Sarah Smith did such a fantastic job weaving threads of humor, work tensions, attraction, and societal norms into a solid but lighthearted story.

Cute story about learning to assert your place in the world. Emmie works at a tool company with a lot of men, and has perfected her assertive work personality. The only person who consistently gets under her skin is her coworker Tate, who seems to enjoy annoying her for his own amusement. Too bad he’s also extremely good-looking. When the two are forced to work on a long-term project together, can they set their animosity aside? And what’s behind it? Hatred or maybe something else?

This definitely shares a lot of DNA with The Hating Game, with its coworker enemies-to-lovers plot. And I didn’t care for some of Tate’s occasionally jealous behavior, which came off as pretty controlling. The author should’ve at least had them talk through it, so impressionable younger readers won’t think that’s an acceptable way to act.

But overall I enjoyed this book. I’m curious to see if Smith is writing any more with the same characters.

Hiding one’s true self hinders the intimacy from which love grows. Début author Sarah Smith finely illustrates this truth in her sexy enemies-to-lovers romance, Faker. Smith’s complex protagonists, heartwarming revelations, and steamy desire make for an enjoyable read. However, the saccharine love story that unfolds requires more suspension of disbelief than usual for romantic fiction.

Twenty-six-year-old marketing manager Emmie Echavarre is only one of three women employed by Nuts & Bolts, a power tool distributor in Omaha, Nebraska. Born to a Filipino mother and a white father, Emmie learned at a young age how to develop a thick skin in the face of adversity. So every day, she dons her “boss-bitch” face in order to survive in a male-dominated work environment. Emmie’s long-time antagonist is Nuts & Bolts media manager Tate Rasmussen, who has been inexplicably hostile toward her from day one. The two office neighbors have fallen into a daily routine of name-calling, bickering, and passive-aggressive behavior. (To be honest, it’s hard to believe that the stern, businesslike Emmie doesn’t report Tate’s constant verbal abuse. She instead opts to go tit-for-tat. #dontstooptohislevel #gethisassfired )

Friction eventually turns into sparks when Emmie and Tate are forced to collaborate on their company’s charity construction project. As the duo work closely together, Emmie observes that her seemingly apathetic - and strikingly handsome - colleague is surprisingly kind and considerate.  And Tate comes to realize that the beautiful Emmie is fun and easy to talk to.

Attraction between the two grows, but, given their history, Emmie believes that this ‘new’ Tate is too good to last.

First off, Faker is not a romantic comedy, as categorized by the publisher. There are a few amusing moments and minor quirky characters, but comedy is not prevalent throughout the novel. (A cutesy illustrated book cover does not a rom-com make.) The novel is actually much sexier than I had expected;  Smith is aces at writing kissing scenes, and her passionate prose and A+ in-car makeout sessions are hot. But sadly, the sexual tension, while titillating, becomes too drawn out and repetitive in nature.

Emmie and Tate, both fakers in their own right, are well-matched. Emmie, a no-nonsense woman of color who disregards her sensitive side as a liability, is the perfect adversary for Tate, a grouchy white man who fiercely conceals his introverted nature. Both are deeply caring individuals who avoid hurt feelings and heartbreak at all cost. Emmie is a likable, well-drawn character whose struggles with sexism and unwanted stares, will be relatable to many women. Her backstory is compelling and details aspects of her Filipino culture and her early childhood in Hawaii. And, for a “milky white” Midwestern dude, Tate is wonderfully open-minded and goes above and beyond to learn more about Emmie’s ethnic foods and native language.

Even though I genuinely rooted for Emmie and Tate, there were a few things about the brooding hero that I found unsettling. Tate is undeniably sweet, but some of his adoring gestures are excessive, which to me appeared a little desperate. (#lovemeEmmieloveme) He also exhibits fleeting instances of alpha-level jealousy. (#notcoolTate) Also, when the reason for Tate’s bad behavior is eventually revealed to Emmie, I found his explanation to be lacking and not particularly believable. Perhaps, if the story had been told in alternating points of view, I would have been able to better understand Tate’s motivations, but Faker is told in first-person from Emmie’s perspective. Smith does find a clever way to dig deeper into Tate’s psyche, but I might have found Tate just as likable as Emmie had she opted to include his PoV.

Faker delivers on palpable emotion and physical affection, but the plot is derailed on a few occasions by plot contrivances that border on absurd. All things considered however, Faker is a comfortable read. Stakes are raised, but not too high so as to overwhelm, and conflicts last long enough to raise concern, but not enough to cause major stress. In a world where news stories of ignorance and hatred are unrelenting, Faker is the romance novel to pick up when you want to change the narrative to one of understanding and love.

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I like a good enemies to lovers story and after reading the book blurb for the book, I was really looking forward to reading it. Unfortunately, I was not able to finish reading.

