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The Fake-Up
TWO EXES. ONE BIG SECRET. LET THE GAMES BEGIN...
Dylan and Flo are on the rocks. Of course they are in love. Obviously they want it to work. But sometimes it feels like the world is against them. Their flat is falling apart, their friends never stop meddling and the obstacles keeping them from their dreams are insurmountable. Maybe they just . . . aren't meant to be?
The break-up completely shatters them both. While Flo cries in her Mum's kitchen, penning ballads about heartache, Dylan is forced to sleep on his best friend's sofa and channel his pain into acting.
And, unexpectedly, their stars begin to rise.
Soon Dylan and Flo are on the cusp of everything they've ever wanted. There's only one problem: they can't be without one another, but their hard-won futures depend on their estrangement. Can they keep their relationship a secret from the world? Or has fate conspired to keep them apart for good?
Dylan and Flo are on the rocks. Of course they are in love. Obviously they want it to work. But sometimes it feels like the world is against them. Their flat is falling apart, their friends never stop meddling and the obstacles keeping them from their dreams are insurmountable. Maybe they just . . . aren't meant to be?
The break-up completely shatters them both. While Flo cries in her Mum's kitchen, penning ballads about heartache, Dylan is forced to sleep on his best friend's sofa and channel his pain into acting.
And, unexpectedly, their stars begin to rise.
Soon Dylan and Flo are on the cusp of everything they've ever wanted. There's only one problem: they can't be without one another, but their hard-won futures depend on their estrangement. Can they keep their relationship a secret from the world? Or has fate conspired to keep them apart for good?
384 pages, Hardcover
First published April 7, 2022
47 people are currently reading
1022 people want to read
About the author
Justin Myers
5 books124 followersJustin Myers is an author and journalist from Shipley, West Yorkshire. Perhaps best known for his work as The Guyliner and his Impeccable Table Manners blog, Justin's writing has featured in many leading publications, including the Guardian, GQ, and The Times. He is the author of four novels: The Last Romeo (2018), The Magnificent Sons (2020), The Fake-Up (2022), and Leading Man (2024), all published by Little, Brown. A fifth novel, The Glorious Dead, arrives September 2025, from Renegade.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
February 4, 2022
This offbeat and enjoyable rom-com, with its surprising twists and turns, is my first experience of the author Justin Myers. Would be actor Dylan and his musician/singer girlfriend, Floria (Flo) are struggling in their lives and careers, living in a cramped and dingy flat, with Dylan working in a bar for his friend, Max, who allows him time off to attend auditions and Flo is employed in a shop. Dylan loves Flo, always there for her, sitting in the same seat at Flo's and Elijah's gigs, providing unstinting support and love whenever she looks his way. Coming from a working class background, Dylan has had to face the disapproval of Flo's wealthier family, particularly her mother, Joy. Then there is the constant undermining of their relationship from Flo's longstanding friends, such as Estelle, and her suitably posh boyfriend, Barnaby.
I have to say I cannot understand why Dylan put up with them, nor why Flo thought this was acceptable behaviour from her friends. Eventually everything comes to a head with Dylan and Flo splitting up to the great delight of others, a break that proves to be just the inspiration each needs to start to become successful in their respective profession. Only the couple haven't really fallen out of love, as they keep their relationship below the radar and a secret. Where will it all end? This is a fun, intelligent and entertaining read, with flawed characters, an emotional rollercoaster of a ride, but there were parts that I found rather too laboured and more taxing as a reader, but I have no doubt many readers will love this. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
I have to say I cannot understand why Dylan put up with them, nor why Flo thought this was acceptable behaviour from her friends. Eventually everything comes to a head with Dylan and Flo splitting up to the great delight of others, a break that proves to be just the inspiration each needs to start to become successful in their respective profession. Only the couple haven't really fallen out of love, as they keep their relationship below the radar and a secret. Where will it all end? This is a fun, intelligent and entertaining read, with flawed characters, an emotional rollercoaster of a ride, but there were parts that I found rather too laboured and more taxing as a reader, but I have no doubt many readers will love this. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
October 4, 2021
3.5 rounded up
Dylan is never late to Flo (Floria) and Elijah's gigs and he always sits in the same seat to bring his girlfriend luck. The musical duo are not overly successful at making a breakthrough mainly because Elijah is an encumbrance who is delusional about his talent or lack of. Dylan is a wannabe actor, he’s desperately trying to get a good steady role in a television soap, sorry, continuous drama. Flo and Dylan are in love but it's under huge strain especially financially and from Flo’s mothers definite disapproval. Their problems grow, so they break up and then they fake up later as both careers start to improve.
This is a bit different from the usual rom-com novel as it’s not very predictable! You think it’s heading in the prescribed direction and then, no, the plot takes a twist and turn. There are quite a few changes in direction or is that deception (for the best of reasons obviously!) so you need to keep up! It’s funny in places, witty in others, some things raise a wry smile and some of the humour is cleverly dry. Parts of the novel are charming as Flo and Dylan are genuinely nice people and their relationship is lovely. There are some really good characters such as Dylan’s best friend Max and Jesse Ribeiro and I like the storyline that develops there. Floria’s friend Estelle is pertinently observed as is her boyfriend Barnaby and their pretensions are sent up well though not in an unpleasant way. I surprisingly warm to Estelle particularly as at one point I most certainly have the opposite reaction. You even end up thawing slightly towards Flo’s mother who really is something else! The book is mostly light hearted in tone but it does address a few interesting issues such as openness about sexuality. The book takes a bit of a dip in the middle but then picks up pace again and gets back on track.
Overall, it’s well written, fun, entertaining and diverting and makes a pleasant change of genre for me.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Little Brown Book Group, Sphere for the much appreciated widget in return for an honest review.
Dylan is never late to Flo (Floria) and Elijah's gigs and he always sits in the same seat to bring his girlfriend luck. The musical duo are not overly successful at making a breakthrough mainly because Elijah is an encumbrance who is delusional about his talent or lack of. Dylan is a wannabe actor, he’s desperately trying to get a good steady role in a television soap, sorry, continuous drama. Flo and Dylan are in love but it's under huge strain especially financially and from Flo’s mothers definite disapproval. Their problems grow, so they break up and then they fake up later as both careers start to improve.
