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Technically Faking
Iris Spark knows exactly what she wants. It hasn’t made her many friends, but it has made her a fixture on all the best ‘Under 30’ lists in Silicon Valley and the CEO of SparkSignal, a company she built from nothing.
And now it’s about to make her unemployed.
The Board of Directors wants her out. They say she’s difficult. Abrasive. They’ve already set the date to vote in her replacement: someone charming and easily controlled.
Her assistant has a plan. One last-ditch effort to overhaul her image.
Amber Kowalczyk has lived the hustle so long she is the hustle. And she loves it. She loves her little social media empire and everything it takes to keep on top of it. What she doesn’t love is the rising cost of rent that makes staying in her corner of San Francisco look more and more impossible.
But when a cheeky caption on a photo of one of Silicon Valley’s prickliest entrepreneurs results in a clandestine meeting, Amber might have a way out of her mounting debt.
It’s simple: Iris Spark has money, Amber Kowalczyk has public opinion, and SparkSignal’s popularity goes up when people think the two of them are dating.
It’s only a few weeks. It’s only pretend.
What’s the worst that could happen?
Technically Faking is a fake relationship F/F romance between a grumpy tech CEO and a charming (but poor) social media darling set in the high-stakes world of Silicon Valley’s start-up scene. Buy now for staged kisses and real feelings!
And now it’s about to make her unemployed.
The Board of Directors wants her out. They say she’s difficult. Abrasive. They’ve already set the date to vote in her replacement: someone charming and easily controlled.
Her assistant has a plan. One last-ditch effort to overhaul her image.
Amber Kowalczyk has lived the hustle so long she is the hustle. And she loves it. She loves her little social media empire and everything it takes to keep on top of it. What she doesn’t love is the rising cost of rent that makes staying in her corner of San Francisco look more and more impossible.
But when a cheeky caption on a photo of one of Silicon Valley’s prickliest entrepreneurs results in a clandestine meeting, Amber might have a way out of her mounting debt.
It’s simple: Iris Spark has money, Amber Kowalczyk has public opinion, and SparkSignal’s popularity goes up when people think the two of them are dating.
It’s only a few weeks. It’s only pretend.
What’s the worst that could happen?
Technically Faking is a fake relationship F/F romance between a grumpy tech CEO and a charming (but poor) social media darling set in the high-stakes world of Silicon Valley’s start-up scene. Buy now for staged kisses and real feelings!
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2019
60 people are currently reading
509 people want to read
About the author
Robin Hale
5 books67 followersRobin Hale is an independent author of sapphic romance.
She's never met a classic that couldn't be improved with a lesfic retelling and sincerely believes that every woman deserves to fall passionately in love.
When not writing, you can find her lurking in coffeeshops, planning elaborate costumes, and trying to turn every game she plays into a dating sim.
She's never met a classic that couldn't be improved with a lesfic retelling and sincerely believes that every woman deserves to fall passionately in love.
When not writing, you can find her lurking in coffeeshops, planning elaborate costumes, and trying to turn every game she plays into a dating sim.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
March 23, 2020
I love fauxmance and this was no exception. This was a nice straight-forward romance with really likeable characters. The best thing here wasn't the romance for me, it was the characters. They were refreshing and not the usual stereotypes. Plus chemistry between the two main characters was amazing. Amber's whole plan to have Iris move in was so damn sweet.
October 28, 2019
#101Stereotypes&Tropes
Ok maybe 101 is a little exaggerated but this is like a how to handbook for (lesbian) liberal millennials.
Iris Spark, who is about to get kicked out of her own company needs an image overhaul to convince the board of directors and the public that she's not, as they claim, abrasive and difficult to deal with. So who better to boost her image by pretending to be her doting girlfriend than social media influencer Amber Kowalczyk?
As fauxmances go, this one is very straightforward and there are no hidden plot twists lurking around the corner. Despite that sounding dreadfully boring, the book still kept me turning its pages because for some odd reason, there aren't a lot of stories that revolve around the use of social media the way this one does. Have you read a book that mentioned live tweeting or live streaming recently? What about obsessing over the timestamp of a sent message? #thingsmillennialsdo
While I liked the book in general and the fantastic chemistry between Iris and Amber there were a few minor things that I didn't care for. I'm all for the use of biodegradable materials but did I really need to know the details surrounding cups, food containers and even a breakfast tray? No.