First of all, this review is my feelings about the content of the story, not the writing or the author or anything else.

In my experience, enemies-to-lovers stories have characters with animosity towards each other but also have a chemistry where that animosity is fueled by underlying feelings of passion. I did not feel that with Emmie and Tate. Their hate-hate relationship was exactly that. There was zero kindness or any spark between the two. It was two people who didn't like each other and their dialog towards one another was, for lack of a better term, hateful, which I didn't like. At all.

I was experiencing empathy and disdain equally for both characters and I wasn't too fond of Emmie. I understand her insecurities and that she covered them up by "faking" it, but she had that "mean girls" attitude that turned me off right away. And when I don't like the heroine, that's a wrap for me.

While I didn't enjoy the story, this will not affect my reading future books from the author. This one just wasn't for me.

***I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of the book provided by the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affects or influences my thoughts and feelings about the story***

A very charming and sweet debut! I loved the enemies to lovers dynamic in this and the surprise cinnamon roll of a hero. Can’t wait for more from this author.

3 stars
This was a fresh start for the author and the idea had serious potential. I liked the idea of a woman being strong and capable in a normally man's career. Naturally, men would be annoyed with a strong woman in this environment because they may see it as an invasion of their domain.

Rain into a few hiccups for me, but author looks to have more up her sleeve.

This was a cute debut. I enjoyed the Filipino representation. I can't wait to see what else the author writes in the future.

Faker was hot and sensual romance novel that revolved around Emmie and Tate’s workplace enemy-to-lover story. It was about Introverts and their issues, Fake exterior people creates to shield from their vulnerability, office environment for women in male staff dominated workplace, multicultural relationship, misjudgment, love and friendship.

Characters-

Emmie was Filipino, worked as copywriter who wrote about tools on company’s website. She faked to be bold and confident at workplace but outside workplace she was sweet, lovely and vulnerable person. She was developed character. What she didn’t realize was her fake demeanor at workplace was not really fake. It was a part of her personality. I liked the way she realized it. Her emotions were well described. Her fear, confusion, feelings for Tate and insecurity was all realistic and relatable. What surprised me was she didn’t ask Tate why he ignored her in the beginning only.

Tate was not really likable at first but was so swoon worthy. He was this grumpy, rude, and antisocial guy who managed company’s social media. Odd, right? I was not sure how I was feeling about him for long. I didn’t expect him an introvert. It all made sense when I knew more about him. Inside he was such a sweet, caring and true gentleman. I started to like him by the end of the book.

What I Liked-

Isn’t that cover cute? Writing was easy, so feel good that kept me smiling throughout the book. The story focused on Emmie’s life and her stifling relation with her coworker- Tate, written from Emmie’s POV. Her voice was fun and realistic.

It started with Emmie telling about her fake demeanor to survive the Nuts &Bolts Company dominated by male staff. One thing she didn’t have to fake at workplace was her disdain towards Tate. She hated him for his rude behavior. They both never talked to each other and if they did it was all work related discussion that ended with snide comments and witty remarks. Tate started this hateful and suffocating working environment by being rude and ignoring all friendly approach of Emmie. Things got exciting when they started working on charity project. Why he gave disdainful look and why he was talking bad behind her was big why and I was curious to find it out.

The enemy-to-lover trope was well written. I enjoyed banters between Emmie and Tate. Their development from disdainful enemies to passionate lovers was great. What I loved most was their conversation in hospital and how their perspective changed from that point.

Chemistry between them was irresistibly sexy and enticing. There were many intimate moments that were balanced by characters sharing their life story, family and past with each other. Their surprises and dates were steamy and fiery.

I also liked cultural difference and about Filipino culture. Introvert’s issue was shown perfectly through Tate’s story. How difficult it was for him to open up, give words to his feelings and how he was cautious to let anyone in his life. Emmie’s demisexuality was also nicely written. She didn’t exactly admitted it but it was visible in the book.

Climax was okay but I liked the end. It was filled with heated romance and sweet moments. I enjoyed the story. I would like to read more books by Sarah Smith.

Why 4 stars-

That twist at climax didn’t feel right and unique, which was the big revelation on Tate’s initial behaviour. And that came almost near end. I wanted something different. Moreover, I wouldn’t forgive that easily if that happened to me. Some making out scenes were overly described.

Overall, it was interesting and enjoyable debut novel with enemy-to-lover trope and hot and steamy romance.

It was one of the most highly anticipated book from PRH International for me. A steamy romance between two co-workers, who go from being enemies to lovers. The female protagonist has a strong character and stands up for herself at a workplace which is filled with men. I resonated with her on the level where she wants to take care of everyone and doesn't want to disturb them with her problems. The male protagonist on the other hand, I found to be a bit stalker-ish; reading about her birth place, booking a vacation without informing her and then informing in front of their bosses. It didn't feel like a sweet surprise, just something sprung on her. That's why I am going with 3 stars instead if 4.