This is a bit different from the usual rom-com novel as it’s not very predictable! You think it’s heading in the prescribed direction and then, no, the plot takes a twist and turn. There are quite a few changes in direction or is that deception (for the best of reasons obviously!) so you need to keep up! It’s funny in places, witty in others, some things raise a wry smile and some of the humour is cleverly dry. Parts of the novel are charming as Flo and Dylan are genuinely nice people and their relationship is lovely. There are some really good characters such as Dylan’s best friend Max and Jesse Ribeiro and I like the storyline that develops there. Floria’s friend Estelle is pertinently observed as is her boyfriend Barnaby and their pretensions are sent up well though not in an unpleasant way. I surprisingly warm to Estelle particularly as at one point I most certainly have the opposite reaction. You even end up thawing slightly towards Flo’s mother who really is something else! The book is mostly light hearted in tone but it does address a few interesting issues such as openness about sexuality. The book takes a bit of a dip in the middle but then picks up pace again and gets back on track.
Overall, it’s well written, fun, entertaining and diverting and makes a pleasant change of genre for me.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Little Brown Book Group, Sphere for the much appreciated widget in return for an honest review.
March 23, 2022
Dylan and Flo are on the rocks. Of course they are in love. Obviously they want it to work. But sometimes it feels the world is against them. Their flat is falling apart, their friends never stop meddling and the obstacles keeping them from their dreams is insurmountable. Maybe they just.... aren't meant to be. The break-up completely shatters them both. While Flo cries in her mum's kitchen, penning ballads about heartache, Dylan is forced to sleep on his best friends sofa and channel his pain into acting. Soon Dylan and Flo are on the cusp of everything they've ever wanted. There's only one problem: they can't live without one another.
This is a rom-com with a few twists. Dylan and Flo love each other but life isn't going in the right direction for them both. They break-up and throw their energies into song writing and acting. The story is told from Dylan and Flo's perspectives. The pace is slow throughout. I did like Dylan and Flo but there wasn't much intrigue to the story. It was as if the author was always looking for laughs. I did enjoy the book and I would read this author again.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #LittleBrownBookGroupUK and the author #JustinMyers for my ARC of #TheFakeUp in exchange for an honest review.
This is a rom-com with a few twists. Dylan and Flo love each other but life isn't going in the right direction for them both. They break-up and throw their energies into song writing and acting. The story is told from Dylan and Flo's perspectives. The pace is slow throughout. I did like Dylan and Flo but there wasn't much intrigue to the story. It was as if the author was always looking for laughs. I did enjoy the book and I would read this author again.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #LittleBrownBookGroupUK and the author #JustinMyers for my ARC of #TheFakeUp in exchange for an honest review.
April 21, 2022
It started out great... two people in love that were sidetracked by the weight of their hurdles. He wanted to be an actor, she wanted to be a singer. Together they weren't getting anywhere, but, as soon as they break up, success hits on both their doors. They were each becoming a sensation of sorts and the heartbreak was a strong propeller into their new lives.
There was a potential for angst and growth, all layered with some acidic humour. Also, I was intrigued by a new take on the traditional fake dating trope. This particular couple was going to actually be together, and then pretend to the world they weren't.
Then, it all went wrong. Lengthy at parts that shouldn't be lengthy, repetitive and dull. I just can't see the purpose of this book. It is definitely not a romance novel, and the ending is the cherry on top of a sour cake, just completely pointless.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
There was a potential for angst and growth, all layered with some acidic humour. Also, I was intrigued by a new take on the traditional fake dating trope. This particular couple was going to actually be together, and then pretend to the world they weren't.
Then, it all went wrong. Lengthy at parts that shouldn't be lengthy, repetitive and dull. I just can't see the purpose of this book. It is definitely not a romance novel, and the ending is the cherry on top of a sour cake, just completely pointless.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2022
On my blog.
Rep: Black gay characters
Galley provided by publisher
The Fake Up is an enjoyable read, one that puts a unique twist on the fake dating trope—instead of them faking to date, they’re faking to have broken up, and it’s a lot of fun.
The book follows Dylan and Flo who, on breaking up, realise that their respective careers have taken off, thanks to the feelings that break-up inspired. Only, perhaps they’re not so broken up as they’d have everyone think. So really, this is a bit of a secret relationship novel.
Dylan and Flo are both very sympathetic characters, which is why this novel works as it does. If either of them had been dislikeable, then we would have an issue, I think. Okay, so they’re both somewhat messy and not always likeable, but you can sympathise with them. You’re rooting for them, although maybe not always their relationship. Alright, at times I rooted for Dylan more than Flo, because she seemed to be using him a bit more mercenarily than he did her, but overall it was like. Mutual mercenary use. And quite fun for it.
That’s really the draw of this book: how much wild and messy fun it is. I mean, the premise promises it, and I think it delivers too. It’s a read I fairly sped through because of how fun it was. But it wasn’t all chaos and nothing else—there were still emotions there, particularly nearer to the end.
What I would say, though, is that there was a lot of time with them together at the start, and not a lot of time spent broken up. Which, I guess, is needed so you can establish the relationship and make people root for them, so that you get the emotions I talked about. But I don’t know. I feel like I needed them to be broken up for a little longer. As it was, it felt like they were broken up for barely a moment (although I’m pretty sure it was meant to be longer, if only for how long they moped).
However, as I said, this was a broadly enjoyable read. Perhaps not my favourite of Justin Myers’ books, but then. It was always going to be hard to dethrone The Magnificent Sons.
Rep: Black gay characters
Galley provided by publisher
The Fake Up is an enjoyable read, one that puts a unique twist on the fake dating trope—instead of them faking to date, they’re faking to have broken up, and it’s a lot of fun.
The book follows Dylan and Flo who, on breaking up, realise that their respective careers have taken off, thanks to the feelings that break-up inspired. Only, perhaps they’re not so broken up as they’d have everyone think. So really, this is a bit of a secret relationship novel.