This really could have used an editor because a mistake like Iris mentioning sending a car for Amber, only for Amber to mention her walk from the bus stop really shouldn't have made it into the book. The ending of the story also felt rushed and the story line too condense compared to the rest of the book.
Overall rating is a 3,5*
Ok maybe 101 is a little exaggerated but this is like a how to handbook for (lesbian) liberal millennials.
Iris Spark, who is about to get kicked out of her own company needs an image overhaul to convince the board of directors and the public that she's not, as they claim, abrasive and difficult to deal with. So who better to boost her image by pretending to be her doting girlfriend than social media influencer Amber Kowalczyk?
As fauxmances go, this one is very straightforward and there are no hidden plot twists lurking around the corner. Despite that sounding dreadfully boring, the book still kept me turning its pages because for some odd reason, there aren't a lot of stories that revolve around the use of social media the way this one does. Have you read a book that mentioned live tweeting or live streaming recently? What about obsessing over the timestamp of a sent message? #thingsmillennialsdo
While I liked the book in general and the fantastic chemistry between Iris and Amber there were a few minor things that I didn't care for. I'm all for the use of biodegradable materials but did I really need to know the details surrounding cups, food containers and even a breakfast tray? No.
This really could have used an editor because a mistake like Iris mentioning sending a car for Amber, only for Amber to mention her walk from the bus stop really shouldn't have made it into the book. The ending of the story also felt rushed and the story line too condense compared to the rest of the book.
Overall rating is a 3,5*
December 25, 2019
*Apologies for the short review. I read this about two months ago and wasn't inspired to write one.
Robin Hale knocked it out of the park with "Silhouette" and her sophomore release "Under the Harvest Moon" had me entertained. However, "Technically Faking" left me with an "eh".
Unlike Hale's previous books which had to do with superheroes and witches this is a straight forward contemporary fauxmance. And strangely, I found this situation to be the least plausible.
I did like the use of social media and there were some clever bits to keep me entertained. The author also mixed up the formula a bit from other fauxmance reads available in lesfic.
I think the main thing is that I personally find the trope of two gorgeous and intelligent women who can't get a date or won't catch a clue that have fallen for each other to be on the boring side.
Overall, an okay read but check out Hale's others before this one. 3.5 stars
Robin Hale knocked it out of the park with "Silhouette" and her sophomore release "Under the Harvest Moon" had me entertained. However, "Technically Faking" left me with an "eh".
Unlike Hale's previous books which had to do with superheroes and witches this is a straight forward contemporary fauxmance. And strangely, I found this situation to be the least plausible.
I did like the use of social media and there were some clever bits to keep me entertained. The author also mixed up the formula a bit from other fauxmance reads available in lesfic.
I think the main thing is that I personally find the trope of two gorgeous and intelligent women who can't get a date or won't catch a clue that have fallen for each other to be on the boring side.
Overall, an okay read but check out Hale's others before this one. 3.5 stars
August 25, 2021
5 stars
I'm generally not a fan of the "fake dating" trope, but this was extremely well executed and a nice mix of lovely, fun and well paced. Both main characters were nice by themselves and their connection and chemistry was sweet and believable.
I especially appreciated, that it was shown from the beginning, that Iris was never actually a mean bitch, she was just really socially awkward. It meant there were no unbelievably fast and drastic character makeovers, just them getting to know each other better and better.
All in all, this book is a very enjoyable romance and I can only recommend it
I'm generally not a fan of the "fake dating" trope, but this was extremely well executed and a nice mix of lovely, fun and well paced. Both main characters were nice by themselves and their connection and chemistry was sweet and believable.
I especially appreciated, that it was shown from the beginning, that Iris was never actually a mean bitch, she was just really socially awkward. It meant there were no unbelievably fast and drastic character makeovers, just them getting to know each other better and better.
