Fabricated

by Zoe Lee

Superstar Lev Kagan is now my co-writer on a mini-series, and I should be thrilled. Except he also wrote and played my ideal man in one of his movies, a character that inspired the tons of popular fanfiction I’ve written.

I need to keep him at arm’s length so my heart doesn’t mistake Lev for his character, even though he really wants to be my friend. It’s a good thing I just started an online relationship with a sweetheart who says my fanfiction is giving him an awakening. I just need to keep all my wires uncrossed.

Genres: M M Romance, Slow Burn

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2022

About the author

Zoe writes contemporary romances and believed everyone will get extraordinary love stories since before she ever fell in love. She lives with her family near the mountains in Colorado, where she writes while listening to music, never drinks coffee, reads books in one sitting, and watches too many movies and tv shows. She’s been writing since she was a kid, but luckily she knows how grown-ups work now. Mostly.

Reviews

[Jenn ReadsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
I had high hopes for this book because I enjoyed the first one so much, but I had some difficulties getting into the book and then staying into it. That being said, I still enjoyed the story, but not as much as I thought that I would. I think the main issue was that the relationship between Lev and Niko gave major enemy vibes (from Niko and without a strong enough reason) until they got together as both themselves and their online fanfic personas. Once they got together, I loved them so much, but the build-up was a bit too unbalanced for my liking and the heat felt rushed after that. That’s not to say that other readers won’t love the book because everyone has different tastes, so I still recommend reading it – especially if you loved the first one.

I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and, as always, my review is unpaid and honest.
Fabricated

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lev & Niko’s story is built on some solid tropes: a slow burn and an unwitting romance in that they don’t initially realize that their online/text romance is …with each other. This is even more fun because there’s some tension between them in their initial in-person dynamic (Niko is standoffish for…reasons. Those reasons felt, at times, a bit contrived, but they worked for plot purposes). Their start had some rough edges for me, but I really liked both of the characters, and as the story went on and their dynamic started to evolve, I was increasingly invested. By the time I got to the end, I was all in on these two and didn’t want to say goodbye. Overall, a really enjoyable read.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Fabricated is the second book in the Fakers series. I struggled to get into this one, but I kept reading. The premise was good, and the second half was better. Niko and Lev were so different but perfect for one another.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lev was wonderful but I didn't like Niko

I loved Argus and Dallas in Concocted and was looking forward to Lev's story which I expected to be as good. Unfortunately, this one missed the mark for me because of Niko.
Lev was such a nice man, outgoing, genial, genuinely interested in people, a completely loveable goof and I took to him immediately. An under the radar superstar, he worked hard at everything he did and was a deserved success.
Niko was an introvert, preferring his online friends and writing his fanfic for himself and his million followers. We don't know why he shied away from relationships, only having hookups.
When they meet, Niko is just a complete arse to Lev, reconciling his attitude to himself as protecting his heart but that was no excuse for how he behaved. I really didn't like him and any of his excuses. He only got better right at the end once hidden truths came out but by then, I didn't care about him at all.
I loved seeing Dallas and Argus and also meeting Ben, and a glimpse of one of the next men to star in the series was intriguing so I can't wait for Mistaken.
Lev deserves all the stars but Niko just brought the whole story down hence only the three star rating.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Niko is a writer who is working on establishing himself in the entertainment business and a prolific writer of fanfic for his favorite characters. He has a big online presence but is a bit of an introvert. When he is approached to provide scripts for a limited run of shows to wrap up a popular series, it is the opportunity of a lifetime for him. When he is called in, praised for his efforts but told that his work needs something and another writer has been hired to help him tweak the body of work he submitted he is a bit taken aback. Not because of the collaboration but because the collaboration will be with the original series head writer who also played the character that is his dream man. Niko has to decide if he is ready to work with and get to know Lev in real life or if he wants to hold on to the fantasy that his huge body of fanfic has built up in his mind. As he relents and gets to know Lev he is then conflicted because he likes him and finds they have a lot in common. But he also is having a bit of flirtation with someone online. It was neat that it turns out he will not have to choose.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy Dahmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this story was cute but far fetched. Lev was so nice but straight. He wound up befriending a cop writer and eventually the dynamic worked. But for that cowriter to happen to be some fan fic writer he randomly became a fan of online and for him to make up a persona to befriend that writerv was far fetched. Then it took about the first third of the story to come up with what the plot would be and about the entire book for them to figure out who they were and that they were made for each other. A cute book despite this. I just wish for a bit more consistency. The book still had steam and good lines. Worth the read, but could have been improved. I still will read more of the series and do recommend this.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the fanfiction aspect of this story, that we have two people getting together over their love of one of the main character's fanfiction. In the "real" world, Niko is uncomfortable working with Lev because the fanfiction Niko writes was inspired by a movie Lev was in and he's trying to hide his feelings about that character Lev played and ensure that those don't bleed over into real life. That's incredibly difficult, however, as Lev is a really nice guy who want to be friends. Regular romance readers will know how this one goes and it's beautifully carried off here. This is another recommended read in this series and I'm looking forward to book three.

