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A review by tristatereader
The (Fake) Dating Game by Timothy Janovsky
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Holden James loves the game show Madcap Market. He and his late mother watched it religiously while he was growing up and he promised her he would someday win the show himself. So when he excitedly asks his live-in boyfriend of 4 years, Buckley, to come on the show with him, he’s shocked when Buckley says no, and then promptly breaks up with him.
Now stuck crashing at his dad’s house in the burbs, Holden decides to fly to LA on a dream and a prayer that he can convince one of Buckley’s friends to go on the show with him. Of course she says no, and Holden ends up drowning his sorrows in his hotel room mini bar. When the cute guy at concierge, Leo, comes to his room to tell him guests are complaining about his wallowing, they end up forming a connection over pizza and monopoly. A plan is hatched for the two to pretend to be a couple and go on Madcap Market together. Because fake dating always works exactly as it should, right?
I loved this book. I read it in one sitting, which is rare for me. I’ve read all of Timothy Janovsky’s books and this one definitely tops the list. And he’s showing us a new side to his writing as he has the spice factor turned all way up with this one 🔥 Although Holden and Leo’s connection could be described as somewhat of an insta-love, don’t be deterred; it felt so organic. This is a sweet and fun romance, but please note that our boy Holden is definitely going through it. I empathized with Holden’s grief and some of the rash decisions he made were so relatable and real. Grief is a central theme throughout this book and my heart broke, but the author did a beautiful job putting it back together.
I found myself smiling constantly throughout this book. I loved watching Leo help Holden reclaim his self-confidence in all facets of life. I loved when Leo didn’t push Holden and gave him the space he needed to heal. I loved learning about Leo’s Korean culture and meeting Ms. Min. And I loveddd Holden’s character growth and the perfect little epilogue to tie up their story. This is the author’s first book with Harlequin and it hit the ball out of the park for me. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
‼️ Just adding a CW: Leo is written as a light dom in the bedroom, but each sexual encounter takes place between two adult characters with explicit consent between both partners. They constantly check-in with one another and have a safe word, if needed.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for this ARC. Look for The (Fake) Dating Game on 1/23/24 💕
Now stuck crashing at his dad’s house in the burbs, Holden decides to fly to LA on a dream and a prayer that he can convince one of Buckley’s friends to go on the show with him. Of course she says no, and Holden ends up drowning his sorrows in his hotel room mini bar. When the cute guy at concierge, Leo, comes to his room to tell him guests are complaining about his wallowing, they end up forming a connection over pizza and monopoly. A plan is hatched for the two to pretend to be a couple and go on Madcap Market together. Because fake dating always works exactly as it should, right?
I loved this book. I read it in one sitting, which is rare for me. I’ve read all of Timothy Janovsky’s books and this one definitely tops the list. And he’s showing us a new side to his writing as he has the spice factor turned all way up with this one 🔥 Although Holden and Leo’s connection could be described as somewhat of an insta-love, don’t be deterred; it felt so organic. This is a sweet and fun romance, but please note that our boy Holden is definitely going through it. I empathized with Holden’s grief and some of the rash decisions he made were so relatable and real. Grief is a central theme throughout this book and my heart broke, but the author did a beautiful job putting it back together.
I found myself smiling constantly throughout this book. I loved watching Leo help Holden reclaim his self-confidence in all facets of life. I loved when Leo didn’t push Holden and gave him the space he needed to heal. I loved learning about Leo’s Korean culture and meeting Ms. Min. And I loveddd Holden’s character growth and the perfect little epilogue to tie up their story. This is the author’s first book with Harlequin and it hit the ball out of the park for me. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
‼️ Just adding a CW: Leo is written as a light dom in the bedroom, but each sexual encounter takes place between two adult characters with explicit consent between both partners. They constantly check-in with one another and have a safe word, if needed.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for this ARC. Look for The (Fake) Dating Game on 1/23/24 💕