprehension standpoint.
-Instalove
I love fake boyfriend tropes when I’m in the mood for something predictable yet fun. This was exactly that. It was cute and hot. The sex was good. The characters were distinct and both good people. There was low angst. The right amount of fighting the inevitable was present. Everything was solid and an easy read.
The things keeping this from a higher rating:
-A few too many mentions of how different the MCs worlds/lives/experiences were.
-One MC having money equated him with being bad even though he wasn’t.
-Miscommunication that really didn’t make sense for our MCs and to the reader from a comprehension standpoint.
-Instalove
September 3, 2022
The first part was interesting but later it became boooooring
March 13, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
BR with my girl Cass!
So Callahan is an obnoxious, foolish and naive guy with a silver spoon shoved so far up his ass he’ll never need silverware again.
And Jace is a lovely human being who’s basically conned into being this snobby bore’s fake boyfriend.
I feel like there’s not a lot of chemistry between them. At the club it felt like they were on the cusp and I loved the intensity lined with humor. But once they were on the plane it all dried up and they could never get it back.
Every kiss, every intimacy felt forced and awkward, especially when it wasn’t ‘pretend.’ Not to mention the whiplash, they continually contradict themselves with both words and actions.
But then the straw broke the camel’s back and Callahan was forced to decide what mattered. That was the turning point, when everything clicked into place. It’s at that point that the gigantic stick in Cal’s ass began to loosen up and things started to feel real for me.
So the shining spot of beauty in this is that Jace figured out pretty quickly that Callahan is a big fat lie, pretending to be everything he’s not. But when he draws the real man out, the one who’s not half bad and actually worthy of Jace. That’s when we start cooking with some heat.
Overall it’s a meh. For more than the first half I’d give this a 2 and for the last 40% I’d give it a 4. So I’m being kind with my rating.
🌶️🌶️
BR with my girl Cass!
So Callahan is an obnoxious, foolish and naive guy with a silver spoon shoved so far up his ass he’ll never need silverware again.
And Jace is a lovely human being who’s basically conned into being this snobby bore’s fake boyfriend.
I feel like there’s not a lot of chemistry between them. At the club it felt like they were on the cusp and I loved the intensity lined with humor. But once they were on the plane it all dried up and they could never get it back.
Every kiss, every intimacy felt forced and awkward, especially when it wasn’t ‘pretend.’ Not to mention the whiplash, they continually contradict themselves with both words and actions.
But then the straw broke the camel’s back and Callahan was forced to decide what mattered. That was the turning point, when everything clicked into place. It’s at that point that the gigantic stick in Cal’s ass began to loosen up and things started to feel real for me.
So the shining spot of beauty in this is that Jace figured out pretty quickly that Callahan is a big fat lie, pretending to be everything he’s not. But when he draws the real man out, the one who’s not half bad and actually worthy of Jace. That’s when we start cooking with some heat.
Overall it’s a meh. For more than the first half I’d give this a 2 and for the last 40% I’d give it a 4. So I’m being kind with my rating.
April 28, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Fake relationship stories have been the popular trope for the last year and, personally, I love them and am all here for that. But the stories also often hit the same tone and the same beats, particularly when combined with the “one-off hook up ends up showing up back in your life” set up. So I was really drawn to this story and the way Kate Hawthorne takes these themes and really builds something different here. Rather than focusing primarily on the tropey plot, Hawthorne instead builds an incredibly character-driven story that delves deeply into these two men. I found myself completely drawn into their journey and loved exploring Jace and Callahan.
The story looks at the duality of Callahan, and to a lesser degree Jace, as they have two sides to themselves. There is the public face and the true selves they keep mostly hidden.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Fake relationship stories have been the popular trope for the last year and, personally, I love them and am all here for that. But the stories also often hit the same tone and the same beats, particularly when combined with the “one-off hook up ends up showing up back in your life” set up. So I was really drawn to this story and the way Kate Hawthorne takes these themes and really builds something different here. Rather than focusing primarily on the tropey plot, Hawthorne instead builds an incredibly character-driven story that delves deeply into these two men. I found myself completely drawn into their journey and loved exploring Jace and Callahan.
The story looks at the duality of Callahan, and to a lesser degree Jace, as they have two sides to themselves. There is the public face and the true selves they keep mostly hidden.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
April 16, 2021
I have a new favorite Kate Hawthorne book! I’ve read this in one day - real life and house chores be damned - and I don’t regret the decision. I love fake boyfriend stories, especially the ones that continue to be told after the reason the character got to pretend happens. So here, we have Callahan and Jace, two good guys, but because of *issues*, they wear sarcasm and suspicion as second skin, not to mention all the walls around them. So, when they are set up to be a fake couple for the weekend, things start really bad - I was about to punch Callahan for a moment there - but slowly and gradually they find their way.