Dylan and Flo are both very sympathetic characters, which is why this novel works as it does. If either of them had been dislikeable, then we would have an issue, I think. Okay, so they’re both somewhat messy and not always likeable, but you can sympathise with them. You’re rooting for them, although maybe not always their relationship. Alright, at times I rooted for Dylan more than Flo, because she seemed to be using him a bit more mercenarily than he did her, but overall it was like. Mutual mercenary use. And quite fun for it.
That’s really the draw of this book: how much wild and messy fun it is. I mean, the premise promises it, and I think it delivers too. It’s a read I fairly sped through because of how fun it was. But it wasn’t all chaos and nothing else—there were still emotions there, particularly nearer to the end.
What I would say, though, is that there was a lot of time with them together at the start, and not a lot of time spent broken up. Which, I guess, is needed so you can establish the relationship and make people root for them, so that you get the emotions I talked about. But I don’t know. I feel like I needed them to be broken up for a little longer. As it was, it felt like they were broken up for barely a moment (although I’m pretty sure it was meant to be longer, if only for how long they moped).
However, as I said, this was a broadly enjoyable read. Perhaps not my favourite of Justin Myers’ books, but then. It was always going to be hard to dethrone The Magnificent Sons.
December 28, 2021
2.75 stars rounded up
Headlines:
Dramatic with slow slumps
Problematic coupledom
Fame and fortune
I wanted to like The Fake Up, in fact I tried rather hard to like it, pushing through the slow parts alongside the drama; sadly overall, this wasn't a winning read for me.
The early days of Flo and Dylan were the ones I felt most invested in but honestly, the feels from these two, the connection between them and them and me as a reader, was weak. Their break-up then eventual finding one another again was sometimes satisfying and sometimes frustrating.
I don't want to wax lyrical about this one but I think the writing style and lack of character development and connection was what stopped me from gelling with the book. While it wasn't a long book, it felt long. I wanted to feel uplifted at the end, but I felt flat.
Thank you to Little Brown for the review copy.
Headlines:
Dramatic with slow slumps
Problematic coupledom
Fame and fortune
I wanted to like The Fake Up, in fact I tried rather hard to like it, pushing through the slow parts alongside the drama; sadly overall, this wasn't a winning read for me.
The early days of Flo and Dylan were the ones I felt most invested in but honestly, the feels from these two, the connection between them and them and me as a reader, was weak. Their break-up then eventual finding one another again was sometimes satisfying and sometimes frustrating.
I don't want to wax lyrical about this one but I think the writing style and lack of character development and connection was what stopped me from gelling with the book. While it wasn't a long book, it felt long. I wanted to feel uplifted at the end, but I felt flat.
Thank you to Little Brown for the review copy.
October 17, 2021
I've not read a Justin Myers book, yet, and the intrigue of an offer to read a book without even a cover, whet my appetite!
Flo and Dylan are in love. A simple, loving relationship, where they are scraping a living together, him as a wannabe actor, bartending at other times, and her, a singer in small pubs and clubs, recording songs for her YouTube channel or working in a shop to make ends meet.
Even though they are both at a similar stage in their respective dream careers, their backgrounds couldn't be more different, with Dylan from the more working-class side, and Flo, or Floria, being from a more affluent background.
They've struggled to get their respective families and friends to accept their relationship for years, and the inevitable happens.
They split up.
Then the doors of fame seem to open up to them both simultaneously.
He lands a part in a popular soap. She finds that a song written during the aftermath of her break-up, uploaded in haste, ends up becoming a hit, made all the more popular by a famous YouTuber sharing it.
Amidst all the craziness, they both find themselves drawn together, under a veil of secrecy, having to keep a relationship that merely floundered, hidden.
What follows is the story of a year of fame, fake romances, fake hate, and a fake break-up... But how long can you fake it for?
A cast of colourful characters helped to keep the story flowing, from Max, Dylan's gay best friend, to Jesse and Sonny, the famous brothers who helped catapult Flo, and her talent, into the stratosphere. You can't forget Flo's best friend, Estelle, and her insufferable partner Barnaby, looking down their noses at Dylan, constantly.
This is a quick, cute read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK, Sphere for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Flo and Dylan are in love. A simple, loving relationship, where they are scraping a living together, him as a wannabe actor, bartending at other times, and her, a singer in small pubs and clubs, recording songs for her YouTube channel or working in a shop to make ends meet.
Even though they are both at a similar stage in their respective dream careers, their backgrounds couldn't be more different, with Dylan from the more working-class side, and Flo, or Floria, being from a more affluent background.
They've struggled to get their respective families and friends to accept their relationship for years, and the inevitable happens.
They split up.
Then the doors of fame seem to open up to them both simultaneously.
He lands a part in a popular soap. She finds that a song written during the aftermath of her break-up, uploaded in haste, ends up becoming a hit, made all the more popular by a famous YouTuber sharing it.
Amidst all the craziness, they both find themselves drawn together, under a veil of secrecy, having to keep a relationship that merely floundered, hidden.
What follows is the story of a year of fame, fake romances, fake hate, and a fake break-up... But how long can you fake it for?
A cast of colourful characters helped to keep the story flowing, from Max, Dylan's gay best friend, to Jesse and Sonny, the famous brothers who helped catapult Flo, and her talent, into the stratosphere. You can't forget Flo's best friend, Estelle, and her insufferable partner Barnaby, looking down their noses at Dylan, constantly.
This is a quick, cute read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK, Sphere for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2023
This is an entertaining read which would be ideal for a journey or a winter's night. Dylan and Flo are in love; he's a wannabe actor and she sings. Unfortunately her singing partner Elijah is a wash out who's holding her back. Although he doesn't see it, Dylan does. Strained financially and pressured by the disapproval of Flo's mother and their rather superior friends, Dylan and Flo break up and try to make it big.
As their careers begin to take off they get back together but in order to keep their popularity it has to be a secret - hence the fake up as opposed to make up. Fake becomes the operative word: in order to keep up the pretence that will perpetuate the romance of Flo's hit song there are fake romances, break ups and of course bad blood.
A dual narrative, the novel explores various types of love, friendships and prejudices. The characters are well drawn - not always likeable especially some of the supporting cast. Thanks to Little Brown Book Group for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. There are some interesting twists and turns and an atypical ending.
All in all a good read.
