3.5 Stars

Faker is author Sarah Smith’s debut novel. It’s a sweet and romantic, office-enemies-to-lovers introductory story about that I really enjoyed, beginning to end.

There’s something about the “coworkers who hate each other fall in love” trope that I really adore. The animosity and back-and-forth between the main characters usually does a lot to build the tension and by the time they finally realize they have feelings for each other, it’s fireworks. When I read the synopsis of Faker, I was intrigued not only by the office romance element, but also that the main character, Emmie, works for an extremely male-dominated company. I had a sneaking suspicion that a woman having to constantly prove herself and stand up for herself in a predominantly male company would add another interesting layer of tension.

And I wasn’t wrong. The author did a great job of building tension and kindling the fire. It really made the chemistry between Emmie and Tate that much more combustible.

Speaking of Emmie and Tate, what great main characters. Emmie is sweet, interesting, and hardworking, but she’s also not a doormat and refuses to be pushed around, especially at work. Tate, on the surface, is this brooding, gruff man who works across the hall and seemingly lives to make Emmie’s life miserable. But as the story progresses, you get glimpses at the softness underneath that really is Tate Rasmussen. Pretty soon you’re swimming in it.

Having said that, there were things about this book that left me wanting more. I felt like the climax of the story was underwhelming. There was so much tension building the entire book, and what could have been this great big contentious crossroads where the story could have evoked a lot of emotion. Instead, it fell quite short and just sort of fizzled out. It was like lighting a big firework, expecting this spectacular, beautiful explosion, only to watch it quietly fizzle and find out it was a dud. I just felt myself wanting more. I expected to feel very emotionally invested in these characters that I liked so much, and I found myself a little bored with their “conflict”. I got the impression that the author felt differently as she was writing it though, that she thought that’s precisely what she was writing. It just left me wanting a little more to make the eventual conclusion of their story feel like a greater payoff.

That bit aside, I really did enjoy the book. I thought it was a great debut novel and I really look forward to reading more from Sarah Smith.

Emmie is a 26 year old women who is surrounded by men all week long at her male dominated job. She is used to having to have a hard exterior to make it around these men and when her coworker Tate starts no matter how hard she initially try’s to get along with Tate there is constant tension. Now after ten months of working together Emmie and Tate are forced to work on a project together hand and hand and are trying to find a way to just make it work. Emmie soon begins to find that behind his buff and rough exterior he really is a softy at heart.

This was a light and easy romance that never got to steamy. Although there was a section towards the middle/ end off the book that I didn’t love this was still a 3.75-4⭐️ read for me.

Thank you Netgalley for my advanced copy of Faker!

This was a fun romantic comedy with a hate turned to love relationship between coworkers. The characters are realistic and readers will connect with them for their quirks. The romance was pretty PG until near the end of the book when things steamed up a bit. This wasn’t my favorite rom-com plot of the year, but it’s still worth the read. Fans of Christina Lauren and Helena Hunting will enjoy it.

This book reminded me of The Hating Game. I hated that book. The plot line followed most of the plot points of The Hating Game too.
Girl thinks guy hates her.
Girl starts going on dates with nice guy.
Guy is jealous.
There is a kiss that the girl doesn't see coming.
Girl gets hurt at company sponsored event.
Guy shows his dominance over nice guy by taking girl home(Hating Game)/hospital (Faker).
Guy stays by girl's side while she is sick.
Girl decides she sees a nice side to him and wishes that they can continue not hating each other after she's better which she tells him when under the influence of fever/drugs.
There is weird confusing part with good guy once she's back at work over her still dating good guy and guy getting upset.
Girl starts seeing guy and is horny for him but it doesn't happen.
There is an extremely stupid reason why the guy is a jerk. (Shy/introvert)(Seriously, are you kidding me?)
Guy invites girl to social event out of town.
Girl goes and meets ex-girlfriend.
Freaks out because she thinks guy is still hung up on ex and leaves event.
Guy and girl make up and have sex.
There are some slight differences that made me like the main character, Emmie in Faker more but I hated the main guy, Tate. There were points in the book when he was so jealous that I was ready for him to pee on Emmie's leg to mark his territory. When she was in the hospital, he answered her phone and told the guy Emmie was dating not to come and see her. Emmie thought there was nothing with this.
Maybe I don't get the enemy to lovers genre because it seems to use abusive behavior as hot because they were enemies at one point.

