This book fell flat for me. Whether it was the character development or lack thereof, or that I just didn't seem to engage and route for the characters but I found this overall slow and lacking. I expect to come away from books like this uplifted but it just didn't seem to hit the mark.

I must firstly apologise for the amount of time it has taken me to provide me review of this book, my health was rather bad for quite some time, something that had me in hospital on numerous occasions and simply didnt leave me with the time I once had to do what I love most.

Unfortunately that does mean I have missed the archive date for many of these books, so It would feel unjust throwing any review together without being able to pay attention to each novel properly.

However, I am now back to reading as before and look forward to sharing my honest reviews as always going forward. I thank you f0r the patience and understanding throughout x

DNF - the premise no longer appeals to me, I would like to thank the publisher for the opportunity to read this novel however

Brilliant book. Great story, fab writing, lots of depth and the characters were lovely. Did not want it to end. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion

I really liked the sound of this book. A couple from different walks of life , struggling artists, living to make ends meet, then dealing with a break up. Then, they decide to get back together but not tell anyone. The book was well written and there were some amusing moments. However, the story and characters just didn't grab my attention. which is a real shame.

This was an interesting read! I enjoyed the dialogue and found it a pretty easy read! The cover is also quite cute!!

First Justin Myers book I’ve read and loved it!

Flo and Dylan are in love but as far as everyone else know they have broken up!

Both characters careers are soaring yet they were together when it was tough and now have to pretend not to be together.

I loved Dylan as he’s more down to earth, Flo grew on me, both have endearing backstories and the story gave an insight into how media blows things out of proportion.

This just wasn’t for me. I didn’t like the characters or the style it was written. Sadly it was a DNF therefore marked as an average read at 3 stars

Unfortunately - this plummeted for me half way through with how unrealistic it was.

The start I really enjoyed and could see potential.

Half way through I ended up skipping bits to get to the end to see if I was right not to read on...end was a end let down.

Dnf @ 10% Chapter 3

Honestly I should have realized this one wasn't for me, based on the premis and not being a big fan of second chance romance. But I did love the concept of the fake break up, twist on on a trope I adore so I decided to give a try.

The couple of chapters I read, were lovely and showed their relationship so well. Giving glimpses into their past and romance, the little details and the life they've formed together was really sweet.

Getting to see Dylan & Flo's povs was interesting too, as while both are creative types
it appears they have come from very opposite lifestyles. Which made some off the cracks start to show, as have oppossite pov.

Especially Flo's friend group which came across awful, although it did seem strange that targets on Dylan when it's not like Flo had shown any progress either.

Sadly I think I just lost interest in the idea of them like breaking up just to then reunite and fake it. Very much a case of me and not the book, I will say I think it would probably make an incredible movie RomCom.

Especially having looked at some other reviews and skimming further, I just don't think it's the right book for me.

This isn't the normal style of book I ho for but the plot outline sounded interesting so I decided to give it a go. Im glad I took the chance to read it as I loved it. The main characters are fab and I could imagine being friends with Dylan and Flo. It's interesting to see how the dynamic between the two changes as their relationship adapts to their respective change of fortunes. Will they manage to stay together when game and fortune beckons.

The Fake Up is an original novel about Dylan and Flo, a couple who are in love but pretend to the world that they’ve split up. It’s hard to give a more detailed synopsis without including spoilers.
I loved the idea of the novel and thought it was quite unique but really struggled to get along with the characters, who in some cases were incredibly unlikeable. It’s a fun idea and a great choice for romcom fans.

I didn't enjoy The Fake-Up. I struggled to connect with either character and didn't finish the book.

Sorry not for me. I found it slow and boring (just my opinion) there wasn't enough to the story to keep my interest which is a shame as the reverse fake dating sounded like such a cool idea. This obviously was just not my cup of tea

The Fake-Up wasn't a book for me. I struggled to push to the finish line.
After being drawn in by the premise, I didnt feel any connection with the characters - it seemed they were going through the motions with no desire to actually get to the outcome. It was ... tedious and a shame as I think with some development this could have been unputdownable but instead it's forgettable.

I have a lot of mixed feelings here, the characters worked well together and from the minute I met them I loved them and was heartbroken during the first breakup. But they were just very toxic for each other and I didn’t enjoy seeing their hidden relationship play out, but it is good for a one time read!

Ever since I read my first Justin Myers book, I've been absolutely entranced with this author's storytelling skills. And I can safely report that The Fake-Up is more of the same since I couldn't put it down from the moment I read the first page.
We follow Dylan and Flo who are in love but their relationship is on the rocks. As hard as they try, sometimes that just isn't enough. Giving in to the inevitable, they split up - yet their break-up has repercussions they'd never imagined. Suddenly, Flo writes song after song about heartbreak and Dylan channels his pain into his acting - and they turn into stars, exactly what they've always wanted. But as they start to make it big with their pain as catalyst, they also find their way back to each other. But how to be together when the whole world got invested in their work because of their visceral heartbreak? As they fall back in love in private, they keep the secret from the public and drama, pain and shenanigans ensue.
I absolutely loved this subverted twist on the fake dating trope - aka fake break-up! Myers shines with beautiful, hilarious writing and moments that made me feel the pain that comes from following your dreams and learning that not everything that shines is gold. Dylan and Flo were fascinating characters to follow and I could really see this being turned into a Netflix romcom because this story would appeal to so many viewers (and hopefully as many readers!)
With tons of twists and turns, witty and engaging writing and a true romcom that will have you laughing and tearing up, The Fake-Up is a spectacular new novel from Myers!

Fab idea & I really wanted to enjoy it but it fell a bit flat for me.

Very slow to get going & I DNF'd at 35%

This was just okay read. 3 stars for me.
Did not love it, but did not hate it. Just averae, nothing speciale.

I absolutely could not put this book down. I felt like it was completely different to what I was expecting, with characters that were relatable, and that you could fall in love with.

A rollercoaster of emotions that was enjoyable right to the end. At no point was I bored, or wishing to skip ahead. This is a really feel good book, and will for sure get you out of a reading slump! I highly recommend it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for the ARC.