As their careers begin to take off they get back together but in order to keep their popularity it has to be a secret - hence the fake up as opposed to make up. Fake becomes the operative word: in order to keep up the pretence that will perpetuate the romance of Flo's hit song there are fake romances, break ups and of course bad blood.
A dual narrative, the novel explores various types of love, friendships and prejudices. The characters are well drawn - not always likeable especially some of the supporting cast. Thanks to Little Brown Book Group for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. There are some interesting twists and turns and an atypical ending.
All in all a good read.
March 3, 2022
Oh my, I was already starting to think that I will never finish this book. I couldn't warm to it, not for a single moment. I've started to read it filled with hope and expectations, it was really good sold to me and also, I think, the synopsis is very promising.
But right from the beginning, it felt meh, wooden and forced. And well, maybe it's me, but why write a story without actually a story? What was the purpose? The way it was written was also not working for me, we were fed with snippets and moments from the characters' lives that were neither interesting nor significant. Just some chosen moments. It didn't feel like emotional rollercoaster of feelings, it felt too laboured and forced. It was frustrating to read about the characters breaking up, finding each other again, knowing, then not knowing what they want, and then all over again, the same, the same. I'm still not sure why I've read till the end - OK, I've eventually started to skim reading, but even though, I'll never get back those precious hours of my life back.
I tried, I really tried, pushing through it and hoping, but it wasn't for me.
But right from the beginning, it felt meh, wooden and forced. And well, maybe it's me, but why write a story without actually a story? What was the purpose? The way it was written was also not working for me, we were fed with snippets and moments from the characters' lives that were neither interesting nor significant. Just some chosen moments. It didn't feel like emotional rollercoaster of feelings, it felt too laboured and forced. It was frustrating to read about the characters breaking up, finding each other again, knowing, then not knowing what they want, and then all over again, the same, the same. I'm still not sure why I've read till the end - OK, I've eventually started to skim reading, but even though, I'll never get back those precious hours of my life back.
I tried, I really tried, pushing through it and hoping, but it wasn't for me.
April 20, 2022
I liked the blurb of the book, but I didn't like the story.
I'm not sure I misunderstood the whole story, or whether the book was not marketed right.
I'm not sure I misunderstood the whole story, or whether the book was not marketed right.
February 25, 2024
ugh i finally did it. i just sat and made myself finish it lol. the book cover is deceiving. they hardly go on holiday and only go for like 2 chapters. i just think this wasn’t that great. there was too much back story before they broke up. and then they were only split up for like a chapter. and i think the rise to fame was all a bit far fetched and just the timeline confused me. also the side character story line was LGBTQ and it felt crow barred in in a way. like they only added it to tick a box. i wouldn’t recommend this. it’s also a ‘rom-com’ but all the humour and comedy felt forced. will probs take this a charity shop to let someone else get catfished too lol
April 18, 2022
Flo(ria) is an upper middle-class girl with dreams of a musical career, working in her mother's vanity shop and gigging with an obnoxious sexist musician called Elijah. Dylan is a boy from a council estate with dreams of being an actor, meanwhile he's conducting Jack The Ripper tours of London by day and bartending at his BFF's bar at night. Flo and Dylan are madly in love but their lack of money and class differences cause huge amounts of strife, especially Flo's posh, patronising friends Estella and Barnaby who take every opportunity to put Dylan down. After Barnaby and Estella bring along a group of friends to one of Dylan's tours and infuriate him with their patronising 'advice' (and ask him to act for free in one of their grim webisodes for a sexist drink commercial), Dylan quits his job and he and Flo end up having a massive row.
Flo moves home and writes an angsty thinly-veiled song about their break-up which soons goes viral and leads to her becoming famous. Meanwhile, Dylan lands a role on a hospital soap opera playing a closeted bisexual doctor. Although they soon realise that their argument was silly, Flo and Dylan realise they need to stay broken up for their careers, so they pretend whilst secretly calling and texting each other. But when the tabloids and gossip mags are snapping pictures of Dylan with his costar, or Flo's agent wants her to fake-date a young artist who shared her first song on his social media, do they even know where the acting ends?
I have to take issue with the way this book is sold as A hilarious new rom-com with unforgettably brilliant characters. I didn't think this was hilarious, I didn't even think it was funny. Nor is it a rom-com. And the characters? Meh. Honestly I found both Dylan and Flo to be pretty unsympathetic and the 'antics' of the final chapters were completely left field and didn't fit with the narrative of the book to date.
Overall, I have to say that this book felt to me like the author came up with a great plot for a story and then didn't really care about any of the characters enough to make them likeable or believable. The writing was good and I liked the concept but I didn't care enough about the characters.
I was gifted this book by the publisher Little, Brown Book Group via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Flo moves home and writes an angsty thinly-veiled song about their break-up which soons goes viral and leads to her becoming famous. Meanwhile, Dylan lands a role on a hospital soap opera playing a closeted bisexual doctor. Although they soon realise that their argument was silly, Flo and Dylan realise they need to stay broken up for their careers, so they pretend whilst secretly calling and texting each other. But when the tabloids and gossip mags are snapping pictures of Dylan with his costar, or Flo's agent wants her to fake-date a young artist who shared her first song on his social media, do they even know where the acting ends?
I have to take issue with the way this book is sold as A hilarious new rom-com with unforgettably brilliant characters. I didn't think this was hilarious, I didn't even think it was funny. Nor is it a rom-com. And the characters? Meh. Honestly I found both Dylan and Flo to be pretty unsympathetic and the 'antics' of the final chapters were completely left field and didn't fit with the narrative of the book to date.
Overall, I have to say that this book felt to me like the author came up with a great plot for a story and then didn't really care about any of the characters enough to make them likeable or believable. The writing was good and I liked the concept but I didn't care enough about the characters.
I was gifted this book by the publisher Little, Brown Book Group via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
April 7, 2022
Flo and Dylan are a “mismatched” couple in the eyes of their families and friends. They both have work jobs that won't fulfill their passions and live in a not so nice flat.
While some characters were fleshed out great with their reliable struggles and difficulties in moods and feelings, I felt like some others were just like caricatures and added in to put the spotlight more on the main characters.
