'Fake Out' by Eden Finley follows the story of Maddox, who told a lie in high school to make breaking up with his girlfriend easier, claiming he was gay. Years later, when his ex invites him to her wedding and asks him to bring his boyfriend, Maddox enlists the help of his best friend's brother, Damon, to be his fake boyfriend for the weekend. As they navigate the charade, both characters have to confront their own baggage and feelings, leading to unexpected developments in their relationship. The writing style combines humor, romance, and relatable characters that keep the readers engaged and entertained throughout the book.
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Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
There may be triggers related to themes of coming out, discussions of sexual identity, and emotional baggage from past relationships.
Has Romance?
Romance is a central theme in the book, focusing on the developing relationship between Maddox and Damon.
From The Publisher:
Maddox
The reason I rarely go home is three simple words: I'm a liar.
When the pressure to marry my childhood sweetheart became too much, I told her I was gay and then fled to New York like my ass was on fire.
Now, five years later and after a drunken encounter, I find myself invited to her wedding. And I have to bring my boyfriend-the boyfriend who doesn't exist because I'm straight.
At least, I think I am. Meeting the guy I'm bribing to be my boyfriend for the weekend makes me question everything about myself.
Damon
When my sister asks me to pretend to be some straight guy's boyfriend, my automatic response is to say no. It's because of guys like him people don't believe me when I tell them I'm gay.
But Maddox has something I need.
After an injury that cost me my baseball career, I'm trying to leave my playing days behind and focus on being the best sports agent I can be. Forty-eight hours with my sister's best friend in exchange for a meeting with a possible client. I can do this.
I just wish he wasn't so hot. Or that he didn't kiss like he means it.
Wait … why is the straight guy kissing me?
*Fake Out is a full-length MM novel with no cliffhanger.*
Ratings (27)
Incredible (2) | |
Loved It (12) | |
Liked It (11) | |
It Was OK (1) | |
Did Not Like (1) |
Reader Stats (45):
Read It (29) | |
Want To Read (12) | |
Not Interested (4) |
2 comment(s)
I adore Finley's CU Hockey series so I was looking forward to reading Damon's story and it definitely delivered. I loved Maddox and Damon and Stacy and all the rest. The banter was witty and snarky which is always my favourite type. I've only come across this specific trope once before (
Fake It Til You Make Out by Isla Olsen and it was freaking hysterical) but it's a trope I'm definitely coming to adore. Mainly because it's hilarious.
I liked Damon and his dedication to becoming a sports agent who would step up for his clients. I didn't love the whole storyline with him and Eric
- the family friend who's in denial about being gay and freaked out when he kissed Damon -
but it wasn't too bad. I did like his group of friends and the fact that he was willing to bring Maddox into the group to help give him a support network - it reminded me of the NHL Queer Collective from the
Puckboys books.
Maddox was a total sweetheart for all he's referred to as an asshole. I mean yeah, he tells his high school girlfriend he's gay to break up with her, but he doesn't do it maliciously. And perhaps more endearingly, he refuses to back down for any of the homophobes in town. I loved his friendship with Stacy and I mostly liked Stacy - although the prank at the end was pretty dumb. Especially after what happened when she organised dinner.
The relationship between Maddox and Damon had a bit of angst but for the most part it was swoon worthy with lots of steam. The book itself was well written, humorous and very engaging. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. 4 stars.
Unexpectedly enjoyable read
Unique take on a cliche plot
Fake relationship trope
Ex-girlfriend drama
Adorable characters
Likable protagonist
Character development without unnecessary drama
Genuine relationship struggles
Well-executed love story
What can you read after
Fake Out?
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