What I enjoyed most about this story was that both Callahan and Jace made mistakes, assumptions and took things the wrong way; so it took effort from both sides - since it was clear the attraction wasn’t one sided- , and time to work around all the things on their way to happiness. And Kate did a good job with this: the story developed on a good rhythm, not too slow nor too fast; the steam level is off the charts, and they just fit… in their own way.
This is hands down my favorite from Kate, and I’ll patiently wait for the next story: those two are going to be fun to read :)
What I enjoyed most about this story was that both Callahan and Jace made mistakes, assumptions and took things the wrong way; so it took effort from both sides - since it was clear the attraction wasn’t one sided- , and time to work around all the things on their way to happiness. And Kate did a good job with this: the story developed on a good rhythm, not too slow nor too fast; the steam level is off the charts, and they just fit… in their own way.
This is hands down my favorite from Kate, and I’ll patiently wait for the next story: those two are going to be fun to read :)
May 8, 2023
BR with my girl Debbie 🤗 and this one got 3.5 ⭐
Jace is to be fake boyfriend to Callahan at a weekend event. They almost hook-up beforehand without knowing who each other are and this causes tension (at least for Callahan) once they actually 'meet'.
There's plenty of angst, a lot of which is due to the extreme wealth Callahan comes from and the expectations that go along with it.
Callahan is angsty from what he is expected to be in society (though thankfully being gay is not part of this problem).
Jace is angsty because he is dirt poor and finds Callahan's money threatening.
😥 Boo hoo for the problems of the rich...
I found the writing in this a bit hard to connect with. I didn't get the feels from either of these characters throughout the book though on one level it was entertaining enough that I finished it and then went on to read book 2 (before I just felt kind of depressed and stopped before I got to book 3).
There's plenty of angst around expectations in life and the damaging effects of family and it was nice to see these two get a HEA
Jace is to be fake boyfriend to Callahan at a weekend event. They almost hook-up beforehand without knowing who each other are and this causes tension (at least for Callahan) once they actually 'meet'.
There's plenty of angst, a lot of which is due to the extreme wealth Callahan comes from and the expectations that go along with it.
Callahan is angsty from what he is expected to be in society (though thankfully being gay is not part of this problem).
Jace is angsty because he is dirt poor and finds Callahan's money threatening.
😥 Boo hoo for the problems of the rich...
I found the writing in this a bit hard to connect with. I didn't get the feels from either of these characters throughout the book though on one level it was entertaining enough that I finished it and then went on to read book 2 (before I just felt kind of depressed and stopped before I got to book 3).
There's plenty of angst around expectations in life and the damaging effects of family and it was nice to see these two get a HEA
May 4, 2021
2 stars
Be prepared for the most confusing ride of your life.
I can't tell you what this book is about because I don't really know. It felt like the author was having an imaginary conversation in her mind and then forgot to add half the plot.
Warning: you will try to run along with the shifts of events in the book and make sense of the character's sudden reactions, however you WILL fail.
Here is an example: Jace believes that Callahan is two-faced and hides who he truly is infont of his rich friends. The only problem? NONE OF THAT HAPPENED. Callahan was totally normal. The dinner was totally normal. Nothing gave away to that, but suddently it's that BIG THING in the plot and you're left wondering if you missed something.
Apply this to every single thing that happens in the plot. So. Confusing.
This book had potential, but this felt like a first draft.
Be prepared for the most confusing ride of your life.
I can't tell you what this book is about because I don't really know. It felt like the author was having an imaginary conversation in her mind and then forgot to add half the plot.
Warning: you will try to run along with the shifts of events in the book and make sense of the character's sudden reactions, however you WILL fail.
Here is an example: Jace believes that Callahan is two-faced and hides who he truly is infont of his rich friends. The only problem? NONE OF THAT HAPPENED. Callahan was totally normal. The dinner was totally normal. Nothing gave away to that, but suddently it's that BIG THING in the plot and you're left wondering if you missed something.
Apply this to every single thing that happens in the plot. So. Confusing.
This book had potential, but this felt like a first draft.
May 12, 2021
The writing is pretty terrible, there are a few continuity errors, and neither Jace nor Callahan are distinctive nor distinct from each other.
August 5, 2022
opposites attract in a very sexy romance
Callahan needs a date to an important family function and his BFF sets him up with Jace. Chaos ensues. These 2 MCs are very different. Callahan’s ex is a real wank as well. Very self centered and a miserable human. Ugh. Jace is his opposite in every way.
