This was a fun summer read and I loved the characters. Chloe and Axel and Leah and Owen have overlapping storylines that work out just like they should in the end. If you're looking for a light read with the merest hint of burn, this one's for you.

Chloe George has long enjoyed the spotlight as a Hollywood actress, but after her latest film flops and her breakup becomes tabloid fodder, she suddenly finds herself in need of some serious image repair. Then, during a very public tumble on the Met Gala steps, she’s caught in the arms of handsome hockey star Axel Poteet. Axel may be a talented player on a national team, but his bad boy reputation often overshadows his skill.
When a photo of their dramatic encounter goes viral and sparks rumors of a romance, Chloe and Axel decide to lean into the assumption. A few staged outings, they believe, will help reshape public opinion for both of them — and then they can amicably “end” their fake relationship and return to their separate lives.
Leah, Chloe’s sister and manager, finds herself pulled into the chaos of the faux romance while also dealing with Axel’s persistent trainer and physical therapist, Owen, whose devotion to healthy living borders on exasperating. Though Leah has always supported Chloe’s career, she’s quietly been nurturing her own dreams, keeping more than a few secrets from her family.
This is a heartwarming, wildly fun story filled with lovable, interesting characters who take the reader on an unexpected ride. Rachel Magee blends humor, charm, and emotional depth in a way that makes this novel an absolute delight.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions expressed are my own.

How to Fake a Meet Cute is a delightful, fast-paced rom-com following sisters Chloe and Leah. Chloe is a famous actress, Leah works as her personal assistant, and their sisterly dynamic carries so much heart throughout the story.

When social media mistakenly assumes Chloe is dating pro hockey player Axel, the two decide to run with it and enter a fake-dating arrangement. Meanwhile, Leah finds herself spending plenty of time with Axel’s personal physical therapist, Owen, setting up two compelling romantic storylines.

What worked well:
Dual Perspectives: Having both Leah and Chloe as point-of-view characters gave the story great momentum and insight into both sisterhood and their respective romances.

Pacing & Humor: The story was highly addictive and genuinely funny—it had me laughing out loud in multiple places!

Character Arc: Both sisters undergo noticeable character growth that makes their happy endings feel earned.

A minor wish:
Because the book balances two major love stories simultaneously, I wished for a slightly longer page count to fully flush out and deepen the emotional connections between both couples.

Overall, this was a super fun, lighthearted, and easy-read romance. Perfect for fans of sports romance, fake dating, and strong sibling dynamics!

This was such a fun rom-com! I’m always a sucker for fake dating, and the whole “accidental” meet-cute going viral was such a great setup. Chloe and Axel had plenty of chemistry, and I enjoyed watching their fake relationship slowly turn into something a lot less fake.

I also really liked that there were two romances happening. Leah and Owen were probably my favorite pairing, mostly because their constant irritation with each other was hilarious. Their personalities couldn’t have been more different, and I loved watching all that arguing slowly turn into something else.

There was plenty of banter, family drama, media chaos, and of course, a few very predictable romantic moments. I especially liked the sister relationship between Chloe and Leah and the way they were always looking out for each other.

Overall, this was a light, entertaining romance with fake dating, hockey players, celebrity drama, and two couples to root for. A fun read if you’re looking for something cute, swoony, and easy to get through.