The book was entertaining , a little short and really fast paced.
I love that he falls first, and he does everything possible to keep the ruse of fake dating. Their PR relationship has nothing to do with her ex but with their jobs which is nice for a change.

There’s not a lot of characters in the book that play significant roles.
A little spice 😉
Thanks to Net Galley for the eARC

3.5 ⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

I Hate My Fake Boyfriend is an enemies to lovers romance that will have you kicking your feet and giggling! Lucy has just gone through a chia pet related break up with her fiancé, and wants to channel that anger and passion in to performing her best in her band, The Whispering Pines Collective. There’s only one thing in her way, and he’s tall, handsome and he hates her. Marcus is a rock god and member of Death Against the Machine, the rival band. Shenanigans ensue which leads to the dreaded outcome - Lucy and Marcus have to fake date to help both band’s images.

This book was a genuinely funny read and the relationship between Lucy and Marcus was filled with tension thick enough to cut with a knife. The character arcs were well thought out with good development and exploration. I also loved the interactions between the two when they were meant to be faking it but obviously just wanted to rip each others clothes off.

Thank you to NetGalley for the gifted eARC of this book. This review was left honestly and voluntarily.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Super cute read with a unique storyline!

I cannot rave about this story enough. It’s unlike anything I have personally read which made it near impossible for me to predict what was going to happen next.

A simple misunderstanding has our main characters hating each other, but when they are forced together, they learn they have more in common then they ever thought possible.

But on a deeper level…. A fake celebrity relationship. *gasp* who would have ever thought of such a thing lol. Even though that isn’t exactly a new concept, I don’t think anyone has written a romance novel about it. Either way, it was definitely a fun read that caught me by surprise.

What was really impressive is the amount of conflict. Not only did Lucy and Marcus struggle to maintain their fake relationship while falling for each other, but they each have problems of their own. So many things to be resolved and I have proud to say that everything is wrapped up nicely at the end.

The characters were both likable, especially after they started to put their differences aside and start agreeing with each other. Even though I don’t think I could ever relate to a celebrity, somehow the author was able to make these two relatable in their own ways making it easier for me to connect with them and yearn for their happiness.

I also really enjoyed their dogs being a major part of the story. I’m a sucker for animals in a story, especially if they are written with the amount of attention the author put into this book.

The sexual tension between Lucy and Marcus is so thick, it was hard to breathe. Seriously, you could cut it with a knife. And oh man was the spicy parts delicious and descriptive!

What wasn’t as strong was their chemistry. It’s undeniable that these two wanted to take a toss in the hay, what wasn’t as convincing is how much they liked each other. Thankfully this didn’t last through the entirety of the book but there were times when I felt like I was being told they liked each other instead of feeling it. This could have easily been a me issue.

The ending was not what I expected, it was even better. It definitely leaves you thinking. Both characters make sacrifices for one another and in the end, Lucy is finally loved the way she deserves. I don’t want to say much for fears of spoiling, but I will say that this story is going to stick with me for a while as I unpack all of the meaning that lies beneath the surface.

Overall, I loved this story and would definitely read it again.

I recommend to anyone looking for a fake dating romance with some forced proximity.

Cute, Short Musical Enemies-to-Lovers Romance

Lucy and Marcus hate each other because of that thing Marcus accuses Lucy of doing and the lawsuit that was eventually settled by their shared label. When their manager decide that they must fake date to save their careers, things are going downhill fast..

In spite of the overly simplistic cover, this book is actually worth surviving the first quarter of exposition for. While the beginning definitely drags, I promise it gets better!
Lucy and Marcus are more complex characters than they appear at first and their problems are well-connected with the romance plot of the book.
Mia McCoy might want to get readers hooked on her books a little earlier, because her initially awkward prose somehow improved over the course of the book and I found myself tearing through the middle section.
Some of the ending twists felt a bit contrived and dissatisfying, which is probably partly due to how rushed they feel and how little build-up they get in comparison to the romance plot line.

I was a little annoyed at Lucy for several characteristics she luckily seemed to lose about halfway through the book - they should maybe not have been there in the first place?

Overall, 4 stars for this one: mainly because of the cover and the first quarter of the book.

There is some mild kink and spice, as well as some venomous snakes.

It was cute and had a lot of promise. I feel like there was an issue with some plot lines and the pacing, but it was a cute, easy read. Some parts had me laughing and I did enjoy reading it. I just wish there was more development.

I was lucky to receive this book through NetGalley as an ARC

This was such a cute, simple, high-tension read! Both main characters Lucy and Marcus were so funny, while also dealing with their own previous trauma. If you're looking for a cute, fluffy, band read that gives off Warped Tour band fics, this is what you want! I could not put this down. I will never look at a chia-pet the same way again.

