Review of Lessons in Faking (Hall Beck University, #1) by Selina Mae
I’ve always had a soft spot for cliché romance tropes, so when I stumbled upon Lessons in Faking by Selina Mae, I couldn’t resist diving in. The covers of glossy new releases often draw me in like a moth to a flame, but this one felt extra special—maybe it was the playful title or the promise of enemies-to-lovers drama. Life got in the way, and it took me forever to finish (thanks, school!), but I can confidently say it was totally worth it.
At its heart, Lessons in Faking explores familiar themes of love, grief, and personal growth, ensconced in a world of humor and heart. The story revolves around Athalia Pressley, a character who exudes sass and confidence like Brooke Davis from One Tree Hill. She’s not just a rich-bitch archetype; her struggle with her parents’ death and intricate relationship with her twin brother, Henry, gives her depth that kept me emotionally invested. I personally resonated with her frustrations, having navigated my own rocky sibling dynamics, making her journey feel familiar yet unique.
On the flip side, we have Dylan McCarthy Williams, the quintessential swoon-worthy guy whose charm had me feral. Seriously, the man in grey sweatpants? Yes, please! His quiet, loyal longing for Athalia and willingness to jump into a fake-dating scheme was equal parts endearing and hilarious. I found myself devouring his lines, savoring every interaction. The tender way he handled Athalia’s vulnerability was a standout for me, making me wish for that dual perspective I crave in a romance. A quote that captured this beautifully was: “I’ll deal with your shit as much as you’ll let me. I want to.” Swoon!
One of the book’s true highlights is the banter. The playful, sharp exchanges between Athalia and Dylan felt straight out of a 2000s romcom, and I savored every back-and-forth. Selina Mae knows how to craft dialogue that zings—a skill that adds layers to the couple’s chemistry. “You give me the right answers, I kiss you.” It had me chuckling while I hungrily pointed out every line that sparked joy.
While I relished the main couple, I did feel a hint of disappointment regarding the supporting cast. Athalia’s best friend Wren felt inconsistent, especially during their fallout over the fake-dating. That aspect was slightly annoying and could have been handled with more finesse, while Dylan’s best friend Blake’s crush on Athalia was introduced but felt abandoned. These loose threads made me wish for more cohesiveness in the subplots.
Looking ahead, I have high hopes for the sequel, Lessons in Forgiving. Second chance romances and the promise of a grumpy football star like Henry sound enticing, and I can’t help but feel a pull towards what’s to come.
Overall, Mae’s Lessons in Faking may be a deliciously trope-filled read, yet it strikes a chord that’s hard to ignore. It’s not deep, but it doesn’t need to be. Sometimes, all you want is a lighthearted romance that makes you giggle and kicks your feet in delight—and that’s what this book delivered. If you’re a sucker for romance tropes and love a good laugh, add this one to your TBR. You won’t regret it!
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