I love a good romantic comedy and this one was great in showing that many times, as adults, people have to live with the pressure of their close circle and their way to fame and succeeding in their dreams and career is not always as easy as it seems. The consequences for this couple were to break up, but that love wouldn't let them live it up.
I enjoyed this story and I’ve read his previous book so I knew I was in for a treat with The fake up.
Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy through NetGalley.
While some characters were fleshed out great with their reliable struggles and difficulties in moods and feelings, I felt like some others were just like caricatures and added in to put the spotlight more on the main characters.
I love a good romantic comedy and this one was great in showing that many times, as adults, people have to live with the pressure of their close circle and their way to fame and succeeding in their dreams and career is not always as easy as it seems. The consequences for this couple were to break up, but that love wouldn't let them live it up.
I enjoyed this story and I’ve read his previous book so I knew I was in for a treat with The fake up.
Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy through NetGalley.
February 25, 2023
Time taken to read - 2 days
Pages - 384
Publisher - Little Brown, UK
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
TWO EXES. ONE BIG SECRET. LET THE GAMES BEGIN...
Dylan and Flo are on the rocks. Of course they are in love. Obviously they want it to work. But sometimes it feels like the world is against them. Their flat is falling apart, their friends never stop meddling and the obstacles keeping them from their dreams are insurmountable. Maybe they just . . . aren't meant to be?
The break-up completely shatters them both. While Flo cries in her Mum's kitchen, penning ballads about heartache, Dylan is forced to sleep on his best friend's sofa and channel his pain into acting.
And, unexpectedly, their stars begin to rise.
Soon Dylan and Flo are on the cusp of everything they've ever wanted. There's only one problem: they can't be without one another, but their hard-won futures depend on their estrangement. Can they keep their relationship a secret from the world? Or has fate conspired to keep them apart for good?
My Review
Dylan and Flo are in love, their relationship is great apart from their backgrounds, their upbringings, their issues in their flat and being from different classes the issues that brings. Dylan has some hangups, he wants to put in as much as Flo but Flo comes from money and Dylan has his pride. Flo's friends and family think she can do better, their flat needs some serious TLC, Dylan just needs his one big break as an actor and Flo, voice of an angel just needs her opening, her chance and she will show the world how talented she is. As the strain becomes too much they decide to break up however it is never that easy and they both still love each other but now the world and their friends are watching.
Uck you know what it is like, take the money out of it and we all have had that one boyfriend or girlfriend that our friends/fam don't like, think we can do better than. That is the thing with Flo and Dylan, Flo is a singer, Dylan is an actor and both are looking for their big break which ironically things start looking up when they split and the drama comes with all that jazz.
It is a perfect poolside read or just wanting a wee escapism reading drama of others lives, breaking into the big time, relationship dramas and what happens when you get a bit of fame. Some not very nice characters, some nice, some shady behaviours, it was fine, light, barbed humour at parts, 3/5 for me.
Pages - 384
Publisher - Little Brown, UK
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
TWO EXES. ONE BIG SECRET. LET THE GAMES BEGIN...
Dylan and Flo are on the rocks. Of course they are in love. Obviously they want it to work. But sometimes it feels like the world is against them. Their flat is falling apart, their friends never stop meddling and the obstacles keeping them from their dreams are insurmountable. Maybe they just . . . aren't meant to be?
The break-up completely shatters them both. While Flo cries in her Mum's kitchen, penning ballads about heartache, Dylan is forced to sleep on his best friend's sofa and channel his pain into acting.
And, unexpectedly, their stars begin to rise.
Soon Dylan and Flo are on the cusp of everything they've ever wanted. There's only one problem: they can't be without one another, but their hard-won futures depend on their estrangement. Can they keep their relationship a secret from the world? Or has fate conspired to keep them apart for good?
My Review
Dylan and Flo are in love, their relationship is great apart from their backgrounds, their upbringings, their issues in their flat and being from different classes the issues that brings. Dylan has some hangups, he wants to put in as much as Flo but Flo comes from money and Dylan has his pride. Flo's friends and family think she can do better, their flat needs some serious TLC, Dylan just needs his one big break as an actor and Flo, voice of an angel just needs her opening, her chance and she will show the world how talented she is. As the strain becomes too much they decide to break up however it is never that easy and they both still love each other but now the world and their friends are watching.
Uck you know what it is like, take the money out of it and we all have had that one boyfriend or girlfriend that our friends/fam don't like, think we can do better than. That is the thing with Flo and Dylan, Flo is a singer, Dylan is an actor and both are looking for their big break which ironically things start looking up when they split and the drama comes with all that jazz.
It is a perfect poolside read or just wanting a wee escapism reading drama of others lives, breaking into the big time, relationship dramas and what happens when you get a bit of fame. Some not very nice characters, some nice, some shady behaviours, it was fine, light, barbed humour at parts, 3/5 for me.
October 4, 2021
Big thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC.
‘The Fake-Up’ is an easy and quick read, following Dylan and Flo. When we meet both characters, they’re relationship is not going well, partially because the stress, their careers not exactly going where they should, and their friends and family meddling. But following a break up, suddenly good things start happening – Flo’s heartbreak song becomes an overnight success, and Dylan finally get his shot at proper acting. The only thing? Flo and Dylan can seem to keep away from each other, and the sneaking around starts.
I liked the premise of ‘The Fake-Up’ and the idea of second chances, as well as seeing how Flo and Dylan grow up and change throughout the book. And without spoiling too much, I did like the ending, it seemed more believable than I excepted! What I wish was handled a little bit differently, it’s the constant narrating of the events, instead of them letting play out in front of the reader’s eyes. The events were losing the sense of immediacy and urgency as a result, and I didn’t connect with the characters as much as I could have otherwise. But on the whole, it was a nice and quick read.
‘The Fake-Up’ is an easy and quick read, following Dylan and Flo. When we meet both characters, they’re relationship is not going well, partially because the stress, their careers not exactly going where they should, and their friends and family meddling. But following a break up, suddenly good things start happening – Flo’s heartbreak song becomes an overnight success, and Dylan finally get his shot at proper acting. The only thing? Flo and Dylan can seem to keep away from each other, and the sneaking around starts.
