I absolutely LOVED this book, Lynn Painter never fails! Fake Skating had such a perfect blend of so many tropes I love, and Alec and Dani’s storyline was so well written - I truly couldn’t put it down! Lynn Painter is the QUEEN of rom coms! I am already counting down the days until I can buy a physical copy.

No I’m actually 100% not interested in living in a world where there’s no Zeus and Dani!! Need there ro be a sequel!! Might be my best feel good book of the year.

I LOVE THEM SO MUCH IT PHYSICALLY PAINS MEEEE OH MY GOD 😭

GAH i am so beyond happy that i loved this one from start to finish, i was a little nervous as ive had some not so good luck with lynn’s NA books but couldnt stay away from this one as i binge the hell out of all of her YA stuff. this read was no different, every spare moment i had since opening it yesterday i spent reading this!

dani & alec had me hooked from the very start, i was intrigued by their past and what happened to them because there was clear miscommunication. i kind of guessed the whole time the reason for the letters stopping and ended up being right which i hated because honestly fuck that person. i even ended up not minding the third act break up because the way they came back together was SO fucking adorable.

as a total grandpas girl i loved every little bit of dani & mick we got in this book. it was so sweet to see how hard he was trying to reconnect to his granddaughter, he honestly reminded me of whitey from OTH lolol so grumpy but so beloved by everyone while also being a total teddy bear.

i veryyyy much enjoyed that there was no mean girl drama in this, i was a little concerned with it in the beginning but i absolutely loved getting to see dani form so many sweet friendships with no drama given how hard it was for her <3

over all this is YA in its best form, its cute and sweet, theres enough drama but not too much to where it feel TOO childish and who doesnt love a cute popular jock/bookworm second chance romance 🤭

This was a super cute YA read! I have become a big fan of anything by Lynn Painter and this one didn't disappoint.

The story finds two former childhood friends- Dani and Alec- who were inseparable as kids, reconnect after years apart when Dani moved away due to her dad's military career. But even after Dani moved away, they vowed to each other to keep in touch via letters and their secret coded messages. But somehow the letters stop due to no fault of their own, leaving both feelings ghosted and deeply hurt by one another.

Then Dani's parents divorce and she moves back to live with her mom and grandfather in the same town as Alec, meaning they will be seeing each other again as they navigate their senior year of high school together. But they aren't the same kids as they once were. Alec is now a big hockey star at the school and Dani is more reserved than she once was, having not navigated all the moves in her past well as a military kid.

When they finally come face to face, they realize those hurt feelings run deep. They try to avoid one another, but a situation forces them to 'pretend' to be dating. Can they regain the friendship they both lost? Who are they now? What are their true feelings towards one another?

This is a delightful story that unfolds- with a little hockey excitement thrown into the mix!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I could NOT stop reading so here I am at 3:30 in the morning writing a quick review.

I am a little speechless right now because wow - what a great book! Lynn has done it again and made me fall completely in love with these characters who feel so incredibly real to me. I was giggling (I had to cover my mouth so as not to wake my husband), smiling, crying, frowning, and getting pissed off while reading this. What a rollercoaster of emotions! And I loved every minute of it.

My one critique is that we didn’t find out why Dani took Benji to her and Alec’s spot. I really do feel like that’s a betrayal and I’m wondering why it isn’t explained why they went there specifically. I also wish that we clubs have been present for the complete conversation when Dani and Alec finally reveal everything and the truth comes out. I really wish that was not skipped over 😭💔 so we need a bonus chapter stat.

Also, Lynn, thank you so much for writing these YA books. My best friend and I call them “teeny bopper romances.” They’re the perfect pick me up, my favorite obsession, and some of my favorite books of all time.

OH MY GOSH. THIS BOOK WAS SOOOOOO GOOD. I love Lynn Painter’s books with all my heart and her book boyfriends are the greatest thing in existence. Alec and Dani are adorable and I so see myself in Dani with her sassy attitude and her shyness. I am so sad this book ended. But I probably shouldn’t have binge read it and kept reading longer to savor it. But oh well. I hope that Dani and Alec get their nothing like the movies book (minus the breakup because I don’t know if I would be emotionally prepared for that) that would be so adorable and I would be crying with happy tears. Friends to lovers is one of my favorite troupe and faking dating just makes it all the better. And of course when he’s obsessed it only makes me to smile, squeal, and kick my feet like a little kid even more. The only thing I have to nitpick about is every time an ~intense~ scene happens Alec or Dani will go “Dear God”, Dear Lord”, “Dear Jesus” it just feels excessive and repetitive because it happens quite a bit in the books. But other than that I couldn’t have asked for a better book. Fake Skating will live rent free in my mind.

