"The (Fake) Dating Game" by Timothy Janovsky is a delightful and charming romance novel that offers a perfect blend of humor, romance, and personal growth. This book is a heartwarming and entertaining read that will leave you with a smile on your face.

Holden James, the protagonist, is at a low point in his life after a recent breakup and a series of disappointments. His chance to audition for the game show Madcap Market becomes a turning point when he meets Leo Min, the hotel concierge who delivers pizza and distraction. The chemistry between Holden and Leo is undeniable, and when they decide to pretend to be a couple for the game show, their journey takes an unexpected turn.

Janovsky's writing is engaging and witty, with well-crafted dialogue and a lighthearted tone that keeps the story flowing smoothly. The characters are endearing and relatable, and their personal growth throughout the novel adds depth to the story. The exploration of Holden's grief over his mother's death and his journey toward healing is handled with sensitivity and authenticity.

The fake dating trope adds an element of fun and anticipation to the plot, as Holden and Leo navigate their pretend relationship while discovering their true feelings for each other. The romance between them is sweet and steamy, and their interactions are filled with both humor and genuine emotion.

What sets "The (Fake) Dating Game" apart is its focus on personal growth and self-discovery. Both Holden and Leo have their own insecurities and fears to overcome, and their journeys toward self-acceptance are heartwarming and relatable.

Overall, "The (Fake) Dating Game" is a feel-good romance novel that delivers on its promise of humor, romance, and personal growth. Janovsky's writing is engaging, and the characters' chemistry and growth make for an enjoyable and satisfying read. If you're looking for a book that will make you laugh, swoon, and root for the characters' happiness, this is a wonderful choice.

DNF at 32%.

I’m sorry. I can’t even pinpoint why I don’t like this story while I loved Timothy Janovski’s other books.

It could be the setting. I’m not a lover of game shows on television.

It could be the sex in this story. Timothy’s other books were more or less faded to black and in this one Holden and Leo were already having sex at about 15% of the book. It irritated me that they, after knowing each other for less than 24 hours, talked about STI’s and being tested, and immediately believed each other? So no condoms?????

It could be that I received an ARC of one of my most anticipated 2024 reads and wanted to start reading that one so badly.

It’s probably a me thing and not the story. But I’m looking forward to Timothy’s next book. After all, I liked all his previous books.

This started off so much fun, and felt like it could be a new favourite. Timothy Janovsky is really great at writing romcoms, and while my enjoyment of this fizzled out a little, I definitely did enjoy it. Alison Cochrun described this as "idiots in love" in the blurb, which is a very apt description and was so fun to read about. My main issue was just with the pacing. We're told in the synopsis that this is a fake dating plot to compete in a game show, but the game show aspect starts so late in the story, and I would have liked to see a lot more of it. And then the resolution after that just feels so short as well, which made everything feel really rushed after the story had been set up so thoroughly. This is especially a shame to me because I loved the first half of the book, which felt refreshing and funny.

I loved this rom com. Holden and Leo had me laughing out loud so many times. I love how open and honest Leo and Holden are about their feelings towards one another and are not afraid to so their emotions. The spicy scenes are SPICY!!! Holden’s ex Buckley is a jerk and I just want to slap him. Holden leaving the note for Leo, making the figurine for his mother, and visiting his mothers grave had me crying it was so emotional Holden going on that journey for his emotional and mental health was heartbreaking. This book the first I’ve read by this author and it was phenomenal!!!

★ ★ ★ ★ //5
𝐓𝐡𝐞 (𝐅𝐚𝐤𝐞) 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞
by Timothy Janovsky

THOUGHTS:

I want to thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for giving me the opportunity to read an e-arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.

If you love faking dating and game shows then this will be a good read for you. The characters are well developed and written as well as the storyline/plot. The spice was perfect and just the right amount and didn’t steer me personally from wanting to continue reading (sometimes spice gets overwhelming and this spice was perfection). We follow Leo and Holden through this book and watch each of them group as an individual and together. I honestly loved these two through the entire book. Please make sure to pay attention to trigger warnings as usual before reading any books. I adored this book until the very last page and would absolutely recommend this to my book friends.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my ARC in exchange for my review.