Hilarious, fun and sexy are words that describe Faker by debut author, Sarah Smith. Office rivals are forced to work together on a project and find out they are a lot more "compatible" than they originally thought. Will Emmie finally stop "faking it" at work and in bed? And what will it take for Tate to "turn his frown upside down"? Quick, enjoyable read! Comes out in October!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have read my fair share of Berkley Romances this summer. I had great hopes for this one based on the racial diversity, hoping it would feel similar to Jasmine Guillory's books. Unfortunately, I didn't get that vibe. Perhaps, as a female in her early 50's, I am just too old to read these books. I found the miscommunication and false assumptions between the two main characters getting old very fast. While they are two adults in a professional setting, I couldn't help but feel this was 4th period Chemistry class in high school. Also, as I mentioned looking forward to the racial diversity, I felt that it was pushed upon us rather strongly, sort of as an afterthought at times.

Over all it was a cute story, but maybe I have just read too many in this genre this summer.

Before anyone gets all up in arms about the 3 Stars I’m giving this one, let’s get things clear. I use the Goodreads’ rating system. Therefore, 3 Stars = “I liked it.” There’s absolutely nothing wrong with a 3 Star rating. Also, I read this one at the pool so momma sho ‘nuff wasn’t complaining. When it comes to romance novels, they either click with me or they don’t. I’m not the world’s biggest fan of hate to love tropes (not to mention co-workers becoming romantically involved while continually acknowledging the fact that their company has a no fraternization policy), the premise of Emmie being a “professional faker” was a bit of a stretch (she didn’t seem to really fake much other than pretending she wasn’t attracted to Tate), the “we should take it slow” to about 427 instances of using the terms boyfriend/girlfriend (*shudder*) (and clearing a drawer out immediately to boot), and the worst thing of all . . . not being physically attracted (like AT ALL) to the description of the male lead. I don’t care how many times Emmie tried to convince he was some sort of Norse god – in my head he remained the albino monk from The DaVinci Code. And, in case you aren’t aware . . . . that is creepy.

I did appreciate that this remained pretty light throughout and the added drama (because there always has to be a little added drama, right???) was not super angsty and drawn out. I also remain in love with these covers – no matter what some trolly little “author” (*cough blogger cough*) has to say about the reasons why. For the record: #1 NO, I am not so dense that I think Young Adult stories will be contained within the pages and #2 NO, I am not embarrassed to read smut in public. I am the woman who had the following experience:

*SOUND OF ALARM WHEN ATTEMPTING TO LEAVE LIBRARY*

Pornbrarian: Ma’am? Oh, ma’am??? (Should have murdered her right there, it’s MISS mother*&^%$#!)

Me: Am I doing that?

Pornbrarian: Yes, sorry. NUTS DIDN’T CHECK OUT PROPERLY. WILL YOU PLEASE COME BACK TO THE COUNTER WITH NUUUUUUUUTTTTTTTSSSSSSS????

That was also the last time my youngest ever went to the library with me.

So not only do I call it the Pornbrary – literally to EVERYONE in my life – I also don’t “hide” behind the Kindle and am more than happy to respond to the question of “what are you reading today?” when approached at the fancy coffee maker with answers like . . . . . HATE FUCK.

Keep up the cutesy cartoon covers Berkley. I love ‘em. Just watch out about these leading men . . . .

ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. It don’t get much more honest than spilling my own tea all over the intertubes, kids.

In more objective terms, this should probably be more like a 3 or 3.5, as there is a little bit of one dimensional quality to the story (there's really no side or sub-plots at all & little character development outside the 2 leads), as well as a lot of Britishisms that had filtered their way into the everyday parlance of Midwesterners for some reason.
That said, I don't care, because I was just charmed by the main couple enough that I got lost in their hate to love romance. This is actually a pretty low angst version of the trope which hits the spot for me-- this was not a book rife with miscommunications or drama. It was so low drama, actually, that I think some readers may be put off, but for me, it was exactly how I like a contemporary. Would read more from this author

Very reminiscent of The Hating Game! I've been looking for something similar for a while and this has the same feel as it. Hate to love is my favorite trope and this one did not disappoint. It all seemed to happen fairly quickly and some parts were a little cheesy, but I still really enjoyed it.

This book was adorable.