I liked the premise of ‘The Fake-Up’ and the idea of second chances, as well as seeing how Flo and Dylan grow up and change throughout the book. And without spoiling too much, I did like the ending, it seemed more believable than I excepted! What I wish was handled a little bit differently, it’s the constant narrating of the events, instead of them letting play out in front of the reader’s eyes. The events were losing the sense of immediacy and urgency as a result, and I didn’t connect with the characters as much as I could have otherwise. But on the whole, it was a nice and quick read.
November 1, 2021
I honestly never thought I would ever read a book that felt completely pointless but this book has proven me wrong.
When this book popped up as an option on SecretReaders it sounded like a book that was right up my alley – a second chance romance where the couple have to navigate new found fame while trying to keep their romance under wraps – I thought I was going to love it. The writing isn’t terrible, but the story is just so boring and pointless that by 50% in the book I started to skim at points. We spend so long with Dylan and Flo before the break up, which while long winded at times I could understand, especially when it was talking about Flo’s privilege and judgemental friends and family playing a part in the break up, that when it finally got to the break up, I was looking forward to the angst and both characters rise to fame while dealing with the heartbreak before getting back together, but they get back together SO. QUICKLY. It all just felt so pointless, I was really looking forward to the characters exploring the legitimate reasons for their break up and growing as people and it just never happened. Pointless scenes as well, at one point they go on a date with Dylan in disguise and he gets attacked for looking like someone who killed someone years ago (and they themselves died a few years ago) and Flo automatically knows why he was attacked and even has an article ready to show him and it’s just so freakin pointless, like WHY? The characters weren’t very likeable either, especially Flo, so it was hard to connect and sympathise with them. The plot twist at the end just killed the little enjoyment I had – at the end I was genuinely wondering what the point of the book was and why I wasted so much time reading it to be honest.
It was just a book full of plot points and no proper story and I’m so disappointed. Not a badly written book, but I wouldn’t recommend it as the story itself is not that enjoyable.
Read through the SecretReaders website, thank you!
When this book popped up as an option on SecretReaders it sounded like a book that was right up my alley – a second chance romance where the couple have to navigate new found fame while trying to keep their romance under wraps – I thought I was going to love it. The writing isn’t terrible, but the story is just so boring and pointless that by 50% in the book I started to skim at points. We spend so long with Dylan and Flo before the break up, which while long winded at times I could understand, especially when it was talking about Flo’s privilege and judgemental friends and family playing a part in the break up, that when it finally got to the break up, I was looking forward to the angst and both characters rise to fame while dealing with the heartbreak before getting back together, but they get back together SO. QUICKLY. It all just felt so pointless, I was really looking forward to the characters exploring the legitimate reasons for their break up and growing as people and it just never happened. Pointless scenes as well, at one point they go on a date with Dylan in disguise and he gets attacked for looking like someone who killed someone years ago (and they themselves died a few years ago) and Flo automatically knows why he was attacked and even has an article ready to show him and it’s just so freakin pointless, like WHY? The characters weren’t very likeable either, especially Flo, so it was hard to connect and sympathise with them. The plot twist at the end just killed the little enjoyment I had – at the end I was genuinely wondering what the point of the book was and why I wasted so much time reading it to be honest.
It was just a book full of plot points and no proper story and I’m so disappointed. Not a badly written book, but I wouldn’t recommend it as the story itself is not that enjoyable.
Read through the SecretReaders website, thank you!
never-finished
January 13, 2023Dnf @ 10% Chapter 3
Honestly I should have realized this one wasn't for me, based on the premis and not being a big fan of second chance romance. But I did love the concept of the fake break up, twist on a trope I adore so I decided to give a try.
The couple of chapters I read, were lovely and showed their relationship so well. Giving glimpses into their past and romance, the little details and the life they've formed together was really sweet.
Getting to see Dylan & Flo's povs was interesting too, as while both are creative types
it appears they have come from very opposite lifestyles. Which made some off the cracks start to show, as have oppossite pov.
Especially Flo's friend group which came across awful, although it did seem strange that targets on Dylan when it's not like Flo had shown any progress either.
Sadly I think I just lost interest in the idea of them like breaking up just to then reunite and fake it. Very much a case of me and not the book, I will say I think it would probably make an incredible movie RomCom.
Especially having looked at some other reviews and skimming further, I just don't think it's the right book for me.
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Honestly I should have realized this one wasn't for me, based on the premis and not being a big fan of second chance romance. But I did love the concept of the fake break up, twist on a trope I adore so I decided to give a try.
The couple of chapters I read, were lovely and showed their relationship so well. Giving glimpses into their past and romance, the little details and the life they've formed together was really sweet.
Getting to see Dylan & Flo's povs was interesting too, as while both are creative types
it appears they have come from very opposite lifestyles. Which made some off the cracks start to show, as have oppossite pov.
Especially Flo's friend group which came across awful, although it did seem strange that targets on Dylan when it's not like Flo had shown any progress either.
Sadly I think I just lost interest in the idea of them like breaking up just to then reunite and fake it. Very much a case of me and not the book, I will say I think it would probably make an incredible movie RomCom.
Especially having looked at some other reviews and skimming further, I just don't think it's the right book for me.
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
November 27, 2021
Thanks to the Secret Readers team for letting me read this, and I have to say my head hurts now.
Dylan and Flo are used to their respective friends and families not really thinking they should be together. Dylan dreams of being an actor but hates the schmoozing needed. Flo yearns to sing, but her partner is not really helping her. The pair are bumbling along, nothing really changing, when they decide to call things off.
In the aftermath, things change. Flo writes a number one hit single and Dylan gets a coveted role on a popular soap. They, secretly, have got back together but with their careers dependent on the break-up they have to keep this quiet.
The story focuses on their developing relationship as they try to navigate this new world. We learn about the changing demands on their time and follow the various friends as they get embroiled in this.
Entertaining story, where it was never quite clear how things would pan out.
Dylan and Flo are used to their respective friends and families not really thinking they should be together. Dylan dreams of being an actor but hates the schmoozing needed. Flo yearns to sing, but her partner is not really helping her. The pair are bumbling along, nothing really changing, when they decide to call things off.
