Book Review: Fake Skating by Lynn Painter
❄️ HAPPY RELEASE DAY TO THIS GORGEOUS OF A BOOK ❄️ !!!! GO BUY A COPY OR SMTH AND READ IT !! I can’t help but share the sheer joy I felt when I saw Lynn Painter’s newest release, Fake Skating, waiting for me in my inbox. It was an honor to snag an ARC from NetGalley (thanks so much, by the way) and boy, did it deliver! Lynn, in her culinary brilliance of storytelling, served up a delightful romantic comedy that had me binging it in one night. So grab your favorite drink, cue your "sombr" playlist, and let’s dive into this rollercoaster of a read!
The essence of Fake Skating lies in its irresistible fake dating trope, which is undeniably one of my favorites. It’s like the literary equivalent of comfort food—filled with tension, yearning, and faux intimacy that, honestly, just makes you giddy. Dani and Alec, the protagonists, leap off the pages with their established connection and banter that made me laugh and reminisce about my own awkward teenage years. Dani, who is refreshingly real, speaks her mind and embodies that relatable "I’m just trying to figure life out." I loved her dedication and her journey of self-discovery, which is so rare to find in rom-coms. Not to mention, Alec—who, let’s be real, is a total dreamboat with his ripped physique and hockey charm—had me smirking at every clever comeback he made.
Lynn Painter’s writing? It’s like a warm hug. With quotable moments sprinkled throughout, I found myself laughing out loud and highlighting passages like a zealot in a temple of words. One instance had me chuckling when Alec nonchalantly handed Dani a tote bag at the bookstore and quipped, “fill her up” (cue the "that’s what she said" moment!). This lightheartedness makes the book just irresistible.
That being said, I did dock half a star for some things that made me want to hurl my Kindle. Miscommunication? Ugh! If I had a dollar for every time a miscommunication made a plot point infuriating, I could probably buy a lifetime supply of fancy lattes. Seriously, I was banging my head against the wall—why can’t these characters just TALK like adults?! And let’s discuss Alec’s somewhat overbearing use of pet names. Call me quirky, but “baby” and “honey” after one date? Not my jam!
As for the supporting characters, they were just as vibrant as our leads. Dani’s Grandpa Mick was the showstopper, stealing scenes with his diva antics and wisecracks. I mean, we all need a Grandpa Mick in our lives, right? And let’s not even get started on Benji, whom I’d happily drive off a cliff. I felt every emotion from laughter to slight annoyance while immersed in this bustling character ensemble, which is a testament to Lynn’s skill in creating lively worlds.
To wrap it all up, if you’re after a book that sparkles with humor, relatable characters, and that undeniable feel-good vibe, Fake Skating is your next cozy read. Whether you’re snuggled up by a fireplace or soaking up sun by the beach, you won’t regret diving into this chaotic rollercoaster of young love! Lynn Painter never disappoints, and for fans of romantic comedies, this is an absolute must-read. So what are you waiting for? Go grab a copy and prepare to be swept off your feet! ☃︎
Oh, and before I forget—my notes app may have been a jumble of late-night rants, but one thing’s for sure, this book brought me some serious joy. Happy reading!