All in all, this book is a very enjoyable romance and I can only recommend it
October 14, 2019
Fake dating isn't a normally loved trope of mine. In fact I tend to avoid it. But this book might change my perspective, lol. I *loved* this. The amount of chemistry and passion these MC's had was, at least IMO, well enough to overshadow the fake dating aspect that I normally don't like. Which made it that much more interesting and immersive. I've always said that if I loose chunks of time while reading that it's a sign of great writing/story telling and a great book. And yup, ya guessed it, lost all kinds of time with this one, hehe.
November 1, 2019
Mostly fun book, at least to begin with. I even thought the mention of hair color was handled better than most books seem to handle it. With most books, that constant hair obsession bordering on a fetish would either mark the book as former fan fiction or the author as someone who had risen up through those ranks and hadn't yet shaken all of those fan fiction little tricks. No here it seemed more natural and something that matched the scene and or character.
At least it was that way until I was literally cringing and getting pulled out of the book by each inclusion of hair color. It is difficult to continue reading a book that has these little things to trip me up and pull me from the book.
So saying, it was more how the book ended that caused me to rate this closer to three stars than four. And this for an author who received five stars for their prior two books I'd read by them.
Rating: 3.55
October 31, 2019
At least it was that way until I was literally cringing and getting pulled out of the book by each inclusion of hair color. It is difficult to continue reading a book that has these little things to trip me up and pull me from the book.
So saying, it was more how the book ended that caused me to rate this closer to three stars than four. And this for an author who received five stars for their prior two books I'd read by them.
Rating: 3.55
October 31, 2019
November 7, 2019
Fun to read, nice characters, well written and no angst. Very suitable read for an evening by the fire. Recommend
December 30, 2019
Lovely and fun.
March 3, 2021
The blurb on the back of the book made thus look really good - but there was something about the writing which made reading feel hard work and I was swimming upstream against the current. Not for me.
April 10, 2020
Though the characters were pretty nice and their internal conflict believable, the writing just didn't work for me.
And there was a stagnancy in the plot for a long stretch which made it pretty frustrating.
And there was a stagnancy in the plot for a long stretch which made it pretty frustrating.
October 18, 2019
I really enjoyed this story. What can I say? I love fake relationship stories!
August 7, 2021
Hate the cover - love the book.
This is the third Robin Hale book I've read this year and I think I'm seriously developing a crush. I'm never sure what to expect - her first book was a superhero (actually more of a super-villain) story, the second was a paranormal romance and the latest is a fauxmance. Regardless of the genre, Ms. Hale's writing and characters create a fabulously fun and entertaining read. Her books just make me happy.
There's no question that Iris Spark is brilliant, driven, abrasive and definitely not a people person. She's also facing mutiny as the Board is trying to push her out of the company she built from the ground up and replace her with a more personable and controllable CEO. When the result of a coffee mishap goes viral, Iris decides that a social media campaign to humanize her in the eyes of the public may help forestall the Board's decision. Enter Amber Kowalczyk, a successful social media consultant, and the two craft a campaign where they will fake date to increase Iris's public likability complete with selfies, hashtags, livestreaming video games and karoake. This is all about the characters with very little drama or intrigue getting in way of the silly, fun and wonderfully endearing story. A well done fauxmance is a beautiful thing.
Ms. Hale creates some of the most delightful and captivating characters - with the story alternating between Iris and Amber's POV, you get into both their heads. Their interactions with a cast of well-developed supporting characters rounds them out and provides further insights into both characters. Iris is ridiculously confident and arrogant, but there's a streak of vulnerability under it all as she realizes she lacks social finesse and keeps herself isolated from most people. Amber, on the other hand, is charismatic and charming - open and optimistic but also with her own self-doubts, she's the perfect foil for Iris's reticence. There's a great balance between the two - both on the professional and the romantic level. I really loved both characters; and, when you get them together there's a magical connection and chemistry as the staged flirtation transforms into deeper feelings.
One thing that did irk me is the repetitive use descriptors like "the blonde" or "the brunette" - nobody mentally refers to a person they know as "the brunette" in their mental musings.
Overall - I really enjoyed this one. Ms. Hale is becoming a go-to author when I'm in a reading funk and need a sweet, funny romance that will leave a big grin on my face.