In the aftermath, things change. Flo writes a number one hit single and Dylan gets a coveted role on a popular soap. They, secretly, have got back together but with their careers dependent on the break-up they have to keep this quiet.
The story focuses on their developing relationship as they try to navigate this new world. We learn about the changing demands on their time and follow the various friends as they get embroiled in this.
Entertaining story, where it was never quite clear how things would pan out.
May 12, 2022
****Copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review******
Not for me in the end. I didn't really like enough (any?) of the characters and although i know other people will find this funny, I was too cringey and anxious about it all. Also although this is a romantic comedy, I think shelving it under romance is not quite right, for reasons that I can't really explain without getting into spoiler territory. I like the writing style, I just didn't like the plot!
Not for me in the end. I didn't really like enough (any?) of the characters and although i know other people will find this funny, I was too cringey and anxious about it all. Also although this is a romantic comedy, I think shelving it under romance is not quite right, for reasons that I can't really explain without getting into spoiler territory. I like the writing style, I just didn't like the plot!
February 18, 2022
This book was easy to read and a good storyline. It wasn't the usual romance book that I read but I still enjoyed it, even though towards the end I didn't particularly like the main characters.
Just goes to show that fame isn't the be all and end all.
Just goes to show that fame isn't the be all and end all.
January 17, 2024
if im honest i felt slightly as though i slept through the first half of this book, but once things started taking off boy did they TAKE OFF. i did cry at the end, and i did enjoy it. not your average plot quite a few surprises pretty good can't complain!!
February 27, 2024
I saw this on BookTok so I got interested. It was a good book, the characters were well-liked as well as their friends who are the anchors to them. I will say one thing, I did not like the last chapter. You will understand when you have read it.
September 19, 2021
Thank you Little Brown Book Group for sending me this wonderful manuscript!
This is my first book by the author and I thoroughly enjoyed it, it’s a romance that starts with a break-up and works to reconciling in secret. It has definite Gilmore Girls vibes with the rich disapproving parents and the couple, Flo and Dylan feeling like they have to constantly defend their relationship. I was rooting for them from the beginning, however they are both better off career wise when they are apart and there are some great twists and turns that leave you unsure of whether they are meant to be after all. I loved the ending!
Not your typical romance, definitely recommend.
This is my first book by the author and I thoroughly enjoyed it, it’s a romance that starts with a break-up and works to reconciling in secret. It has definite Gilmore Girls vibes with the rich disapproving parents and the couple, Flo and Dylan feeling like they have to constantly defend their relationship. I was rooting for them from the beginning, however they are both better off career wise when they are apart and there are some great twists and turns that leave you unsure of whether they are meant to be after all. I loved the ending!
Not your typical romance, definitely recommend.
Read
May 7, 2022A decent and enjoyable read. Would recommend for a light read
Thanks to negalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review
Thanks to negalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review
Read
April 15, 2024I read 1 page and put it down. Hated the way it was written
October 9, 2024
I really enjoyed this!!!! The ending had me abit disappointed though🥲
March 6, 2024
struggled at the start, but really loved it
April 7, 2022
Dylan is an aspiring actor, and Floria (Flo) is an aspiring singer - neither doing very well. They are living in a horrible flat and their friends and family don't think they are right for eachother, and they end up splitting up.
Flo then pens a beautiful heartbreak song, which becomes a YouTube sensation and propels her into Stardom. Dylan gets a part in a hospital series and is best newcomer. Their lives are on the rise like never before. The only thing is Dylan and Flo are back together and in love - but no one can know.
This wasn't an earth shattering book, but I was fully invested in the characters and wanted to know what would happen, so couldn't put it down. It was well written, and very amusing in places, so I did enjoy it. 4* from me.
Flo then pens a beautiful heartbreak song, which becomes a YouTube sensation and propels her into Stardom. Dylan gets a part in a hospital series and is best newcomer. Their lives are on the rise like never before. The only thing is Dylan and Flo are back together and in love - but no one can know.
This wasn't an earth shattering book, but I was fully invested in the characters and wanted to know what would happen, so couldn't put it down. It was well written, and very amusing in places, so I did enjoy it. 4* from me.
March 20, 2022
Talk about your tangled webs and your star-crossed lovers and a plethora of other Shakespearean sayings. Literally star crossed in this case as, for both Dylan and Flo, their stars are definitely on the rise ... but only as long as they are apart from each other. In spite of being very much in love, and from the beginning of the book you can tell that they are, some obstacles are just too big to overcome. Work, friends, family ... all conspire against love's young(ish) dream, but a separation creates a new kind of muse and heartache really does become the making of the pair, but it's not enough for Dylan and Flo. When they decide to give their relationship another go, it is in secret, deceiving all their loved ones, as being back together doesn't fit the 'narrative' of Flo's overnight stardom. From here on in, Justin Myer's charts the course of their relationship - which definitely does not run smoothly thanks to the ups and downs of life in the public eye.
I really did enjoy getting to know Flo and Dylan over the course of the book. The chemistry between them just shone from the very start of the book, but it was also clear that as much as they loved each other, and as much as they worked hard at their relationship, sometimes the gap between them, the differences in their upbringing and the attitudes of their friends and family - mostly Flo's it has to be said - became all too apparent. Dylan is an honest, working class lad from Yorkshire, trying to make it as an actor. Flo runs her mother's shop and does gigs on the side, but her background is decidedly more middle-class and there is a feeling of Dylan just not being good enough for her in the opinion of those around her. There were times I wanted to shake the pair of them, tell them to get a grip and to tell their family and friends to wind their necks in, although both times Flo tries that it doesn't necessarily end too well. Then there is Dylan whose own doubts about being good enough lead him to make a very big decision, one that does have very life changing, and often humorous longer term consequences.
There is a very varied cast of characters around Dylan and Flo who bring really life, colour and texture to the book. On Dylan's side, we have best friend Max , who has been by his side since childhood. Max has his own issues to deal with, not least of which is an estrangement from his family due to him being gay. The kinship between them is touching and often adds its own laughs, but there are some rather poignant moments too, a good number of which are based around Max's sexuality. The subject of sexuality and representation in the media and in life as a whole, is really sensitively handled and blends well into the narrative, especially when Max finds himself a touch of romance too. There there is Ciara McLean. Tough, independant and one of the most notorious actors on Dylan's new series, she is the epitome of every stereotype you see on tv when a strong woman is represented. And yet, her character is carefully handled too, and there is far more to her than initially meets the eye. Between Ciara and Max we get a view of two very current, very relevant issues of modern life, played out in a way that really does get you thinking about how quickly we rush to judgment when it comes to others, and how much we can be manipulated by the media.
