Review of Rules for Fake Girlfriends by Raegen Revord
When I first stumbled upon Rules for Fake Girlfriends, I was flooded with excitement—this was the debut novel from Raegen Revord, a talented young actress I admired! With a title that hinted at playful antics of mistaken identities and romantic escapades, I expected a light-hearted adventure about fake dating. Unfortunately, the reality of my reading experience was quite different, and it took me three long months to get through it. Let’s just say, I had high hopes that were ultimately dashed.
The premise of the book revolves around Avery and Charlie, both of whom start a fake dating scenario that quickly spirals into unexpected territory. As a Christian, I have my beliefs about the LGBTQ+ community, yet I approached this book with an open mind. However, I was overwhelmed by the abundance of LGBTQ+ characters introduced—a lesbian protagonist, a lesbian love interest, and various non-binary figures—feeling it strayed into the realm of unrealistic representation. While inclusivity is undoubtedly essential, it felt forced here, with friendships and relationships that came off as contrived instead of genuine.
As I delved into the narrative, several elements disrupted my immersion. For example, the writing style often slipped from past to present tense, making it challenging to follow. Grammar and spelling errors punctuated the text—a glaring example being the misuse of "except" instead of "accept." In a debut novel, I believe a solid editorial process is crucial for polishing the narrative, but this book seemed to lack that attention to detail.
Conversationally, I didn’t feel a connection to the characters, especially the relationship between Avery and Charlie. Their dynamic felt unbalanced; often, Avery treated Charlie more like a mother than a partner, revealing her emotional vulnerabilities in a way that made their relationship feel heavy rather than romantic. This layer of complexity could have been explored in a more nuanced manner, but instead, it felt unresolved and rushed.
As for pacing, it was all over the map. The story dragged in parts, with prolonged descriptions that led to exhausting stagnation, only to suddenly race towards the conclusion, leaving me dizzy and confused. The chapters were short, with abrupt endings that left me feeling like I was constantly being pulled out of important moments. Each chapter raced by like a roller coaster—with many ups but too many jarring drops.
Despite my criticisms, I appreciated the effort Raegen put into her characters and narrative. The basic premise is cute, and you could see glimpses of potential. It’s clear she has a passion for storytelling, which is a commendable trait, especially in a debut novel.
In conclusion, Rules for Fake Girlfriends will resonate with readers who enjoy stories exploring love through the lens of humor and LGBTQ+ experiences, but it may not satisfy those looking for polished writing and character depth. While this book fell short for me, I remain hopeful for Raegen Revord’s future endeavors. Everyone deserves a chance, especially at the start of their journey. Who knows, maybe her next book will shine in the areas this one didn’t!
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