Recommended
This is the third Robin Hale book I've read this year and I think I'm seriously developing a crush. I'm never sure what to expect - her first book was a superhero (actually more of a super-villain) story, the second was a paranormal romance and the latest is a fauxmance. Regardless of the genre, Ms. Hale's writing and characters create a fabulously fun and entertaining read. Her books just make me happy.
There's no question that Iris Spark is brilliant, driven, abrasive and definitely not a people person. She's also facing mutiny as the Board is trying to push her out of the company she built from the ground up and replace her with a more personable and controllable CEO. When the result of a coffee mishap goes viral, Iris decides that a social media campaign to humanize her in the eyes of the public may help forestall the Board's decision. Enter Amber Kowalczyk, a successful social media consultant, and the two craft a campaign where they will fake date to increase Iris's public likability complete with selfies, hashtags, livestreaming video games and karoake. This is all about the characters with very little drama or intrigue getting in way of the silly, fun and wonderfully endearing story. A well done fauxmance is a beautiful thing.
Ms. Hale creates some of the most delightful and captivating characters - with the story alternating between Iris and Amber's POV, you get into both their heads. Their interactions with a cast of well-developed supporting characters rounds them out and provides further insights into both characters. Iris is ridiculously confident and arrogant, but there's a streak of vulnerability under it all as she realizes she lacks social finesse and keeps herself isolated from most people. Amber, on the other hand, is charismatic and charming - open and optimistic but also with her own self-doubts, she's the perfect foil for Iris's reticence. There's a great balance between the two - both on the professional and the romantic level. I really loved both characters; and, when you get them together there's a magical connection and chemistry as the staged flirtation transforms into deeper feelings.
One thing that did irk me is the repetitive use descriptors like "the blonde" or "the brunette" - nobody mentally refers to a person they know as "the brunette" in their mental musings.
Overall - I really enjoyed this one. Ms. Hale is becoming a go-to author when I'm in a reading funk and need a sweet, funny romance that will leave a big grin on my face.
Recommended
November 6, 2019
I heart fake-relationships turned into genuine-love-story stories. Iris and Amber are hot together and the fact they just naturally click in both business and their relationship just makes ya wanna swoon for them.
April 11, 2023
Rounding down.
Short read with a setting that is not common, focusing on women in tech in Silicon Valley. I loved the CEO and her personality, so many lesfic writers worry about making the ice queen likeable and "normal" that we don't usually get to see the pragmatism and efficiency pulled that far out without the character being morally grey or "evil turned good".
I also appreciated that after catching feelings the characters stayed who they were but were willing to accommodate the other person into their lives. I find sometimes this is how a good lesfic starts to fray, plotting out the future for the reader instead of just the bones.
One thing that was disappointing was that sometimes I could not follow what was happening. I am not sure if it was lack of stage setting or if it was me but it was not as clear as I wanted it to be.
Overall a decent novel. I loved the characters and watching the blossoming relationship but my brain just had a hard time filling in the blanks. It is a short read so certainly worth giving it a try if you are looking for a women in tech setting and fake dating.
Short read with a setting that is not common, focusing on women in tech in Silicon Valley. I loved the CEO and her personality, so many lesfic writers worry about making the ice queen likeable and "normal" that we don't usually get to see the pragmatism and efficiency pulled that far out without the character being morally grey or "evil turned good".
I also appreciated that after catching feelings the characters stayed who they were but were willing to accommodate the other person into their lives. I find sometimes this is how a good lesfic starts to fray, plotting out the future for the reader instead of just the bones.
One thing that was disappointing was that sometimes I could not follow what was happening. I am not sure if it was lack of stage setting or if it was me but it was not as clear as I wanted it to be.
Overall a decent novel. I loved the characters and watching the blossoming relationship but my brain just had a hard time filling in the blanks. It is a short read so certainly worth giving it a try if you are looking for a women in tech setting and fake dating.
March 26, 2020
Just the right book for these tense times. A feel good fauxmance with two loveable MCs. Social butterfly with confidence issues and confident socially stunted genius are into each other from the start. But I loved the alternating viewpoints, following their relationship and all the stuff that comes with it. It was delightfully light on angst (I’ve enough of that at the moment) and really enjoyed this one. The plot line that drives the need for the fauxmance provided enough drive to have this nicely tick along. Not sure it’s the best of its kind but it’s just what I needed.