Other than that I enjoyed reading it.

So this was fun, but it didn’t exactly meet my expectations. The synopsis caught my attention right away as I was loosely reminded of RS Grey’s Cold-Hearted Boss, a book I genuinely enjoyed, as it was set in a construction setting and the gold, old classic enemies to lovers trope. While I didn’t exactly love Coldhearted Boss, I would recommend that book over this one just because I didn’t feel the TENSION between the leads. It genuinely felt like they hated each other, and I wasn’t convinced of the romance when they started liking each other.

Don’t get me wrong, I had high hopes, but unfortunately they fell flat. The first half of the book was the better half for me as I enjoyed the chase, but again, I was really waiting for the hate between the leads to turn to some sort of sexual angst/friends/lovers, but I never really felt like there was a transition. Automatically went from “HEY I DESPISE YOUR GUTS to I LOVE YOU,” and I’m over here like wait...how did we get here?

Eh, it’s a pretty forgettable story, which is unfortunate because the plot called for everything I love in a romance.

When I started reading this book, I wasn't sure it was going to be one I finished. Something about the writing style was choppy, and I felt I got dumped into these characters and their goings-on in a way that was hard to warm up to. I just wasn't connecting with Emmie very well and had a hard time understanding why she'd be interested in even interacting at all with Tate, who was just a total jerk. But somewhere around 1/3 of the way in, it all started to click, and I am so glad I didn't give up. I loved the references to Hawaii (having grown up there myself) and the interracial relationship factor. It definitely added to a sweet romance and some awesome side characters.

I am not saying the plot was perfect (from my perspective)--it wasn't. There were some pretty abrupt turnabouts on the parts of the characters, especially Tate, that were hard to find believable. These are eventually explained, and while the explanation makes some sense, I still couldn't quite find his behavior realistic and believable. Nor was I really excited to completely forgive him. I feel like in some ways, this book is saying it's okay for a guy to be a total jerk as long as later a good reason for it is revealed. But you know what? It's not okay for a guy to be a jerk like that, not really ever. So that is a not-so-pet peeve I have with the book.

All that said, there was a lot of stuff I liked to outweigh the stuff that didn't work for me. I thought Emmie was so sweet and I liked how she took care of her family, even through a lot of hard circumstances they had been through. And in the end, I couldn't help but like Tate despite my extreme reservations. I cheered for them as they sorted their relationship out.

Overall, this is a read I liked but didn't love, and I'd be interested in reading more from this author in the future! Thank you so much to Berkley for sharing this book with me!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this digital ARC.
I do love the enemies to lovers trope when it's done right. This one, unfortunately, fell short. I thought about giving it 2 stars but my main note throughout this brought it down to 1. Just because you secretly have feelings for someone doesn't give you the right to be an asshole to them. Emmie and Tate work together but they do not get along. They bicker at work and they haven't gotten along since his first day.
There is no GOOD reason for why Tate has to be a total jerk to Emmie. He snaps at her, he gets jealous when other guys flirt with her, and he's possessive. It's emotional abuse. There are tropes that are fantastic in other novels that are obviously set ups so we can see Tate's softer side. It's too obvious and manipulative to the reader as well. We learn at some point that he's painfully introverted and that's one of the reasons why he's acted the way he acts towards Emmie. That does not give you a right to act like such a jerk to someone.
The romance is so rushed as well. The build-up is not well done. There's usually underlining chemistry between the two MCs so that when they give in, you're totally here for it. It's not here. One minute, she's rightly angry at him and then that all disappears the moment he kisses her. He's instantly redeemed because now her lady parts are reacting to this. And no man has EVER made her feel the way that he does even when they're just kissing. Give me a break. They rush through everything so quickly. He's already clearing out a drawer for her when they've barely jumped into bed together. The conflict is eye-roll worthy and obvious as well. It just makes Emmie look stupid when she doesn't immediately understand. This book had potential but it wasn't well-developed at all. It was too rushed in the romance but slow in the writing itself.
Skip this.

This book had its humor and charm, but nothing that really made it special. The pacing was slow and I found myself wishing for the end.

Emmie writes copy at a tool supplier. Tate works social media for their company in the office across the hall from hers. Since day one on the job, Tate has treated Emmie with contempt, barely concealed dislike, and refuses to engage in friendly workmanship. But, really, it’s a facade ecause Tate likes Emmie a lot and just doesn’t know how to right a first bad impression. Will Tate ever be able to fix how Emmie views him? Will they get a chance to explore feelings other than hatred?

This romance is steamy, heavy on the banter, and full of positive introvert representation. I loved it.

Diverse reads: Emmie is half Filipino-Hawaiian and half Euro-American.