In the beginning, I wasn’t sure Callahan deserved someone as honest and sexy as Jace.
BUT he won me over with his wanting to be a better person. This book was surprisingly sweet. I loved them together having the conversations and being adults. Very sexy. Communication. Now I’m off to read book 2!
Callahan needs a date to an important family function and his BFF sets him up with Jace. Chaos ensues. These 2 MCs are very different. Callahan’s ex is a real wank as well. Very self centered and a miserable human. Ugh. Jace is his opposite in every way.
In the beginning, I wasn’t sure Callahan deserved someone as honest and sexy as Jace.
BUT he won me over with his wanting to be a better person. This book was surprisingly sweet. I loved them together having the conversations and being adults. Very sexy. Communication. Now I’m off to read book 2!
September 3, 2021
Good grief. I didn’t like this pairing or the individual characters.
The conversations between Jace and Callahan were a scramble in my head. I could not make any sense of their conflict. I guess I just wasn’t in the mood for poor little poor boy but I won’t take any help/poor little rich boy troubles.
The one star is for Remington. He is the only interesting character here in my opinion.
The conversations between Jace and Callahan were a scramble in my head. I could not make any sense of their conflict. I guess I just wasn’t in the mood for poor little poor boy but I won’t take any help/poor little rich boy troubles.
The one star is for Remington. He is the only interesting character here in my opinion.
April 14, 2021
Once again Mrs. Hawthorne blows me away with her ability to write such amazing character development .
At the beginning of this book Callahan seems like the one that’s really gonna drag you through the emotions but they both are so stubborn and loveable in their own way . It was a beautiful messy rollercoaster ride with lots of spice in between. Jase and Callahan are both tortured souls that needed to find their “truth” in each other .
“You told me once, there’s truth in you and me.” Callahan licked his lips. “There’s truth in this.”
At the beginning of this book Callahan seems like the one that’s really gonna drag you through the emotions but they both are so stubborn and loveable in their own way . It was a beautiful messy rollercoaster ride with lots of spice in between. Jase and Callahan are both tortured souls that needed to find their “truth” in each other .
“You told me once, there’s truth in you and me.” Callahan licked his lips. “There’s truth in this.”
April 28, 2021
4.5 Stars
A Real Good Lie is a great fake dating romance by Kate Hawthorne.
This entire story had me intrigued, from start to finish.
Callahan and Jace are complete opposites, but work together so well. I always enjoy a good fake romance and this one is just that. There's plenty of attraction, but overall, it's a fun slow burn for the two.
In a nice twist, the two share a kiss one night and then are set up as fake dates a couple weeks later. Fun and yet totally awkward!
I love everything about the way the two are attracted to each other and are intrigued by one another. Seeing them get to know one another and slowly fall for each other is totally enjoyable. I like that they have some obstacles along the way, making for a nice, well earned relationship.
I love the men together and enjoy their journey. And damn, the sex is smoking hot! Just damn!
The writing is great, with two well developed characters and an enjoyable storyline. The backgrounds for both men truly establish who they currently are, helping to make these flawed men realistic. I always appreciate getting dual povs, so yay!
A Real Good Lie is definitely worth a read the next time you're in the mood for a fake boyfriend romance. Kate Hawthorne does a great job including some fluff into this sweet and sizzling romance.
A Real Good Lie is a great fake dating romance by Kate Hawthorne.
This entire story had me intrigued, from start to finish.
Callahan and Jace are complete opposites, but work together so well. I always enjoy a good fake romance and this one is just that. There's plenty of attraction, but overall, it's a fun slow burn for the two.
In a nice twist, the two share a kiss one night and then are set up as fake dates a couple weeks later. Fun and yet totally awkward!
I love everything about the way the two are attracted to each other and are intrigued by one another. Seeing them get to know one another and slowly fall for each other is totally enjoyable. I like that they have some obstacles along the way, making for a nice, well earned relationship.
I love the men together and enjoy their journey. And damn, the sex is smoking hot! Just damn!
The writing is great, with two well developed characters and an enjoyable storyline. The backgrounds for both men truly establish who they currently are, helping to make these flawed men realistic. I always appreciate getting dual povs, so yay!
A Real Good Lie is definitely worth a read the next time you're in the mood for a fake boyfriend romance. Kate Hawthorne does a great job including some fluff into this sweet and sizzling romance.
August 5, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, although at times I was doing a head tilt! 🤔 I’m not sure if I like the writing style or if I hated it. For some reason it was different to me.