March 9, 2022
If I had to be honest, I thought I had suddenly forgotten the English language when I started this book. For the first 20-30 pages, I had the weirdest idea that I hadn’t actually grown up in England, because surely what I was seeing could not be the language that I am literally fluent in.
Anyway, skip to like halfway through the book and I’m in love with it lol
I really love the grumpy / sunshine dynamic, and it was just so unapologetically sweet, I had to finish it.
I decided to change my rating from 4 stars to 3 stars because, after some review, I realised I didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I did. I didn't understand the beginning or the epilogue, and I couldn't really commit myself to the characters. I'm sure it's enjoyable for other audiences.
But, otherwise, this book was adorable, and good for a pick-me-up, also the side characters were likeable, which is always a plus.
Anyway, skip to like halfway through the book and I’m in love with it lol
I really love the grumpy / sunshine dynamic, and it was just so unapologetically sweet, I had to finish it.
I decided to change my rating from 4 stars to 3 stars because, after some review, I realised I didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I did. I didn't understand the beginning or the epilogue, and I couldn't really commit myself to the characters. I'm sure it's enjoyable for other audiences.
But, otherwise, this book was adorable, and good for a pick-me-up, also the side characters were likeable, which is always a plus.
October 26, 2019
I’m not sure if I’m on a winning streak picking great books or If I’m just in the mood for them. This is the third book in 4 days that gets a 5 star rating from me.
Iris and Amber need each other. Iris is a genius that doesn’t have much use for social conventions, so she does the minimum of them, but to keep her mind baby she needs to seem human and relatable, so a business plan is necessary. Amber is an influencer (yuk, I know, but she’s actually adorable and great and not a narcissistic a*hole), but apparently being internet famous isn’t as well paid as they pretend to be, so she needs money to compensate a rent increase. Obviously they’re attractive and attracted to each other, one chance meeting and we have a story.
They’re cute, the kind of cute that’s searched by all and disgusting when you see it in others. The genius isn’t THAT socially awkward that’s cringe worthy and the damsel in distress is none of them. They’re both capable intelligent women that compliment each other.
Iris and Amber need each other. Iris is a genius that doesn’t have much use for social conventions, so she does the minimum of them, but to keep her mind baby she needs to seem human and relatable, so a business plan is necessary. Amber is an influencer (yuk, I know, but she’s actually adorable and great and not a narcissistic a*hole), but apparently being internet famous isn’t as well paid as they pretend to be, so she needs money to compensate a rent increase. Obviously they’re attractive and attracted to each other, one chance meeting and we have a story.
They’re cute, the kind of cute that’s searched by all and disgusting when you see it in others. The genius isn’t THAT socially awkward that’s cringe worthy and the damsel in distress is none of them. They’re both capable intelligent women that compliment each other.
January 20, 2020
I loved this book! Robin Hale has another winner here. An abrasive CEO of a successful App company is about to be replaced by her companies board of directors, just as the company holdings are about to become public. In an effort to stave off the take over, she hires a social media influencer to make her a positive public image. This book is refreshingly well written. Hale has a good vocabulary and uses it. Faux romance to a HEA. Enjoy!
August 18, 2022
After getting recommendations from two friends on this book, I figured I'd give it a shot. And I can't say I'm disappointed at all. Once I got past the cover and the first person POV, it was fairly smooth sailing.
Honestly, this could have been a 5-star book if it hadn't been for some things that a good editor would have suggested be fixed. So many repeated descriptions like "the corner of her mouth" did something, and using hair color instead of a known name or pronoun "the blonde walked away" or "the brunette flipped the eggs" or whatever. And so much eye color mentions. Stuff like that.
Besides the things I mentioned above, the language was mostly beautiful. And I laughed and got a little teary. It was a really good read and I could see myself rereading it at some point.
Honestly, this could have been a 5-star book if it hadn't been for some things that a good editor would have suggested be fixed. So many repeated descriptions like "the corner of her mouth" did something, and using hair color instead of a known name or pronoun "the blonde walked away" or "the brunette flipped the eggs" or whatever. And so much eye color mentions. Stuff like that.
