
Member Reviews

First off, thanks to #NetGalley, St Martins, and Ms. Sellet who provided the #ARC. I have a confession to make because I did something that readers really shouldn’t do: I sped read to the ending so I could see how it would end (and so I could finally go to sleep) and then tried to go back to where I was engaged absorbing every detail. And I couldn’t. It’s my shameful secret; sometimes I can’t wait to find out how it ends because it’s that good.
If you love Hawaii, that alone will make you want to read the book. I thought the FMC and MMC were well matched and I liked seeing how their relationship unfolded in the book. I thought the plot -social media influencer who acts like Gwyneth Paltrow meets Martha Stewart online is actually three down on their luck friends/family faking it until they make it, each contributing their own personal talent to the persona of “Lilibet”, get caught in a crazy scheme where they have to fake it in person to a huge fan- was unique and something Lucy Ricardo might have tried to pull off. And if you like cringe comedy of the Curb Your Enthusiasm or The Office type, you will definitely enjoy this book, as there were many many of those moments, plus a couple cringe (but in a good way) supporting characters thrown in (oh my god, the disappearing accent of the “housekeeper!”).
Great beach read, fun, and light. Highly recommend.

This novel was laugh out loud funny, but also very tender. I really enjoyed that it wasn’t just a romance, it also centered around friendship. The characters were flawed and colorful, a little zany at times, but with plenty of depth. I can definitely see classic movies as the inspiration for this novel, as the author notes in her acknowledgements. Overall, I really enjoyed this read.

How fun is this cover for How to Fake it to You?! Libby’s life is not where she wants it to be, at least in reality. On Instagram though, she’s Love, Lillibet—glamorous and put together—but when her two identities are forced to clash when media heiress Hildy Johnson shows up in her small town in Hawaii, along with her companion Jefferson Jones, Libby is forced to take a new look at her life and try to make her dream a reality. In all honesty, this book didn’t work for me. There’s too much good on, the romantic conflict could’ve been resolved with one quick conversation (I mean so quick, but instead it’s a multiple month long break up, and not even a breakup because we barely get to see Jefferson and Libby be a couple). I loved the lead up of Jefferson and Libby though, they had great banter and chemistry and just a really natural feel together that I wish got explored. But Libby is also pretending to be married to a guy most of the books—because Lillibet is married—and Hildy is fake dating Jefferson. And I thought Libby’s friend Jean put so much pressure on her, I liked how they talk things out later but I wasn’t a fan of that friendship at all. Also, Lillibet is so pretentious, it was just a lot. I will say too though the setting was a huge standout and you could feel the love the author had for it and it made me want to go to Hawaii, and I did like Libby. She grows a lot and she’s just a very real character who is down on her luck and just trying her best. It’s a fun romcom, I just wish there was less going on.

This was a fun read! Quick, once I actually started reading it (took me awhile to want to read it, honestly), funny, goofy and heartwarming.
I think this would be the perfect get out of a reading slump book!!
Definitely will allow you to escape reality.

This book was fine, and it was definitely a me issue, not a book issue. It was just a bit too zany for me, and I don't have enough experience with classic films to appreciate the inspiration for the book. The writing is solid though, so if you're looking for a romp of a book with lots of antics set in a beautiful location, check this out.

Majorrrr flop. I couldn’t get through this. The Lillibet persona was so stupid and this felt like bad fanfiction about social media influencers. Nothing felt serious, the characters were so basic and had no personality other than IRRITATING!
I would not recommend this book…

Hate to Fake It to You by Amanda Sellet is an incredibly entertaining romance novel infused with humor. The central question revolves around who is deceiving whom in this delightfully chaotic tale. Will true love ultimately prevail? And what role do two eccentric goats play in this whirlwind of events? From start to finish, this book offers a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience. Thank you to the publisher and author for allowing me to share my thoughts on an ARC copy of this book.

I loved this one. I thought it was super cute, the story flowed well. I liked the characters. I didn't think the author took themselves too seriously and just wrote something people would have fun reading without having to look for some super deep revelation. Perfect summer read!