The story line was the fake boyfriend troupe which is always a good one.
I give it 4 stars Bc it intrigued me enough to keep reading!
The story line was the fake boyfriend troupe which is always a good one.
I give it 4 stars Bc it intrigued me enough to keep reading!
May 10, 2021
No way I'm finishing this. No plot, no characterisation, no idea why everybody is doing what they are doing. The sex is... bad, the connection non - existent.
Read
October 4, 2021This just didn't hit for me.
December 28, 2023
This is a fake relationship story, angsty, lots of hurt feelings and misconceptions, hiding true feelings, feeling unworthy and not deserving of the others affection. Could have been great, those tropes are successful for a reason. But this book? Nope, didn’t do it for me. At all.
I was onboard for the set-up, but these two started to really annoy me around 50%, I could handle a bit of indecision, but these two would say one thing, then turn right around and contradict it in actions or conversations with others. It was a confusing mish mash of will-they, won’t-they, should-they… to the point where I just wanted them all to part ways and go home. Enough already. The MCs are jumping to conclusions and falling apart after one day, wondering who-is-the-real-you, why are you acting like that, why are you different in this crowd, why don’t you show me the real you…after a day. One day.
The writing is all over the place. Not enough happened to support all of this angst. There is one scene where Callahan talks to some socialite vipers and puts on a cold front for literally two sentences. After seeing this, Jace makes such a big deal about not knowing who the real Callahan is. Dude, he has to fake a thick skin in front of these people in order to protect himself. What is so hard to get?You’ve been through so much on your own, but you have no empathy or ability to see through what’s happening here? It’s laugh out loud funny (in a bad way) when the BFF says most things can be sorted with a conversation. Hmmm. That would be great, what page is that on?
This whole cast is written like angsty teens and not wealthy, influential, important, powerful and competent men in their 30s.
Side note on Rhys. This guys is gonna be our love interest in book3? This guy?! He is incredibly unlikeable and I dread the amount of “explaining away” that will need to be done in his book to make me even care if he gets a happy ending in life. What could they possibly say, he was sooo stressed… sooo unhappy….expectations boo hoo…. I don’t see how I will ever give a flying fig about this dude, they even call him manipulative and cruel. Cruel! I don’t care enough about any of these characters to sit through his redemption story.
A total miss for me, this series is actually highly praised by a super trustworthy review site that I adore. A reviewer that is stingy with the stars gave this a 4.25, Sebastian’s book 4.5 and Rhys book 5 stars. What?! Not a cohesive story to be found anywhere. OTT drama for no real reason and don’t even get me started on the ending. 3 months? After all the I-don’t-know-the-real-you? Then we get that ending? Isn’t our BFF totally regretting his super fast engagement and elopement? And here we are doing the same thing? What happened to the OTT I-don’t -fit-in-your-world? I am so annoyed by these two.
Rich/poor, contemporary, m/m, business man, photographer, fake relationship, mature MC, 30-ish.
I was onboard for the set-up, but these two started to really annoy me around 50%, I could handle a bit of indecision, but these two would say one thing, then turn right around and contradict it in actions or conversations with others. It was a confusing mish mash of will-they, won’t-they, should-they… to the point where I just wanted them all to part ways and go home. Enough already. The MCs are jumping to conclusions and falling apart after one day, wondering who-is-the-real-you, why are you acting like that, why are you different in this crowd, why don’t you show me the real you…after a day. One day.
The writing is all over the place. Not enough happened to support all of this angst. There is one scene where Callahan talks to some socialite vipers and puts on a cold front for literally two sentences. After seeing this, Jace makes such a big deal about not knowing who the real Callahan is. Dude, he has to fake a thick skin in front of these people in order to protect himself. What is so hard to get?You’ve been through so much on your own, but you have no empathy or ability to see through what’s happening here? It’s laugh out loud funny (in a bad way) when the BFF says most things can be sorted with a conversation. Hmmm. That would be great, what page is that on?
This whole cast is written like angsty teens and not wealthy, influential, important, powerful and competent men in their 30s.
Side note on Rhys. This guys is gonna be our love interest in book3? This guy?! He is incredibly unlikeable and I dread the amount of “explaining away” that will need to be done in his book to make me even care if he gets a happy ending in life. What could they possibly say, he was sooo stressed… sooo unhappy….expectations boo hoo…. I don’t see how I will ever give a flying fig about this dude, they even call him manipulative and cruel. Cruel! I don’t care enough about any of these characters to sit through his redemption story.