Two adorable characters being insanely adorable together. I giggled, I swooned, my face was set aflame.

The coworkers-enemies-to-lovers trope has always been a favourite of mine, so I was really excited to read this one.

It really was the perfect way to sum up my summer reading. Cute and heart-warming. I fully recommend this book when you need something to simply leave you feeling happy.

A great debut romcom.

Fake it, fake it well, and never, ever, let your boss-lady mask fall. This is the motto Emmie lives by as she works at Nuts & Bolts, a power-tool company, surrounded by men. Big, burly, manly men. All day, every day. She's constantly having to deal with men who ogle her, or mansplain, or tell her she's doing her job wrong. But her Number One Enemy is in the office directly across from her: Tate. He's grouchy, surly, and always seems to be making noise. It doesn't matter how tall he is or how big his muscles are, Emmie cannot stand him. So when Tate tells their boss that they are working on a project together as part of the company's volunteer house-building project. But the more they are working together, the more Emmie wonders if she truly knows the real Tate. And, gasp, she might actually like the real Tate...

A wonderful debut featuring the classic enemies-to-friends-to-lovers trope in an interesting setting (woman in a male-dominated workplace) with a fantastic heroine (strong woman and biracial Filipino--love to see more Southeast Asian rep in fiction, but especially romance!). Sweet, delightful, witty, "Faker" is one of the fall's best romances and Sarah Smith is the romance author to watch!

If books received awards like at the MTV Movie Awards, Faker would be awarded the title of "Hottest Kisses". Does that entice you enough? No? How about an enemies-to-lovers office romance? Yes, you read that right! Faker has two of my favorite tropes and Sarah Smith's spin on them were fantastic. I had a lot of fun reading this one and I think others will too.

The enemies-to-lovers vibe were strong from the very beginning of this book and I was living for it. Emmie is one of the handful of women that work at a very male-dominated company. Over the years she has had to create a persona for herself to avoid being seen as weak or someone to trample over. Emmie is really the perfect sort of heroine for this kind of contemporary romance. She is fiesty, funny, and very much headstrong. We also get to see quite a bit of her attachment to her Filipina background and culture. It's not a difficult task to want to be on her side. Emmie's most-hated co-worker happens to be Tate, who sits right across her in their office. The two of them don't mesh well together and are constantly at each other's throats. Tate was the quiet and intense type of hero. You're not 100% sure what's going on inside that head of his until it's slowly revealed to you throughout Faker. He is much more introverted than Emmie, but equally smart and passionate. His broody and frowny persona did it for me, especially because it was so delightful to watch him become entirely unraveled by Emmie.

These two and their chemistry are ON FIRE. Seriously, the sexual chemistry is out of this world - they nearly lit my Kindle on fire. Their relationship is HOT and it's not because the book has a ton of sex scenes or anything. It is just HOT. The touches, the kisses, and just the air around these two are fiery! This book also has one of my other favorite plot devices: taking care of the significant other when sick. It brings Emmie and Tate closer together and had my heart all mushy and happy. Admittedly, their "hate" for each other does not last long, but I have no complaints about that because I enjoyed seeing them together so much. The cute little flirty texts they share with each other are one of the best parts of this book! The way Tate was so patient and attentive of Emmie was very romantic! There was some drama towards the end of the book, as you would expect with any book. I was glad that it wasn't dragged out for the sake of angst and these two actually communicated and used their words to get over this hurdle. The only thing I did not care for in this book was the constant mentioning of how "pale" Tate was - it seemed like a fetish for Emmie and I could have personally done without it.

All in all, Faker was a very strong and enjoyable debut romance. I'm looking forward to reading more hot makeout scenes (and more) from Sarah Smith.

Thank you Netgalley for the early copy.

This book was frustrating and honestly very unbelievable. I didn’t connect with the characters. I felt like everything was forced and for lack of better word, fake. I wasn’t invested in the story enough to even care what happens with the characters. I just lost total interest.

Thank you to Berkley Romance and Netgalley for my free copy!