I LOVED this one! The found family aspect as well as repairing relationships with family and friends. Grandpa was absolutely precious even though he had such a hard shell to get past. I loved the childhood lovers and fake dating. This book had me gitty and kicking my feet. The only complaint I had was that I don’t really think the F word needed to be used as much as it was but that may just be me. I would for sure recommend this book! I say 4.5 stars rounded up. Thank you Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC! I love Lynn Painter and her books, and Fake Skating did not disappoint. Fake Skating had me smiling at my Kindle and even giggling at times! The friends to lovers dynamic Alec and Dani have is so cute, and Lynn Painter really captures what a high school romance feels like. I rated this 4 stars instead of 5 because I felt as though the ending was a little rushed, but I still loved this book nonetheless!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fake Dating by Lynn Painter ⛸️💖🏒

My daughter loves Lynn Painter, and now I totally get why. This book had me smiling like a teenager again—and crying a little too.

Fake Dating is packed with Painter’s signature banter and swoony tension, but what made it a five-star read for me was the emotional core. Dani and Alec’s second-chance friendship turned fake dating turned maybe more felt so real—layered with past hurt, family struggles, and that vulnerable longing we don’t always admit in high school (or ever).

The hockey town setting, the childhood flashbacks, the complicated feelings and family secrets… it all came together in such a heartfelt way. If you’re a fan of Better Than the Movies, this one delivers that same sweet-while-still-smart energy.

Perfect for fans of Emily Henry (YA edition), fake dating tropes, and tender second chances. My daughter read it first, and I’m so glad I followed her lead. 💗📚❄️

Lynn Painter delivers perfection once again! Fake Skating is another five-star gem from my YA queen. This sweet and funny high school hockey romance is perfect for readers of all ages—from teens to young adults to adults who love a good dose of nostalgia. Painter masterfully captures the drama, angst, and emotional tension of high school while keeping the story completely safe-for-work (SFW) and safe-for-schools (SFS).

The story follows a teen figure skater who fakes a relationship with a hockey player to achieve mutual goals, only to discover that pretending might be more complicated—and more meaningful—than they expected. It’s packed with humor, heart, and relatable themes of identity, ambition, and connection.

One fun bonus for longtime Lynn Painter fans: our charming male main character, Alec, is the cousin of fan-favorite heroine Libby (yes, that Libby!).

Fake Skating is a fantastic choice for a multigenerational buddy read and will be the perfect Fall 2025 pick for anyone craving a clean but emotionally rich high school romance—with a sporty twist.

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for the chance to read and review this ARC of Fake Skating!

ove Lynn Painter’s YA! Her books are my number one recommendations for my 9th graders independent reading. Fake Skating will definitely be a top recommendation in the fall! This one had all my favorite high school tropes with tons of miscommunication, childhood friendships, and family tension. Painter knows how to write from a teen perspective. She’s dialed in to their emotions. Definitely recommend for any high schooler.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for the ARC

Reunited after many years apart, long lost besties Dani and Alec end up at the same high school after Dani and her mom have the move in with Dani’s grandfather( a hockey legend). Although they should pick up where they left off in their friendship, things did not end so well for Dani and Alec so they are reluctant to see one another.

Dani comes to find out that Alec, aka Zeus, is an up and coming hockey STAR. Alec finds out from a friend that Dani is no longer as outgoing as before and secludes herself from others during all social situations. They end up both finding each other is sticky situations, Dani need for extracurricular activities to get into her dream school and Alec need to ramp up his image after to getting into trouble. They both decide to help each other out by spending more time together not only on the hockey rink but outside of school as well, with Dani becoming one of the hockey’s team manager and the pair decides to fake date. Will they rekindle their friendship or will their fake dating turn into something more?

Thank you NetGalley for the Arc!

Next to Better than the Movies - Fake Skating is my top Lynn Painter book. It was such a quick, easy enjoyable read for both young adults and adults. I thoroughly enjoyed reading and trying to figure out what happened in the past to cause such a rift between the two main characters. I hope Lynn shows us what college looks like for Dani and Alec just like she did for Better than the Movies.

I absolutely loved this book!! Alec & Dani’s relationship/friendship felt so pure and authentic. I thought the banter in this book from ALL the characters was phenomenal. I found myself laughing multiple times over little things characters said/did. I really enjoyed the found family aspect of this book along with the little community they had! I loved the example of true, loyal friendship shown with Dani & Cassie in specific. The growth of Dani’s character was so amazing to see because I was truly rooting for her to just stand up for herself, especially when it came to her father. I also appreciated that we got a deeper storyline for why Alec needs to be good at hockey and kind of “make it” in a sense due to his family’s financial issues. It was refreshing to see him excel at the sport for a selfless reason because we don’t see as much of that in sports romances. Usually the guy is ONLY worried about his injury because playing is his dream (which is very valid, but again refreshing to see it being a bit different in Alec’s case). I feel like it added a lot of depth to Alec’s character. I also ADORED grandpa Mick. He was so comical. I did also enjoy seeing Benji’s downfall because he really did his job at being an antagonist. I didn’t love the third act breakup, however, I can appreciate that it helped add A LOT to the development of the story. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book as a whole, from the storyline, to the characters, to the development & would 100% recommend! I can’t wait for the release day so I can get my hands on a physical copy so I can transfer my annotations!

