Reviews

The (Fake) Dating Game by Timothy Janovsky

kaylyx's review against another edition

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lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

apcolley's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

jennp28's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

A novel that combines game show silliness, navigating grief, and a spicy romance, somehow successfully! Surprisingly nuanced for a fluffy romance novel. 

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docrobreads's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

aimhkaitlin's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

meldelizia's review against another edition

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5.0

Ok LOVE.
I love everything Timothy writes, but what this one really did well for me was represent the way grief impacts how we move through relationships. This was a super fun and romantic story filled with steamy moments and fake dating, game show madness, and a lot of other lovely tropes and elements. For me though, the points about grief made it a favorite.
So beautifully written.

thereal_naema's review against another edition

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fast-paced

2.0

The love story was cute but the plot was so predictable. 
Also, I will probably never get over the cucumber scene 🥲 wtf?!

ellpeck's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

natraf_reads's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

A book about grief, being authentically you, and pursuing your passions. 

Holden James is one week out from auditioning for his absolute favorite TV game show, when he finds his soul crushed by his now ex-boyfriend. Holden won’t let his emotions stop him (and his non-refundable airline tickets) from auditioning for Madcap Market. 

When he arrives in LA, he has a classic emotional meltdown to All To Well (Taylor’s Version) - we’ve all been there. The super hot hotel concierge, Leo, calls to tell him he’s disturbing other hotel guests and makes him a deal with a pizza to quiet down. 

Holden and Leo’s chemistry is immediate!! I adore Leo’s character, his big old heart looking for the best in everyone !! The sexual tension between these two is insane and I was rooting for them the first moment we met Leo!! 


This book talked a lot about grief. Losing a parent and the difficulties that come with that forever. Grief has many stages, and there is no singular way to grieve. I thought this topic was explored extremely well and Holden’s journey with grief felt real.
Other aspects of this book that I loved included the financial struggles of our main characters. This felt very relatable and I believe many people will see themselves as Holden and Leo. In addition, I loved the message of finding something purposeful in your life that fuels your passion. Finding a career or purpose that makes you feel fulfilled. 

Overall, I adored this book. The cheesy innuendos, the references to current pop culture, the banter - all of it was so fun and made for a great read! 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️🌶️

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callidoralblack's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

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