FAKER by Sarah Smith proved to be a really sweet multicultural romance. It starts off with the classic enemies-to-lovers trope, but our main characters — Emmie and Tate — quickly find themselves falling into an endearing relationship that had me audibly aww-ing several times. Cuteness aside, Smith clearly also knows how to write sexual tension (I’m still fanning myself over here). If you’re a fan of contemporary romance and are looking for a sweet, quick read, then check this one out ☺️ Pub Day: 10/8/19

Faker was a great debut novel! Hate to love/work place romances... I'm always here for them. The synopsis of this gave me serious 'The Hating Game' vibes, and that's one of my favorite romances so I knew I had to read this one. I'm so happy I did.

Emmie and Tate have worked across from one another for years. Emmie is with a company that is primarily men, so she's learned to hold her own. It's different with Tate, though. The first thing Emmie noticed when she met Tate is how attractive he was. The second thing she noticed was he despised her, and she had no idea why. She still has no idea why. Now, the two are forced to work together on a big project, and Emmie has no clue how this will go.

I loved finding out all the 'whys' of this hate to love relationship, and I loved both of the main characters. Emmie is strong, fierce, and feisty in the best way. Tate is just everything. He's one of those characters you don't love at first, but once you see the real him... swoon. I adored the man. I truly loved so much about this book. Sure, there was a little unnecessary drama towards the end, but thankfully, it was cleared up rather quickly.

Sarah Smith's writing was fun and her characters were endearing. This book was enjoyable and I'll definitely be checking this author's future works. If you're looking for an enemies to lovers romance that is sweet and steamy, I recommend this!

2.5 stars. I'm rounding up just because I'm feeling generous.

When I read the blurb for this book, I got excited. I thought it was going to be a fun little rom-com. And I guess for some it will be....

If you are a hateful old bat like me you need to ask yourself some questions that go like this:


This book is very cheesey. It's one of those enemy then they are in lurrrrve books, but usually I like a bit more of enemy stuff. This one just didn't fill that need.

Next: I love that the story includes a multicultural relationship. BUT how many flipping times does the main man Tate have to have his skin discussed...we get that he is white. REPEATEDLY


But who cares because he is as boring as shit.

And then finally (because I'm totally going more ragey on this book than I should) is....does the character using slurp during sexy times make your head go into directions that it shouldn't?


or


Wait, I said this book wasn't that bad.


I really didn't hate it!

Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review

I adored everything about this story. What I expected to be a gradual enemies to lovers romance, ended up being something so much deeper and sweeter. I genuinely was interested in what the characters were saying and doing and laughed right along with them. I was constantly rooting for them and hoping they'd get their happily ever after. The plot twist and conflict was a genuine surprise, which I also really liked. I really hope Sarah Smith continues to write (even with side characters from this story!) because Faker was a stunning debut!

Emmie and Tate do not get along at work. In a male-dominated construction tools job, Emmie has to fake being tough, confident, and aloof with her co-workers. She does not have to fake these traits with Tate though, as he tends to bring out the worst in her. As there bickering turns to something more, Emmie discovers that maybe she isn't faking after all. Faker is a fun enemies-to-lovers romance that explores the idea that people might be more alike than not and that we do not always notice our best traits. The characters in this book grew throughout the story and left me wanting more.

I was not a fan of Faker. I wanted to like it so much - the premise sounded interesting and I love the enemies to lovers trope. But in the end...what was she faking? It starts off with her saying that she fakes her way through her job...but she's obviously good at it and you don't have to like your job to be good at it. The miscommunication between her and her love interest is so obvious I just became frustrated with them...one conversation would clear everything up. In the end, not for me, I couldn't even finish it. However, I loved Smith's attention to the heroine's cultural Filipina background, I loved the supporting cast. I'll definitely give Sarah Smith another go with her next novel.

I loved this book right from the beginning. Emmie was amusing; and I was really looking forward to her and Tate growing from enemy to friends.

I really loved the fact that both Tate and Emmie weren't extroverts, and even more so that at the end of the book they still were their own same introverted selves. Being introverted isn't a character flaw. It was really refreshing that Tate wasn't pushy - he was shy and uncertain at times. Tate and Emmie's relationship grew slowly but I wouldn't call it slow-burn.

I felt like the story dragged a bit in the middle. The story could have used a few more secondary characters (or the ones in the story to be fleshed out a bit more). I like stories with dual voices - this book is written only from Emmie's perspective. A lot of the story I was waiting to learn the reason for Tate's instant dislike of Emmie - and I was not expecting the reason.

This was an enjoyable read and this is a story that I will want to re-read.

I received an ARC through Netgalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.