Besides the things I mentioned above, the language was mostly beautiful. And I laughed and got a little teary. It was a really good read and I could see myself rereading it at some point.
February 2, 2021
Charming, fun, funny and unexpectedly entirely romantic; this one had us devouring it with unmitigated delight.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
October 20, 2019
Robin Hale is fantastic. The main characters ooze chemistry, the story is beautifully and skillfully crafted, and I can confirm I had a stupid grin on my face for hours after I finished it.
August 13, 2021
k-k kowalski?? analysis?
June 11, 2023
it's a quintessential fauxmance. Iris is wonderfully direct and Amber is damn charmer. they're wonderful together
October 24, 2019
I do love a good faux romance and this one was certainly good
June 6, 2021
Plot: Despite having the background plot line of Iris trying to keep her company, the majority of this story is about Iris and Amber’s interactions. Each of the main character’s jobs give the characters a reason to be interacting. However from the very beginning, their interactions are effortless. The characters have to put more effort into not treating each other like actual girlfriends than they do in setting up these “fake” dates.
Even when the characters have doubts or are unsure about each other’s intentions they still behave in a natural way with each other that shows how strong their bond is.
The sex is realistic and hot. Rather than general I fingered her then she ate me out, there are two very distinct personalities. They have different preferences in the bedroom that work together satisfy both characters.
Characterization: Every single character in this story seemed like they were developed enough to have their own story. It made the characters easy to bond with. The down side to this is that sometimes the characters seem like they have a back story that the reader is not aware of, which is confusing when characters refer to some past interaction that doesn’t take place during this book. Especially since this is not a series book.
Iris is such a fun character. She is logical to the extreme and does not like wasting time with small talk or meaningless social interactions. This one blurb where Amber tries to imagine Iris as a kid at a birthday party is hilarious and the perfect example of what Iris is like as a character.
“I tried to picture Iris as a nine-year-old, prowling up to some unsuspecting child and thrusting a gift into their hands. Growling a greeting then retreating somewhere that had fewer children. Protocol completed, handoff successful. Birthday party achieved.”
It captures Iris’s personality because she is not a mean person, she just doesn’t see the point in most social interactions so she comes off as abrasive.
Amber is a sweet character. She is sympathetic and understands Iris in a way that other people in Iris’s life never bothered to try to. Amber has a bit of a chip on her shoulder for not being as educated as her brother but Iris soothes her when she is straight forward in her admiration of the business Amber has built and ambivalence towards her college degrees.
Carrie is a small character in this book but she is such a loving warm motherly presence that she really ups the sweetness factor of the whole book in just a few short interactions. Her outside perspective in the epilogue was the perfect way to end this book.
Writing: This was well written in the first person perspective. Occasionally there was an ambiguous sentence that should had been fixed during editing but overall this was easy to read.
Even when the characters have doubts or are unsure about each other’s intentions they still behave in a natural way with each other that shows how strong their bond is.
The sex is realistic and hot. Rather than general I fingered her then she ate me out, there are two very distinct personalities. They have different preferences in the bedroom that work together satisfy both characters.
Characterization: Every single character in this story seemed like they were developed enough to have their own story. It made the characters easy to bond with. The down side to this is that sometimes the characters seem like they have a back story that the reader is not aware of, which is confusing when characters refer to some past interaction that doesn’t take place during this book. Especially since this is not a series book.
Iris is such a fun character. She is logical to the extreme and does not like wasting time with small talk or meaningless social interactions. This one blurb where Amber tries to imagine Iris as a kid at a birthday party is hilarious and the perfect example of what Iris is like as a character.
“I tried to picture Iris as a nine-year-old, prowling up to some unsuspecting child and thrusting a gift into their hands. Growling a greeting then retreating somewhere that had fewer children. Protocol completed, handoff successful. Birthday party achieved.”
It captures Iris’s personality because she is not a mean person, she just doesn’t see the point in most social interactions so she comes off as abrasive.
Amber is a sweet character. She is sympathetic and understands Iris in a way that other people in Iris’s life never bothered to try to. Amber has a bit of a chip on her shoulder for not being as educated as her brother but Iris soothes her when she is straight forward in her admiration of the business Amber has built and ambivalence towards her college degrees.