A total miss for me, this series is actually highly praised by a super trustworthy review site that I adore. A reviewer that is stingy with the stars gave this a 4.25, Sebastian’s book 4.5 and Rhys book 5 stars. What?! Not a cohesive story to be found anywhere. OTT drama for no real reason and don’t even get me started on the ending. 3 months? After all the I-don’t-know-the-real-you? Then we get that ending? Isn’t our BFF totally regretting his super fast engagement and elopement? And here we are doing the same thing? What happened to the OTT I-don’t -fit-in-your-world? I am so annoyed by these two.
Rich/poor, contemporary, m/m, business man, photographer, fake relationship, mature MC, 30-ish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2021
I do wish I liked this more. Fake boyfriends isn’t usually my thing but I liked the premise for this one and the fake dating wasn’t even anything I didn’t enjoy. I wish there was more emphasis on them fake dating and that this would have felt more lighthearted and swoon worthy as they got to know one another. Instead I felt like we got two characters with a lot of personal baggage that took it out on the other for no real reason at all.
Jace was so angry at Callahan for coming from a wealthy family when Callahan couldn’t control that. Could Callahan have been more welcoming to Jace, sure. I didn’t understand why Callahan didn’t date. He’s busy with work but otherwise he seemed very opposed to going out or having fun. I thought they both were unhappy people but I never thought they were truly happy even when they did get together. There was zero chemistry between them. They were attracted to each other and that seemed to be it. I felt like the relationship part was rushed and I wasn’t satisfied. I especially disliked how this ended. That was extremely fast and not needed.
The first part of this book worked much better for me. I do want to read the next book in the series and I basically read this one first so I’d have some background on the characters. I really hope I enjoy that one better.
Jace was so angry at Callahan for coming from a wealthy family when Callahan couldn’t control that. Could Callahan have been more welcoming to Jace, sure. I didn’t understand why Callahan didn’t date. He’s busy with work but otherwise he seemed very opposed to going out or having fun. I thought they both were unhappy people but I never thought they were truly happy even when they did get together. There was zero chemistry between them. They were attracted to each other and that seemed to be it. I felt like the relationship part was rushed and I wasn’t satisfied. I especially disliked how this ended. That was extremely fast and not needed.
The first part of this book worked much better for me. I do want to read the next book in the series and I basically read this one first so I’d have some background on the characters. I really hope I enjoy that one better.
April 24, 2021
Intense and sweet
Jace and Callahan are from two different worlds but there is a connection between them, a possibility for more. And they get a chance to explore it when Jace poses as Callahan's boyfriend for a weekend. There is undeniable chemistry between the two but trusting each other doesn't come easy. Feelings are intense, there is lot of back and force between them (that was a bit frustrating at times) but Jace and Callahan are right for each other. Callahan gets a much needed push to break free from the world he hates and Jace takes a chance on love.
I loved that pretend part wasn't prolonged, being in relationships for real was sweet and hot. Callahan's determination to prove he is worth of Jace was endearing and Jace's opening up to intimacy and love was heartwarming.
Falling in love was a bit fast but felt real, I was immersed into the story from start to finish and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Jace and Callahan are from two different worlds but there is a connection between them, a possibility for more. And they get a chance to explore it when Jace poses as Callahan's boyfriend for a weekend. There is undeniable chemistry between the two but trusting each other doesn't come easy. Feelings are intense, there is lot of back and force between them (that was a bit frustrating at times) but Jace and Callahan are right for each other. Callahan gets a much needed push to break free from the world he hates and Jace takes a chance on love.
I loved that pretend part wasn't prolonged, being in relationships for real was sweet and hot. Callahan's determination to prove he is worth of Jace was endearing and Jace's opening up to intimacy and love was heartwarming.
Falling in love was a bit fast but felt real, I was immersed into the story from start to finish and thoroughly enjoyed it.
April 30, 2021
That was good
That was a hard fought kind of journey to love. It was hard. Both men had me wanting to strangle them at certain points of the story. But that just showed how much they still had to learn and to work on themselves. And they did. They worked on themselves and got the love both of them deserved at the end. The writing was amazing. The smexy was yum pictures and all, the side characters..... counting the days until their book. Their book will be amazing. The end the very last few pages, summed up the story in such a brilliant way.
That was a hard fought kind of journey to love. It was hard. Both men had me wanting to strangle them at certain points of the story. But that just showed how much they still had to learn and to work on themselves. And they did. They worked on themselves and got the love both of them deserved at the end. The writing was amazing. The smexy was yum pictures and all, the side characters..... counting the days until their book. Their book will be amazing. The end the very last few pages, summed up the story in such a brilliant way.
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