[T Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book begins in a very intriguing way, to say the least, and only picks up from there. The m/c’s, Lev and Niko, their first meeting sparks an interesting beginning. Their working relationship is a bit cold on Niko’s part for personal reasons which, again, feeds the story, nicely. The private/secretive on line relationship is a strong touch in which you’re rooting for them and the big reveal. Lev’s revelation of himself, or rather to himself, is a strong point in the book, it is the crutch of the story, and very enjoyable. I liked the characters a lot and their journey was entertaining and very fun to watch. The HeA just sealed the deal and left you very pleased. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

[Lisa Klein · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book with a cute story line. I love books where the MCs don't realize they're texting each other/ having an online relationship. I've really enjoyed the other Zoe Lee books I've read, but the writing in this one threw me off a bit sometimes. I also didn't realize this was a slow burn, which I don't mind but usually like to know in advance.

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Niko and Lev ❤️

Good premise, not the best execution imo. I had a hard time getting into this one at the beginning. I decided to give it a chance and I ended up pleasantly surprised as the book progressed. I am always a sucker for an HEA. I'm going to say that I'm a 50/50 split on a recommendation, this is the type of book some will enjoy immensely and some will not 🤷🏻‍♀️ unfortunately.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *

[Bridgette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was just OK for me. The story was good, I liked the premise but I just had trouble following it. It delved into the world of fanfiction which I've never read before so I'm not sure if that was part of my problem. I enjoyed the characters, Lev was like a cuddly teddy bear and Niko was grumpy and prickly to me. It was a low angst story and a slow burn that's made up for in the end.

[Malia Winger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lev and Niko are such a magical couple. Niko finally gets the chance to work with Lev on his first major scriptwriting job. In order to hide his crush on his handsome, super-talented, and straight idol Niko is a bit prickly. I enjoyed reading about the men discovering new things about themselves and building a relationship inside the Hollywood bubble.

[Amanda D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful

Another great addition to the series. I love how Zoe has created these two men who are so different yet so perfect for each other. It’s fun to watch them stumble their way to HEA.

[Bobbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabricated, Fakers book two by Zoe Lee. Loved the characters in this book. Had a little trouble keeping straight who was who in the beginning. I don’t know if it was me or the writing. I absolutely loved the storyline! Would love to read more about Niko & Lev!

[Jo Atkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had a tough time getting into this book which was sad given how much I like the first book in the series. But really my issue was with Niko and how he wrote his fan fiction. Was this really necessary for the story, I didn’t think so. The second half was better than the first half.

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good.

I enjoyed this. It shows what I always thought of fanfic authors. They really love what they do. I have to say I liked the first book more which is funny because I thought with Lev being a comedian I’d like this one more. I love Dallas more though lol.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is about to be a co writer with his superstar crush but he knows he cannot fall for them. They played a character he had written about. He is starting a new relationship online which he hopes will stop him from falling for them. What is going to happen? How will it go? Follow them to find out

[Maria771 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Lev and Niko, it is the 2nd book in the Fakers series. This is written well with great characters. I loved the humor, the reading is easy and leaves you with a smile. Recommended.


I received this book as an Arc and I am happily reviewing it voluntarily.

[RACHEL REED · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the second book in the series and such a sweet read.


Lev & Niko’s story was a sweet opposites attract romance.

The characters were likeable and well fleshed out and the storyline was quite gripping

[DLB2572 · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's An OK Story

This isn't a bad story but I really did find it hard to stay interested.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion.

[Mary Vitrano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soooo cute! I really like this author's style.
The flow, the characters, their development, the plot. Anything.
It gave me all the spicy feelings.
Absolutely recommended!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great second book of the series. Wonderful characters and great writing. I loved this book and can't wait for the next one.

[Jill Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first read of this series and I was so glad I wasn’t completely lost! The story is addictive because you can’t stand to wait and see what happens next! Couldn’t put it down!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really cute slow burn with two writers who get forced to work together, become friends and then explore more. These two were adorably sweet and their journey to their HEA was a no angst delight!

[Geboyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lev & Niko’s story was good, I was just not a fan of Niko so I struggled with this one. I am still going to continue with the series, this was just not for me.

[Thera · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took a little bit to get into the story but once I did I couldn't put it down. The unusual way these two end up together is very interesting. They definitely have chemistry together; online and offline.