Cute goats and Hawaii and a lot of laughs, plus a refreshing take on social media and the influencer “game” — what more can you want?
Libby Lane of the north shore of Oahu created the persona “lovelillbet” in the spirit of making fun of influencer self-worship and next-level narcissism. But when she tries to keep up appearances when a real media savvy person, Hildy, appears, things get complicated. The story is a bit chaotic, but the banter is funny, the romance is sweet, and you have a perfect summer beach book if you like this kind of silliness. I definitely did — 4 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO Puppy-dog, deep-set, sparkling brown and blue eyes, but no green eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO It’s Hawaii!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!

I received this book for free for an honest review from netgalley. Thank you for the opportunity
So romantic I loved it

Hate to Fake It to You is a funny story that looks at social media and the draw of creating a perfect persona. There were many things about this story that I enjoyed. The author's voice was easy to read and the book flowed all the way through. The Hawaiian setting was a lovely backdrop and I could envision our character's lives there. Fast-paced and silly at times, the story is light and doesn't take itself too seriously. The story begins with a deception and I struggled with it going on for so long. Additionally, the romance felt unearned, however, while this isn't a YA our couple is young. Overall, I think this would be a great summer read.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press Griffin and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this one in exchange for an honest review!
I loved the Hawaiian setting of this one and the cover is super cute.
Unfortunately, this book was so boring and I just couldn't get into it. I really don't like when characters are lying to other characters and that is the whole premise of this book.
I hope others love this one!

If you’re looking for a fun, silly, and completely unbelievable rom-com to escape reality, look no further. Fast-paced books are usually a hit or miss with me, but luckily, I read this when I needed some escapism, and this book delivered.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book!! I couldn’t put it down.
I just loved all the characters. I highly recommend this book.

This one didn't work for me -- I didn't like the characters (especially the supporting cast), the story felt packed a little too full of things and didn't let the central romance breathe, and ultimately it just was not for me.

Libby aspira convertirse en periodista, junto con su amiga Jen tienen una cuenta falsa en donde finge see una chica llamada Lillibeth en donde suben fotos y frases "inspiradoras" para millonarias.
Jefferson trabaja en búsqueda y rescate, además es fotógrafo de vida salvaje, su ex le fue infiel y cuando una heredera de una de las familias más importantes sufre un accidente, es recatada por Jeff y resulta ser fan de de Lillibeth. Como agradecimiento lo invita de vacaciones Libby es convencida por su amiga para que aproveche que es fan y logré cumplir su sueño
No me gustó que los capítulos empezarán con publicaciones de ig y todos esos #.
Que insoportable fue Jean, no entiendo como Libby siguió siendo su amiga debió alejarse de esa sanguijuela.
Falta información, ¿cómo consiguió Jean que el esposo falso aceptara todo el plan y que le prestara su casa? ¿que queria lograr Hildy con la colaboración? ¿Cómo se supone que Libby lograría convertirse en periodista con conocer a Hildy? ¿Cuál era la finalidad de la relación falsa entre Jefferson y Hildy? ¿Cómo es que se volvieron mejores amigos (J y H) en cuestión de días?
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book offers a delightful blend of humor and romance, making it a fun summer read. The comedic moments are genuinely laugh-out-loud, though the focus on friendships sometimes overshadows the romantic development. The character interactions are enjoyable, and the Hawaiian setting adds a charming backdrop. While it has its flaws, such as occasional miscommunication frustrations and a somewhat rushed character arc, it's still a sweet and entertaining rom-com worth checking out. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

This was so fun! I loved the concept and some moments were so ridiculously funny I just couldn't stop laughing. I did feel as if it took awhile to get all the characters together. And, in ways, the novel seemed to focus more on all the friendships -- which is fantastic -- but I felt like there wasn't enough space on the page for the romance to really bloom.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one but found myself speeding through certain parts.
There were some EPICALLY funny moments, and it's worth it for that. I don't always laugh aloud in romcoms -- but this one showed up!
3.5 stars

I couldn’t get into her character at all. I wanted to. I love the premise of this woman’s journey. I bet the audio version would be incredible!

A chaotic romcom that I feel like you will either love wholly or can completely do without. The writing style appeals to certain individuals. While i enjoyed the characters, parts did get on my nerves. Influencer culture is on my last nerve and maybe that’s why my mindset wasn’t a full 4 stars. There are laughable parts for sure, it’s sweet and with summertime vibes. Just try it.