I thought this was a good debut. I liked it well enough but I wasn't completely bowled over by it. The enemies to lovers trope was mild as well as the chemistry between the H and h. This was one of those middle of the road books. a good effort but doesn't make a favorites list.

Sarah Smith has written a sweet, swoony, and steamy romcom. This book is being compared to “The Hating Game” I think this is an accurate comparison. Both are workplace enemies to lovers romances filled with Snark, humor, and charm. So if you loved THG as much as I did you’re definitely enjoy this book. But as similar as they were they were also quite different. Emmie is one of the few women at The tool company where she works. For this reason she spends her days “faking“ that she is a tough cookie not to be messed with. Tate, her coworker is dismissive and rude, and unavoidable because their offices are right next to each other. I am sure you know where this is going, the ending is not unpredictable, but it is oh such a fun and entertaining journey! Emmie was a great character, one of those characters you’d want to be friends with. Then there is Tate. Have you ever had a friend date somebody and they just thought the guy was the hottest greatest thing ever and you just didn’t see it? Yes? In this situation I am Emmie’s friend and that guy is Tate. I just didn’t get the attraction. There was attraction and chemistry and I loved the banter between them, I just didn’t get it. In spite of this I really enjoyed this book it was a fun feel good read that put a goofy smile on my face. And even though I didn’t find Tate to be the man of my dreams I think he was Emmie’s! Not only were they attracted to one another they also communicated quite well, always a bonus!

This book in emojis: 🔩 🍍 🔨 💑

*** Big thanks to Berkley for my copy of this book ***

3.5 Stars - Debut

Faker by Sarah Smith was a strange combination of a big hit and a big disappointment for me. Emmie Echavarre thinks of herself as two different people – a tough no-nonsense woman at work and a chill fun-loving woman in her personal life. She works at a male dominated company where she is situated 3 feet from Tate Rasmussen, her coworker who has never given her the time of day from the first moment they met. In the beginning of their working relationship Emmie tried to be friendly and inclusive of Tate but after his repeated rebuffs she stopped and now cannot stand him. Quickly into the story, their company takes part in a community initiative where Emmie and Tate have to work closely together and are forced to get to know each other.

I will start with what I felt were the big hits for this story for me. I really enjoyed Sarah Smith’s writing and how she set up the scenes and dialogues so that it was very easy to understand Emmie’s background and how she got to be the person she was today. I also loved Emmie and Tate’s verbal and non-verbal exchanges as they slowly broke down their barriers and got to really know each other. I love a good enemies-to-lovers trope and this novel seemed to be doing a great job of it at the outset. There was a lot of sexual tension, angst, and some awkwardness that Emmie and Tate had to work through, which was written very well and was great reading for me. I also really liked Emmie’s character for the most part; she had a bit of a rough childhood and emerged a strong and independent woman who knows what she wants in life and values her worth in her job and to others. I liked that she didn’t back down from standing her ground with her coworkers and with the things she wanted.

The big disappointments came towards the mid to end of the story. Emmie and Tate have a pretty major fight during his high school reunion and [I won’t say any spoilers] this explains his previously hostile behaviour towards her. They make up fairly quickly after this argument, but this just seemed very unrealistic and forced to me. I thought the whole situation was extremely weird and not sure how Emmie could so easily take him back after a few apologies and kisses. Not to mention how weird it was that their families didn’t think the whole situation was odd, clearly Tate has a very specific type when he looks for girls (minor spoiler) and no one thought this new relationship was raising some red flags. I was just rooting for Emmie for being such a boss-girl who stands up for herself and I was disappointed when she seemed to always cave in once Tate kisses her. After that fight I just couldn’t really believe in their love story anymore and it just became a bit odd.

~ Harshita

I liked this book. It was a fun time. But I wanted to love it.
So, this was pitched to me as an enemies to lovers romance. For me, there wasn't quite enough angst and tension. I needed a little more enemies on this one.
I also found the writing to be over the top cheesey, and a but cringe-worthy at times. I see potential in the writing. I just feel like the editor should have worked a little more directly with the author and possibly took out a few slurping sounds during sex scenes. 😳
But, the general story line was good, and there were some great moments in the book. I hope this thoroughly explains my 3 star rating. I liked it, but I didnt love it.

A good debut novel by Sarah Smith, I really enjoyed the first half of this enemies to lovers office romance. Set around their workplace in the construction industry, they spend a lot of time together... But for some reason Tate treats Emmie with disdain and she has no idea why. .

I would have preferred a bit more push pull and I felt like once they became friends it kinda fell flat for me but that's a personal preference - I like to feel a little more angst and emotion in my love/hate tropes.

However, an author to keep an eye on!

Faker is a debut romance with a super cute cover. I'm a fan of enemies-to-lovers romances, so I knew that I had to get my hands on this story, but the story was every bit predictable. I didn't hate it, but didn't love it. It was just a story that had all the same elements of a love/hate relationship!