Fake It Till You Break It by Jenn P. Nguyen is an adorable take on the fake dating trope. The story is realistic as it follows both the sweetness and awkwardness of love, and the main characters are so encouraging of one another. This is a great read to relax with this summer.
Author: Jenn P. Nguyen
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: May 28, 2019
Rating:
Mia and Jake have known each other their whole lives. They’ve endured summer vacations, Sunday brunches, even dentist visits together. Their mothers, who are best friends, are convinced that Mia and Jake would be the perfect couple, even though they can’t stand to be in the same room together.
After Mia’s mom turns away yet another cute boy, Mia and Jake decide they’ve have had enough. Together, they hatch a plan to get their moms off their backs. Permanently. All they have to do is pretend to date and then stage the worst breakup of all time—and then they’ll be free.
The only problem is, maybe Jake and Mia don’t hate each other as much as they once thought…
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: Fake it Till You Break It by Jenn P. Nguyen
❀ Perfect for Summer
The book tells the story of two neighbours whose mothers are convinced that they will make the perfect couple. Desperate for the chance to date who she wants and have her mother stop pushing her toward her enemy, Mia consults Jake, and they devise a plan to fake date each other and stage a breakup later on. Only the two enemies start to fall for each other for real. I love the fake dating trope and the sweetness that comes with it. I feel like this take on it is executed well as it contains all the awkwardness of falling in love, and the characters have interesting motives. As well, I enjoyed the dual narration, as it provides insight into both the characters’ lives and hidden thoughts. Above all, this is a fast and sweet read that is perfect for the summer.
❀ Enjoyable Narrators
Both Mia and Jake are enjoyable narrators, and I loved reading about their interactions. Mia has an interest in theatre, but it too insecure to try and pursue her passion. She is a little awkward, but this is what makes her realistic. Jake also has an interest in the arts, but he gave up on music. I personally liked Jake’s character more because I felt as though he is more developed, especially with his family situation, but Mia is still likeable. It is really enjoyable how both Jake and Mia have their own goals and encourage each other to push themselves in order to make progress. I always love a supportive relationship, and this book delivered on that.
❀ A cute read
Fake It Till You Break It by Jenn P. Nguyen is a cute read about a fake relationship in order to appease controlling mothers. I enjoyed the realistic depiction of falling in love and the supportive main characters. Fans of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before would enjoy this summer contemporary.
About Jenn P. Nguyen
Jenn Nguyen fell in love with books in third grade and spent the rest of her school years reading through lunchtime and giving up recess to organize the school library. She has a degree in business administration from the University of New Orleans and still lives in the city with her husband. Jenn spends her days reading, dreaming up YA romances, and binge watching Korean dramas all in the name of 'research'. The Way to Game the Walk of Shame is her debut novel.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.