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A review by tessa_talks_books
Hate to Fake It to You by Amanda Sellet
3.0
A Mixed Bag of Romance and Comedy
Amanda Sellet’s Hate to Fake It to You feels like a quick jaunt to paradise—fun in theory, but it doesn’t quite stick the landing. The premise? A waitress pretending to be a social media influencer. I mean, talk about the potential for chaos, right? And yes, there are moments when comedic sparks fly, but the overall execution falls short of being a total knockout. Instead, the story settles into something… OK. Not bad, not exceptional—just fine.
Amanda Sellet’s Hate to Fake It to You feels like a quick jaunt to paradise—fun in theory, but it doesn’t quite stick the landing. The premise? A waitress pretending to be a social media influencer. I mean, talk about the potential for chaos, right? And yes, there are moments when comedic sparks fly, but the overall execution falls short of being a total knockout. Instead, the story settles into something… OK. Not bad, not exceptional—just fine.
The Tropes Are Trooping
If you love rom-com staples like fake relationships, opposites attracting, and the dramatic "big reveal," you’ll find them all here! But while tropes can be cozy and comforting, they need a little extra flair to feel fresh. Unfortunately, Sellet leans hard on the classics without bringing much of a twist, so the story feels a bit too predictable.
If you love rom-com staples like fake relationships, opposites attracting, and the dramatic "big reveal," you’ll find them all here! But while tropes can be cozy and comforting, they need a little extra flair to feel fresh. Unfortunately, Sellet leans hard on the classics without bringing much of a twist, so the story feels a bit too predictable.
What Didn’t Quite Work
- Pacing Woes: The book starts with a burst of energy, but it stalls by the halfway mark. Libby’s influencer charade overstays its welcome, making parts of the story feel repetitive and sluggish.
- Shallow Waters: Libby and Jefferson are… fine? They’re likable, sure, but they lack the depth to make me root for them. I wanted more from their backstories and motivations—something to sink my teeth into!
- Over-the-Top Moments: I’m all for screwball antics, but some of Libby’s influencer escapades didn’t land for me. The exaggeration crossed into absurd territory at times, which undercut the emotional beats of the story.
What Did Work
- Snappy Dialogue: If there’s one thing Sellet nailed, it’s the banter. The conversations sparkle with wit and charm, keeping the tone light and playful.
- A Fun Supporting Cast: From Libby’s quirky friends to the oddball small-town residents, the side characters add a much-needed dose of humor and warmth.
- A Cozy Setting: The small-town backdrop is vibrant and inviting—it’s the kind of place where you can practically feel the summer breeze and smell the coffee at the local diner.
Final Thoughts
Hate to Fake It to You is a cute, fluffy read for when you need something light and easy. It doesn’t break new ground in the rom-com world, but there’s still some fun to be had, especially if you’re here for the witty banter and small-town vibes. With a little more depth, stronger pacing, and grounded humor, this could’ve been a real gem. For now, it’s a solid three stars—fun, but not life-changing.
Hate to Fake It to You is a cute, fluffy read for when you need something light and easy. It doesn’t break new ground in the rom-com world, but there’s still some fun to be had, especially if you’re here for the witty banter and small-town vibes. With a little more depth, stronger pacing, and grounded humor, this could’ve been a real gem. For now, it’s a solid three stars—fun, but not life-changing.