i have read a fair share of @lynnpainterbooks ‘s books and i genuinely think this is my new favorite. everyone knows i love a good hockey romance but this book takes it and adds an extra depth.
childhood best friends to lovers has got to be a top 3 trope for me & lynn did it SO WELL. dani & alec grew together- not just physically but emotionally and reading about it was so endearing.
i am obsessed with the plot, the characters & the way lynn can write THICK tension while keeping it clean 😚 i fell in love with the way alec couldn’t keep her at a distance no matter how hard he tried & the way dani looked to him for comfort and protection, regardless of the situation. their insecurities and hardships were realistic and things i felt empathetic towards—- these two have my heart & I swear i couldn’t put this book down!! 💌💌

This. Book. Thank you Simon Teen and NetGalley for the advanced copy!

If you loved Better Than the Movies then PREPARE YOURSELVES, Fake Skating was everything and more!

The story follows Dani and Alec, old childhood friends forced back into each other’s lives when Dani moves back to Southview. Except Dani and Alec aren’t friends anymore. Alec is the school’s hockey messiah and Dani just wants to blend in. When Alec’s reputation (and hockey career) is on the line, and Dani needs to find balance and friends, Alec and Dani strike up a plan to fake date each other.

I absolutely ATE THIS BOOK UP. I was thrilled to discover that this story was dual POV and I really think it just made it perfection seeing into both Dani and Alec’s minds. The tension????? The YEARNING?! Alec was so down bad for Dani I freaking loved it. As someone who was an athletic trainer in high school and worked at a sports management firm as an adult, I adored the found family and team atmosphere of the Southview hockey team. And Mick??? Dani’s grandpa goes from grumpy and avoidant to one of Dani’s best friends and it was the sweetest thing to read!

This is still very much a YA romance but the heat is cranked UP. Heavy makeout sessions and unfiltered adoration abound. This is everything you want out of a small town hockey romance!

🏒 YA hockey romance
❄️ Fake dating
🏒 Dual POV
❄️ Second chances
🏒 Childhood friends to lovers
❄️ Found family
🌶️ I wouldn’t say there is “spice” but expect heavy makeout sessions!

Lynn Painter is at it again - and by "it" I mean making me swoon and kick my feet and maybe even wish I could go back to high school to experience the joy and angst all over again (or maybe not...). Lynn writes amazing love stories with relatable and lovable characters and snappy dialogue, and Fake Skating was no exception. I loved the hockey town setting and I think I like Alec more than Wes????? Never stop writing, Lynn. I will always keep reading.

Thanks to the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my review.

ARC REVIEW!!

Release date: 09-30-25

Fake Skating - by Lynn Painter

First of all, I just want to say thank you SO MUCH to @netgalley for the arc copy of this adorable rom-com! This book was SO cute, and I can’t wait for you all to read it come September!!

Dani and Alec had that classic Lynn Painter feel, and I absolutely loved their dynamic. All of the characters were so dynamic and entertaining, and I’m always impressed by Lynn’s ability to make me fall in love with so many characters in the same book. The Southview friend group is truly unmatched!

The only grief I have with this book is that there is a really large amount of language (specifically the f-word repeatedly used throughout). I don’t personally love a lot of strong language in a book, so I feel like it could have used significantly less. But that’s just my opinion!

I can’t wait to buy a copy of this book for my Lynn Painter shelf, and if you haven’t already pre-ordered it, go do it now!!! Happy booking!❤️

Schuster for an ARC of Fake Skating in exchange for an honest, spoiler free review**

4.5⭐️ for this absolutely adorable hockey YA romance! I am a BIG Lynn Painter fan and this made me feel alllll the things Better Than The Movies and Betting On You made me feel.

Lynn Painter knows how to create relatable, lovable characters who see a good amount of character growth. I love that there is now a hockey romance for YA, however, do feel like this for 15+ YA, a little heavy on the language for a YA novel. Just a heads up for those recommending for teens! The romance was so sweet and full of yearning and second chances. I also love how Lynn includes a full scope of relationships - specially the FMCs relationship with her grandfather. Adorable. I would highly recommend for anyone to pick this one up if they want a cute, touching story… out September 25th!

I really loved reading this book so much; it had the perfect balance of being cute and emotional and I couldn't put it down.

Fake Skating is about Dani and Alec who were childhood best friends but had stopped communicating with each other. Alec grows up to become the hockey god of his hometown. Dani is moving back to Alec's hometown and after a misunderstanding, start to fake-date.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book. The banter and cuteness filled this book and was such an enjoyable and fun read!

Rating: 5/5

* Thank you so much to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the chance to read this ARC! *