TESSA TALKS BOOKS

Book Blurb:

A waitress masquerading as an influencer and a wildlife photographer are on a collision course with romance–and chaos—in Hate to Fake It to You, a zany modern twist on a screwball comedy classic about figuring out what you really want – by pretending to be someone you’re not.

Everyone gets a glow-up on social media, but for Libby Lane, it’s more than filters and cherry-picked content. Her online persona, Lillibet, is the fakest of fakes: the affluent, healthier-than-thou opposite of her glam-free life on the side of Oahu most tourists never see, cooked up by Libby and her best friends under the influence of free wine and career desperation. The phony fronting is all in good fun, until a real influencer stumbles onto the Love, Lillibet Instagram feed and starts making waves.

When Hildy Johnson, the ambitious junior member of a media dynasty, travels to Hawaii to talk to “Lillibet” about parlaying her lifestyle brand into a job, Libby and her friends scramble to take the make-believe to a new level. Complicating the charade even further is Hildy’s handsome companion, a wildlife photographer whose keen eye sees more than he lets on – and Jefferson has Libby directly in his sights.

Between the pretend husband, borrowed goats, a made-up holiday, and Libby’s very real attraction to Jefferson, it’s anyone’s guess which lie will blow their cover first … especially since “Lillibet” isn’t the only one with something to hide.

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐

A Mixed Bag of Romance and Comedy
Amanda Sellet’s Hate to Fake It to You feels like a quick jaunt to paradise—fun in theory, but it doesn’t quite stick the landing. The premise? A waitress pretending to be a social media influencer. I mean, talk about the potential for chaos, right? And yes, there are moments when comedic sparks fly, but the overall execution falls short of being a total knockout. Instead, the story settles into something… OK. Not bad, not exceptional—just fine.

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The Tropes Are Trooping
If you love rom-com staples like fake relationships, opposites attracting, and the dramatic “big reveal,” you’ll find them all here! But while tropes can be cozy and comforting, they need a little extra flair to feel fresh. Unfortunately, Sellet leans hard on the classics without bringing much of a twist, so the story feels a bit too predictable.

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What Didn’t Quite Work

• Pacing Woes: The book starts with a burst of energy, but it stalls by the halfway mark. Libby’s influencer charade overstays its welcome, making parts of the story feel repetitive and sluggish.
• Shallow Waters: Libby and Jefferson are… fine? Sure, They’re likable, but they lack the depth to make me root for them. I wanted more from their backstories and motivations—something to sink my teeth into!
• Over-the-Top Moments: I’m all for screwball antics, but some of Libby’s influencer escapades didn’t land for me. The exaggeration crossed into absurd territory at times, undercut the story’s emotional beats.

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What Did Work

• Snappy Dialogue: If there’s one thing Sellet nailed, it’s the banter. The conversations sparkle with wit and charm, keeping the tone light and playful.
• A Fun Supporting Cast: From Libby’s quirky friends to the oddball small-town residents, the side characters add a much-needed dose of humor and warmth.
• A Cozy Setting: The small-town backdrop is vibrant and inviting—it’s where you can practically feel the summer breeze and smell the coffee at the local diner.

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Final Thoughts
Hate to Fake It to You is a cute, fluffy read for when you need something light and easy. It doesn’t break new ground in the rom-com world, but there’s still some fun, especially if you’re here for the witty banter and small-town vibes. With a little more depth, stronger pacing, and grounded humor, this could’ve been a real gem. For now, it’s a solid 3 stars—fun, but not life-changing.