Launching straight into the book on the first chapter, we get immediate humor from Lucy, while also getting a look into her relationship trauma and her personal fears that we then see her work through and grow from. Having Marcus be the one that is hooked on her from the get-go made me so happy. He was adorable with his attention of her and how he wanted to protect and defend her, while also trying to hide how he truly felt for her. I cannot get over the undeniable sexual tension between the two! Having the dual POV chapters and being able to look into both characters heads is such a gift.

5 stars, absolutely recommend, and will always support a light-hearted, kick your feet giggling read!

Tropes: fake-dating, rockstar romance, enemies to lovers, forced proximity

3.5 stars ⭐️ I love a good musician romance! The banter was great. It was a quick and easy read!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

thank you netgalley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!

this follows two rival musicians: indie artist lucy and rock star marcus. they share a record label, but their fanbases are in a constant state of fan wars. their management draws up a contract for them to fake-date to hopefully bring their fanbases together, but as all fake dating scenarios go, it’s not all according to plan. musicians, dual pov, fake dating, and enemies to lovers? all of my favorite things!

however, although an easy read, it lacked detail in what i wanted. the back half felt very rushed and marcus and lucy’s chemistry didn’t feel as believable. their inner monologues were very similar, so i also got lost in the sauce of who’s pov i was reading at times. some details also felt very stop and go, and i wish we got to see more of them together, including their activities at the couples retreat.

if you’re looking for a quick, trope-heavy read, this is to be considered. however, it does lack in substance and left me wanting more; not enough for me to read any bonus chapters though.

Thank you to Victory editing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I think the MMC might have sort of obsessive compulsive disorder. His problems and line of thinking we're not at all relatable to me.
It felt like about 30% of the dialog was spent on the phone or over texts. When the two main characters finally start talking to each other about anything that matters, they fall in love basically immediately.
I did like some of the sexy challenge things they had to do at the retreat, like the erotic painting. I felt kind of robbed that we didn't get a couples stretching one...
I found the dog farting in the elevator scene to be disgusting and not at all funny -.-
Some of the tropes included: rivals to lovers to rivals to lovers again, forced proximity, fake relationship, jealous/possessive MMC, just one bed.
A predictable romance that did not quite rock my world.

I Hate My Fake Boyfriend was a cute story. Nothing surprising about a fake romance enemies-to-lovers rom-com. Yes, they end up falling for each other. I thought the novel was well written and I enjoyed the dialogue. I did feel as there were several parts of the characters’ backstories that were not fully fleshed out. One of the main reasons the two main characters are enemies is because of a lawsuit over a stolen song. Then that whole situation is resolved in a few sentences: “I wrote my song before I heard yours.” “Oh, really?” For such a major plot point, you would think there would be some disbelief or more hoops to jump through in order to be forgiven, but that is sufficient for these characters.

This is a short and easy read that I really enjoyed reading. The plot is well written and the characters are portrayed very well. Definitely would recommend.

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Victory Editing, and Mia McCoy for this ARC. 4/5 Stars.

I read this book within 30 hours and I loved it very much. I actually LOL’d a few times. I like how this books isn’t just romance but has other things going on like the dogs, and trying to find a dad. I wish at some moments we got more, like what happened when they were zip lining. Usually I prefer books to be shorter but I really wish this one were longer because of how much I enjoyed it. I would recommend this so anyone who likes romance, music, dogs, and rom-coms.

This delightful romantic comedy also introduces us to Marcus Matsen, a quintessentially grumpy rock star, and Lucy, a passionate indie musician. Their story kicks off with intense hostility when Marcus sues Lucy, igniting a fierce rivalry that splits their fanbases.

After a disastrous festival event, they’re forced into a fake relationship to appease their feuding supporters, leading to unexpected and hilarious situations. During a couple’s retreat, their time together is filled with awkward encounters, witty banter, and undeniable chemistry that captivates everyone around them.

Lucy is a relatable character, struggling to carve out her place in an industry dominated by major stars like Marcus. As they spend more time together, we see them both grow, making their journey all the more engaging.

The book maintains a lively pace with sharp, entertaining dialogue, striking a great balance between humor and heartfelt moments. If you enjoy rivals-to-lovers stories with a mix of charm and depth, this one is definitely worth the read!

Feelings never play by the rules do they. so when you have to fake a relationship with someone you profess to hate. things start to change. as our characters are forced together things come alight between them and to light about them. things go deeper and soon they have decisions to make over what and who they will choose. and whether it will be each other...
we have a rock god already a star in his field. and we have a less well known but ever so hard worker Lucy an indie musician. their story doesnt begin well when he sues her. this then fires off their hate and rivalry for one another. until one night a incident forces them to act like they are in a relationship to ease those higher up who arent happy with them.
so of course spending time together means chemistry, means learning about each other. means some things arent always as they seem and neither are people.
this book with a quick paced romance. but it held enough depth to make it work. and the character banter was great. and had me smiling a fair few times.

#IHateMyFakeBoyfriend #NetGalley

I Hate My Boyfriend by Mia McCoy Review

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This delightful romantic comedy introduces us to Marcus Matsen, a quintessentially grumpy rock star, and Lucy, a passionate indie musician. Their story begins with intense hostility when Marcus sues Lucy, igniting a fierce rivalry that splits their fans.