When it comes to Flow, she has her own entourage who manage to shake things up quite a bit. I'm not going to lie, I struggled with them - totally not my kinds of people. It's very clear that they are dedicated to Flo, which is perhaps their one redeeming quality, but they really don't make life easy for her or Dylan. Both Flo's mother and her best friend Estelle, make it quite clear how they feel about Dylan, and although her mother is perhaps a touch more open in her criticism, the subtle, and not so subtle, barbs really do hit where it hurts. Then we have brothers Sonny and Jesse. Chalk and cheese as far as personalities go, but both know exactly what Flo is going through with her new found fame, and provide support when it is needed. It's Jesse who I liked the most, and there is something more honest about him than any of the other people in #TeamFlo, even if he is nursing a few secrets of his own. But no matter which of the characters we meet, each are vibrant, authentic and original, and all certainly serve to make our love-struck duo's lives far more complicated.
There is a lot of humour in the book, as well as some very serious moments in which we are brought front and centre to some very emotive storylines. I'm not meaning the on again, off again romance between Flo and Dylan, although this is certainly key, but how much of themselves they have to hide or give up in order to maintain their success. Many of their attempts to meet did make me smile, and I felt a good deal of sympathy for them as they try hard to stay together when everyone around them is trying to reinforce how much better they are apart. Some of the flare ups between them, designed to keep people off the scent, feel a touch too real, and this very modern Romeo and Juliet tail does have a sting in its tail. As well as a kink or two, ones that certainly made me smile.
With great characters, a witty, frustrating, thought provoking and sometimes emotional narrative, this book has something for all rom-com lovers. Set in a fictionalised version of the worlds of tv and music, I can't help feeling that amongst all of the dramatic license, there may also be a small glimmer of truth behind some of what happens in this book. It kept me amused from start to finish and I know I'll be reading more from this author in future.
I really did enjoy getting to know Flo and Dylan over the course of the book. The chemistry between them just shone from the very start of the book, but it was also clear that as much as they loved each other, and as much as they worked hard at their relationship, sometimes the gap between them, the differences in their upbringing and the attitudes of their friends and family - mostly Flo's it has to be said - became all too apparent. Dylan is an honest, working class lad from Yorkshire, trying to make it as an actor. Flo runs her mother's shop and does gigs on the side, but her background is decidedly more middle-class and there is a feeling of Dylan just not being good enough for her in the opinion of those around her. There were times I wanted to shake the pair of them, tell them to get a grip and to tell their family and friends to wind their necks in, although both times Flo tries that it doesn't necessarily end too well. Then there is Dylan whose own doubts about being good enough lead him to make a very big decision, one that does have very life changing, and often humorous longer term consequences.
There is a very varied cast of characters around Dylan and Flo who bring really life, colour and texture to the book. On Dylan's side, we have best friend Max , who has been by his side since childhood. Max has his own issues to deal with, not least of which is an estrangement from his family due to him being gay. The kinship between them is touching and often adds its own laughs, but there are some rather poignant moments too, a good number of which are based around Max's sexuality. The subject of sexuality and representation in the media and in life as a whole, is really sensitively handled and blends well into the narrative, especially when Max finds himself a touch of romance too. There there is Ciara McLean. Tough, independant and one of the most notorious actors on Dylan's new series, she is the epitome of every stereotype you see on tv when a strong woman is represented. And yet, her character is carefully handled too, and there is far more to her than initially meets the eye. Between Ciara and Max we get a view of two very current, very relevant issues of modern life, played out in a way that really does get you thinking about how quickly we rush to judgment when it comes to others, and how much we can be manipulated by the media.
When it comes to Flow, she has her own entourage who manage to shake things up quite a bit. I'm not going to lie, I struggled with them - totally not my kinds of people. It's very clear that they are dedicated to Flo, which is perhaps their one redeeming quality, but they really don't make life easy for her or Dylan. Both Flo's mother and her best friend Estelle, make it quite clear how they feel about Dylan, and although her mother is perhaps a touch more open in her criticism, the subtle, and not so subtle, barbs really do hit where it hurts. Then we have brothers Sonny and Jesse. Chalk and cheese as far as personalities go, but both know exactly what Flo is going through with her new found fame, and provide support when it is needed. It's Jesse who I liked the most, and there is something more honest about him than any of the other people in #TeamFlo, even if he is nursing a few secrets of his own. But no matter which of the characters we meet, each are vibrant, authentic and original, and all certainly serve to make our love-struck duo's lives far more complicated.
There is a lot of humour in the book, as well as some very serious moments in which we are brought front and centre to some very emotive storylines. I'm not meaning the on again, off again romance between Flo and Dylan, although this is certainly key, but how much of themselves they have to hide or give up in order to maintain their success. Many of their attempts to meet did make me smile, and I felt a good deal of sympathy for them as they try hard to stay together when everyone around them is trying to reinforce how much better they are apart. Some of the flare ups between them, designed to keep people off the scent, feel a touch too real, and this very modern Romeo and Juliet tail does have a sting in its tail. As well as a kink or two, ones that certainly made me smile.
With great characters, a witty, frustrating, thought provoking and sometimes emotional narrative, this book has something for all rom-com lovers. Set in a fictionalised version of the worlds of tv and music, I can't help feeling that amongst all of the dramatic license, there may also be a small glimmer of truth behind some of what happens in this book. It kept me amused from start to finish and I know I'll be reading more from this author in future.
June 4, 2023
Unfortunately - this plummeted for me half way through with how unrealistic it was.
The start I really enjoyed and could see potential.
Half way through I ended up skipping bits to get to the end to see if I was right not to read on...end was a end let down.
The start I really enjoyed and could see potential.
Half way through I ended up skipping bits to get to the end to see if I was right not to read on...end was a end let down.
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