I enjoyed the authors previous books that I was excited to get this one. Holden and Leo competing in a game show for their own various reasons while falling for each other was adorable. Holden had been through a yucky break up and decided to participate in the game show (in his deceased moms honor) with his hotel's concierge Leo. Leo was a character that was hard to figure out whether he was likable or not. He definitely showed his genuine personality and talents over time. Holden was unforgettable in his grief unfortunately. He definitely needed counseling and guidance. Together they were hot, cute, and sweet. The sex scenes were very steamy. Which I absolutely love. The ex was truly nasty, and pointless. Umma and Holdens dad were great side characters. The game show itself was cute and predictable. Yet, the whole story was lovely in the end. Overall, it was a good story that I definitely recommend and enjoyed..

I used to watch Supermarket Sweep with my grandmother when I was a kid, so reading a book where the main character, Holden, wants to be cast on a supermarket themed game show called Madcap Market in honor of his late mother, was really special.

Holden won me over right from the start, and by the end of chapter one I knew I was going to love this book. Leo, on the other hand, took a little while for me to warm up to because I’m not a huge fan of his sense of humor. However, once their true personalities had a chance to shine, they both won me over. Also, who doesn’t love a good fake dating trope.

The best parts of this book is when Holden shows Leo how special he is and vice versa. The love, support, and genuine kindness between them was wonderful.

Holden’s father and Leo’s Umma were fantastic additions to the book. Not to mention the use of different types of games … tv shows, board games, and another pretty great addition at the end.

Note: trigger warnings are provided by the author. Please read with care.

Thanks to NetGalley and HARLEQUIN - Romance for an arc of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my

I must say I didn’t like this novel as much as I liked other Timothy Janovsky novels. I didn’t feel very invested in either main character and I found the sexy scenes in this a bit superfluous- they didn’t really contribute to the character development, in my opinion. Also, the villainous ex was maybe a bit too villainous to be very realistic for me. Still, it was a good read and I would recommend it to readers who like MM romance.

Holden needs a partner for a game show. Leo needs the money. Plus, well, they really like each other. A fake dating storyline as these two get to know each other… but will it turn into a real relationship?

Fun book, but also has some emotional topics… death of a parent when Holden was younger, as well as a couple of break-up storylines.

Oh it’s also super steamy 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for The Fake Dating Game to come out January 23, 2024.

This was a fun and light read, but the book overall felt lacking to me. It was a lot of telling over showing, and the language felt clunky at times. The antagonist ex was an over the top cartoonish villain half the time and actually justified the other half, which made him feel like two different characters…both of which seemed unnecessary beyond the opening scene. The premise of the main character being really obsessed with a reality TV show and adoring of brand mascots didn’t work for me either…but that is more of a personal opinion. I didn’t really understand the main character’s actions towards the end, and it felt out of nowhere.

Leo (the lover interest) was wonderful though. Very fun and kind and a little nerdy…I would have loved a whole book with him as the main character. And I did enjoy the romance for the most part, the chemistry was believable even over such a short time period.

Thank you Netgalley for providing this arc!
Okayyyyy bbies—I need everyone to drop what they’re reading to prepare for this book. It is ADORABLE, it is V Queer, it has loads of discussion of grief, it has a shitty ex boyfriend (or 2), a Korean Supermarket, a game show, and a fake dating trope. I am OBSESSED. I breezed through it in literally no time at all and I want—nay, need—more 😭😭😭😭😭 Holden and Leo are just the absolute most wholesome couple, with delightfully dirty spicy scenes. I just couldn’t have asked for a better book to break my slump 🥺

Everything about this book was so fun! I'm such a sucker for fake dating, and I thought our protagonists Holden and Leo were both absolute delights. The game show setting wasn't something I think I've encountered before in a book, and I found it incredibly charming. I'll definitely be pointing patrons this direction once I get a copy for the library!