I received this arc in exchange for an honest review. 🤍

as much as i thought the writing style and pacing was good, plot-wise this book just wasn’t for me. the entire time i felt like it was going to end up being a story where she realises how much better she can do but that wasn’t the case. they were separated for the entire book and get back together and engaged on the same day?? it was just all over the place

i feel like the saving grace for this book wouldn’t been a dual pov. if we saw joe’s side of things from the beginning the experience would have been so much different

Thank you for my eARC of this book. Sadly I didn’t finish this as I just wasn’t invested enough to continue.

The "fake it through xyz" vibe reminded me a lot of Happy Place. I did highly enjoy this one. There was tension, chemistry, and romance. The miscommunication started to grind my gears a bit, but I understand why it was necessary for the story. Overall it was a very cute romance!

Fake dating tropes are my cryptonite. I just can’t get enough of them. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from this author.

This book was great, it felt fresh and not like anything else I've read lately. It kept me intrigued all the way through, I didn't want to put it down.

I love fake dating tropes, but this one didn't hit the mark for me. I saw no chemistry between Cara and Millsy, and second chance romances don't often work for me.

This was a great read, my first book by this author and I'll definitely be checking out more from them

I really enjoyed how chaotic the main characters were together, it lead to a lot of funny moments

The ending/the getting back together felt a bit rushed, I wished it was dragged out a little more and got to spend some time with them actually together

- second chance
- fake dating-ish / pretending to still be together
- slow burn

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for the arc - all opinions are my own

Cara and millsy decide to not tell their families they broke up 6 weeks ago.
Honestly this couple had no chemistry. I didn't really like any of the characters and millsy voice coach was so annoying.

Cara and Millsy broke up but decided for the sake of their familie to pretend to still be together until after Christmas. This is a cute holiday themed fake dating/second chance romance, and I would have liked this more if I wasn't beaten over the head with the miscommunication between the two characters.

I love all the tropes and the cute story! I have enjoyed Portia MacIntosh's writing and was so glad I got to read this one! Definitely recommend. :)

Thank you NetGalley and Portia MacIntosh!

Great easy read, I had no idea it was a sequel, but it didn’t affect the story for me.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

I liked the premise of this book, and felt that although predictable, it was sweet. I hadn't read the first in this series, but didn't think that impacted my reading of this one.

Lovely book, easy to read with lighthearted humour throughout. Would recommend alongside all the other books by the same author

This book has some of my favourite tropes in. Second chance being my all time favourite 👏 I know love triangles can be touch and go for some people but I'm here for it.
Really enjoyed this book, love Portias writing 🔥

Fake dating is my all time favourite trope, but I'm not too fond of second chance romance. This was still a really quick and easy read, which gets the reader in the perfect holiday spirit. There were some miscommunication in this book which I did not like at all and I think the book would have been more enjoyable without it, I also did not connect too well with the characters, but overall it was an okay read which is perfect for the holidays.

When love becomes a performance, can it still find its way back? This is the questions The Faking Game by Portia MacIntosh delivers the answer to. This story is a delightful and heartwarming fake relationship romcom that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.

Meet Cara Brooks and Millsy. They’re the couple who broke up. Sort-of. After years of being everyone's favourite duo, they've lost their spark. But when a calendar full of events and family celebrations looms ahead, they hatch a plan: pretend they're still madly in love during the festivities and deal with their breakup in the new year. Can they keep up the act without unraveling their hearts?

MacIntosh's writing sparkles with wit and warmth. She captures the magic of Christmas, sprinkling it over every page like little fluffy snowflakes. It’s a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace and this book is your next irresistible holiday read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a cute story, very quick read. I enjoyed the fake relationship angle for the holidays. I'll read another book from this author in the future.

I recently had the pleasure of delving into this book, and I am beyond impressed with the mesmerizing world that the author has crafted. From start to finish, the intricate plot weaves a tapestry of suspense, emotion, and unexpected twists that kept me eagerly turning the pages.

One of the standout features of this book is undoubtedly its characters. Each one is meticulously developed, breathing life into the narrative with their unique personalities, motivations, and flaws. The protagonists are not just names on paper; they are relatable, complex individuals with whom readers can form a genuine connection. The antagonist, too, is not a mere foil but a multi-dimensional force that adds depth to the story. The author's ability to create such well-rounded characters is a testament to their storytelling prowess.

The plot unfolds seamlessly, drawing the reader into a richly layered narrative that expertly balances tension, drama, and moments of poignant reflection. The pacing is impeccable, maintaining a perfect rhythm that keeps the reader engaged without sacrificing the depth of the story. The author skillfully navigates through various plot arcs, interweaving them with finesse to create a cohesive and satisfying whole.

What sets this book apart is its ability to tackle profound themes while maintaining an accessible and engaging narrative. The book seamlessly combines suspense and emotional depth, making it a truly immersive experience. The author's prose is both elegant and evocative, painting vivid imagery that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page is turned.

As I reached the conclusion, I found myself yearning for more from this talented author. Their ability to craft a gripping plot and bring characters to life is truly commendable. I eagerly anticipate future works and would wholeheartedly recommend this book to any reader who appreciates a masterfully told tale. If you're searching for a book that seamlessly blends captivating characters with a compelling plot, this is a shining example. I can't wait to explore more literary worlds crafted by this exceptional storyteller.

Genuinely enjoyable, light hearted read. Full of laugh out moments but with a warmth that generates a literal feeling of wanting Cara and Joe to sort themselves out! Great characters and settings, originality sets this book apart from others in the genre. Definitely worth picking up.

Thank you Netgalley

Cara and Millsy decide to pretend to be together during a holiday trip to Scotland to avoid upsetting their families after breaking up due to long-distance challenges. As they fake their relationship, Cara realizes she still loves Millsy, but he seems to have moved on. Classic miscommunication ensues, causing tension and jealousy. Portia MacIntosh's "The Faking Game" is a captivating fake-dating romcom that explores the dynamics of relationships during the festive season. Despite some love triangle elements, the book's fast pace, intense mood, and sizzling romance make it an engaging read.