2.25 ⭐️⭐️

When a self-published book or anything of the sort gets traditionally published, it seems like they try very hard to maintain the original plot points, characterizations, etc… so they just fix up the structure, format, or grammar… why is that? We, supposedly, have this whole team now helping make this book the best version it can be, aren’t we?

Anyways… I’m not actually a hater.

this was more for the vibes than for a plot, which makes it a good palette cleanser tbh. You can see that Dylan (MMC) was hopelessly in love with Athalia (FMC) since day one and I love a yearning man. also loooved her name, it was so unique and lovely.

Again, the vibes were louder than the plot, so it was the whole fake dating scheme was a little far-fetched especially since the reason himself was barely in the book, her brother literally materializes 2-3 times but other than that, it’s just our main couple hanging out and chilling lol. I also thought it was kinda weird they had the same therapist (the twins), that doesn’t seem right but Idk?

If you’re here for an easy and pretty quick read, this will do. Remember, you’re here for a fun time, not a long time!

Thank you Netgalley and LYX Books for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

I was torn between a 3.5 and a 4-star rating, but I decided to go with four in the end.

I can’t lie, I liked it, I enjoyed it quite a bit, and it did evoke nice feelings in me. But I’m also aware that there were some moments that weren’t great, and I know I’ll likely forget it quickly among all the other books I’ve really enjoyed. It’s not one of those books I’ll wake up thinking about months or a year later, remembering a particular dialogue or moment.

My attention wandered quite a bit while reading, and that was the biggest issue I had with this book—no matter how likable and interesting Dylan and Athalia were. The writing style was good, and I did enjoy it. That said, I’d still like to give the next book in the series a chance, as it might appeal to me more.

If you enjoy the “he falls first” and “fake dating” tropes, give this book a shot!

All Athalia Pressley wants is to rebuild the shattered bond with her twin brother, Henry. But after years of distance, she's starting to believe it's impossible--until a statistics class lands Athalia with an unexpected tutor: Henry's sworn enemy and campus golden boy Dylan McCarthy. Suddenly, she has her brother's undivided attention. Dating is the last thing on Athalia's mind--especially not with the arrogant, impossibly hot McCarthy, who embodies everything Henry despises. But when she realizes her brother's sudden interest hingest on Dylan's presence, Athalia makes a reckless bargain: she and McCarthy will fake date, giving her the perfect excuse to stay in Henry's orbit.

so they fake date and even make a contract for it. a little outside of what I'd expect for two people so young but it was cute. A fun fake dating, rival romance

Absolutely loved this book, I feel like going into it I was a bit worried that I wouldn't like it. I ended up loving it. The way the author wrote the story was beautiful. I would say check for trigger warnings. Bring your tissues.