After a disastrous festival event, the two are compelled to pretend they are in a relationship to appease their feuding supporters, which leads to an unexpected turn of events. During a couple's retreat, their time together is filled with awkward situations, witty banter, and undeniable chemistry that captivates those around them.

Lucy is a relatable character struggling to establish herself in a field dominated by well-known figures like Marcus. As they get to know each other, we witness their personal growth and the development of their undeniable chemistry, which makes for an intriguing storyline.

The book maintains an engaging pace and features enjoyable dialogue. It strikes a lovely balance between humor and deeper, more meaningful moments. This book is definitely worth a read!

This was a very fast read, but the pacing was off for me. The first half of the book is just establishing how much Lucy and Marcus hate each other.
SPOILERS ahead. The story is then sped up as they are thrown into a fake dating/week-long couples retreat that consisted of this weird hot and cold thing for days on end and then tell each other they love each other after a week. Their chemistry was believable - the line between love and hate being blurry and all that, but there was so little consistent vulnerability between the two of them that confessing love after a week was a lot to handle. Having the main character use bondage during sex (with no previous conversation about boundaries. You can’t just spring restraints on someone!) because of his abandonment issues and then magically fix those issues because he loves Lucy is upsetting on a few levels. I realize the story didn’t allow for therapy time (and he needs to go), but it also sort of feels like kink-shaming to just chalk his proclivities up to his daddy issues.
Anyway, this one was a miss for me. The premise was fine, but the execution was off.
2.5 stars, rounded down.

If you are looking for a quick read then this books good for a cozy sit down. While I did enjoy parts of the book overall I felt the relationship lines fell a little flat. It wasn’t that the characters weren’t relateable or anything they just were kind of awkward with the romance part? if that makes sense. But anyway, thanks for the ARC!

Description: He’s a grumpy rock god with a global following. I’m an indie musician with a small, cult-like following. The universe must hate me as much as I hate him…because he’s about to be my fake boyfriend.

This book is a two star for me unfortunately. When I received this ARC on Net Galley I was really excited to read it, it sounded like a cheesy fun romance that would have me hooked and rooting for our enemies to become lovers. This did not happen though. I found there was no real relationship building, with an enemies to lovers there is always the physical attraction but that isn't the ultimate driving factor, the two enemies find a common ground and uncover their love for the others ways. In this book there was none of that. For me I enjoy when there is a depth to the characters that develops throughout their interactions. This book is an easy read and I did enjoy the general plot, I think the idea behind the book is a good one just for me personally I didn't feel that the chemistry was clear which is important in a romance. The spice scene was a little odd for me also, given the way the characters are written it was a little odd that the first sex scene involved bondage, it just didn't fit. I hope others find the joy in this book that I couldn't.

Mia McCoy’s I Hate My Fake Boyfriend has all the makings of a fun, trope-filled romance—enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and a fake relationship with a rock star—but unfortunately, it doesn’t quite hit the right notes.

The story follows an indie musician who’s forced into a fake relationship with her rival, Marcus Matsen, after their warring fans get out of control. The setup is promising, and the book moves at a fast pace, which keeps things engaging. However, the rushed pacing also means there’s little time to develop the characters or their relationship in a meaningful way. The chemistry between the leads feels forced rather than organic, and some of the dialogue comes off as more awkward than witty.

One of the biggest issues is Marcus himself—while he’s supposed to be a brooding rock god with a hidden depth, his character often feels shallow and unlikable. The romance lacks the slow-burn tension that makes an enemies-to-lovers dynamic satisfying, and the inevitable conflict near the end feels predictable rather than impactful.

While the book does deliver on classic romance tropes, it ultimately falls short in execution. If you’re looking for a quick, trope-heavy read, you might enjoy it, but if you want well-developed characters and a believable romance, this one might leave you disappointed.

⭐️⭐️/5

Review is published on Goodreads by dragonreads februar 26 2025

Grumpy rock star with a global following, Marcus has a secret personnel mission that he's willing to go to great lengths to accomplish. An indie musician with a small, cult-like following, Lucy has dreams of going solo, but she doesn't want to disappoint her loved ones. Both characters have one thing in common: they HATE each other. The universe hates them even more when they are thrown together because they need to fake date.

The premise of this book is what made me sign up. Musician/rockstar romance? My favorite trope. It was an easy and quick read. I enjoyed the banter between the characters.

However, there were many subplots that made the overall plot of the novel a bit complex for no reason. Also, the fake dating contract was a tad complicated. If the point of the contract was for them to fake date, why only 3 dates? Why go to a couple's (private) retreat? Why did everything they did set them back? Were there not better ways for them to fake a date? Also, the whole "enemies" because she said he said bit could have been handled with one conversation.

The author and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the opportunity to review the book.

The author and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the opportunity to review the book.