Carrie is a small character in this book but she is such a loving warm motherly presence that she really ups the sweetness factor of the whole book in just a few short interactions. Her outside perspective in the epilogue was the perfect way to end this book.
Writing: This was well written in the first person perspective. Occasionally there was an ambiguous sentence that should had been fixed during editing but overall this was easy to read.
May 22, 2025
I loved this one. I'm normally not into fake dating trope, but I will with the right pitch and this was it. The characters were great with an understandable story. The fake dating thing never rubbed me the wrong way, because both people were attracted to each other and it's just when will they say something.
It it was just that, I would have really liked this, but not with this score. What elevates it to me is the S-tier autistic representation. Now, the word autistic is never used, but as an autistic I can verify there is no doubt that the character is as the story continues. It's also used well, it ties into the story and especially the class difference. The character has struggled with their undiagnosed autism through their life and especially having to perform social scripts and she meets someone who only doesn't mind that she doesn't, actually preferring it. As an autistic I can confirm finding a person like that is life-changing. There are many more small details that are just masterfully executed, but this is a review not an essay so I'll leave the rest for you to find out. Absolutely don't sleep on this one.
It it was just that, I would have really liked this, but not with this score. What elevates it to me is the S-tier autistic representation. Now, the word autistic is never used, but as an autistic I can verify there is no doubt that the character is as the story continues. It's also used well, it ties into the story and especially the class difference. The character has struggled with their undiagnosed autism through their life and especially having to perform social scripts and she meets someone who only doesn't mind that she doesn't, actually preferring it. As an autistic I can confirm finding a person like that is life-changing. There are many more small details that are just masterfully executed, but this is a review not an essay so I'll leave the rest for you to find out. Absolutely don't sleep on this one.
April 3, 2020
Robin Hale is a new-to-me author and impresses out the gate. I was reluctant to purchase this book at it's price point, considering how many unread books I already have, but the blurb was enticing and the sample as well, and I needed a change of pace after 2500 pages of The Stormlight Archives in a row.
The story of two very different but complimentary women, thrust together, figuratively and literally. A fake relationship designed to humanize the iconic silicon valley CEO. Sweet yet explicit at times, I'm sad the book is over.
The author has given each a completely different tone and voice. The author did research or has personal knowledge of the technical subject matter so the non-romance part of the story isn't ridiculous. And finally, this book has excellent editing which is sometimes lacking in independent works and is much appreciated.
Bottom line the writing is great.
The story of two very different but complimentary women, thrust together, figuratively and literally. A fake relationship designed to humanize the iconic silicon valley CEO. Sweet yet explicit at times, I'm sad the book is over.
The author has given each a completely different tone and voice. The author did research or has personal knowledge of the technical subject matter so the non-romance part of the story isn't ridiculous. And finally, this book has excellent editing which is sometimes lacking in independent works and is much appreciated.
Bottom line the writing is great.
December 28, 2022
Good story. Badly written. Not horrible but not great either. It felt like this was written by two different people. There are some great parts that were very easy to read and some not-so-great parts that were a struggle to get through… too much reference to hair colour in weird places and some of the minor characters would have benefited from more development. It’s never explicitly mentioned, but Iris is clearly on the Autism spectrum and I thought that it wasn’t a bad representation. Despite the not-great writing I still really enjoyed the story.
January 26, 2023
✔Sapphic Book Bingo Challenge 2023 🌈✨: Main board - Fake relationship
3 stars. This was cute enough but it didn’t wow me or anything. It’s a very simple story with some fake dating between Iris and Amber who were both likable and intelligent characters. I think the plot was predictable (nothing wrong with that) and I wasn’t as invested as I wanted to be. I am a fan of Hale’s writing though. This is my second book by her and while I think Silhouette was far superior this wasn’t bad or anything.
3 stars. This was cute enough but it didn’t wow me or anything. It’s a very simple story with some fake dating between Iris and Amber who were both likable and intelligent characters. I think the plot was predictable (nothing wrong with that) and I wasn’t as invested as I wanted to be. I am a fan of Hale’s writing though. This is my second book by her and while I think Silhouette was far superior this wasn’t bad or anything.
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