Review of Lessons In Faking (Hall Beck University, #1) by Selina Mae
As a self-proclaimed lover of all things cliché romance, Lessons In Faking caught my attention like a moth to a flame. From the moment I stumbled upon Selina Mae’s debut novel, I knew I was in for a treat. It promised a blend of humor, heartache, and, of course, the classic enemies-to-lovers scenario—what more could a romance enthusiast ask for? It took me a while to finish (thank you, school), but let me tell you, it was absolutely worth it.
The book follows Athalia Pressley and Dylan McCarthy, two characters who embody the very essence of the romantic tropes we know and love. From fake dating to tutor-tutee dynamics, their interactions are nothing short of captivating. Athalia is a firecracker—petty, hilarious, and dripping with rich-bitch energy. Her character exudes a Brooke Davis vibe, which immediately had me rooting for her. But beyond the sass is a layered persona grappling with the trauma of her parents’ death and her strained relationship with her twin brother, Henry. This inner conflict added depth, making her not only relatable but utterly compelling.
And then we have Dylan. Oh my, Dylan McCarthy Williams in grey sweatpants? Yes, please! His heartfelt yearning for Athalia had me softening with every page. The quiet intensity of his character was beautifully balanced out by his undeniable charm. I found myself wishing for dual POVs because Dylan’s perspective would have been a treasure trove of romantic musings. When he said, “I’ll deal with your shit as much as you’ll let me,” my heart practically melted.
But let’s take a moment to discuss the banter. Can we talk about how Selina Mae nailed the witty exchanges between these two? It radiated major 2000s romcom energy, leaving me giggling and eagerly flipping pages. Lines like “Jesus Christ, Athalia. You’ve had me. I’m at your mercy” are what dreams are made of! The playful back-and-forth kept the story fresh and engaging, effectively capturing that addictive quality of will-they-won’t-they tension.
Now, if I’m being honest, I do have a minor critique regarding the supporting characters. While Athalia’s friend Wren had potential, her somewhat jerky behavior regarding the fake dating situation threw me off. The hinted crush she had on Athalia was left unresolved, which felt like an odd thread hanging in the air. Dylan’s best friend Blake also had a crush mentioned that seemed to fizzle out, leaving me wanting a bit more cohesion in those subplots.
Ultimately, I found myself flipping through the pages for a story that, while it may have had its flaws, delivered on pure entertainment. The plot might not be groundbreaking, but who cares when you have a story that makes you kick your feet in delight? If you’re a fan of heartfelt, trope-filled romances that give you the warm fuzzies, then Lessons In Faking is calling your name.
With the second installment, Lessons In Forgiving, on the horizon—particularly with a focus on the grumpy football star Henry—I can’t help but feel excited. Who doesn’t love a good second-chance romance?
In the end, if your heart beats for witty banter, emotional turmoil, and the promise of love amidst chaos, Selina Mae’s Lessons In Faking is your next read. This book not only held my attention but also reminded me why I adore the world of romance. Happy reading!
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