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The Bookworm's Guide #2
The Bookworm's Guide to Faking It
What I expected on Saturday morning: Books.
What I got on Saturday morning: my ex-best friend and first crush in front of me.
Let it be known that I, Holley Stuart, do not give a single rat’s behind about pro baseball’s star pitcher Sebastian Stone.
I definitely don’t care that he’s standing in my bookstore.
Nor do I care that he seems to have forgotten about the last time we saw each other—senior prom, when he both humiliated me and broke my heart, albeit unknowingly.
Now, he needs a date to his sister’s wedding.
Don’t ask me how I ended up being it, because I have no idea. But that’s the least of my problems.
His grandfather is adamant we’re dating, and Seb isn’t in a hurry to convince him otherwise, so I have no choice but to go along with it.
The problem? The only thing I’ve ever faked is… well, you know.
I’ve definitely never faked my feelings for someone.
And judging by the way I feel whenever Seb looks at me, it doesn’t look like I’m starting now
What I got on Saturday morning: my ex-best friend and first crush in front of me.
Let it be known that I, Holley Stuart, do not give a single rat’s behind about pro baseball’s star pitcher Sebastian Stone.
I definitely don’t care that he’s standing in my bookstore.
Nor do I care that he seems to have forgotten about the last time we saw each other—senior prom, when he both humiliated me and broke my heart, albeit unknowingly.
Now, he needs a date to his sister’s wedding.
Don’t ask me how I ended up being it, because I have no idea. But that’s the least of my problems.
His grandfather is adamant we’re dating, and Seb isn’t in a hurry to convince him otherwise, so I have no choice but to go along with it.
The problem? The only thing I’ve ever faked is… well, you know.
I’ve definitely never faked my feelings for someone.
And judging by the way I feel whenever Seb looks at me, it doesn’t look like I’m starting now
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2020
About the author
Emma Hart
101 books7,512 followersEmma Hart is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty novels and has been translated into several different languages. She first put fingers to keys at the age of eighteen after her husband told her she read too much and should write her own.
Four years later, she's still figuring out what he meant when he said she 'read too much.'
She prides herself on writing smart smut that's filled with dry wit, snappy, sarcastic comebacks, but lots of heart... And sex. Sometimes, she kills people. (Disclaimer: In books. But if you bug her, she'll use your name for the victims.)
You can find her online at www.emmahart.org, www.facebook.com/emmahartbooks, or join her reader group at http://bit.ly/EmmaHartsHartbreakers.
Four years later, she's still figuring out what he meant when he said she 'read too much.'
She prides herself on writing smart smut that's filled with dry wit, snappy, sarcastic comebacks, but lots of heart... And sex. Sometimes, she kills people. (Disclaimer: In books. But if you bug her, she'll use your name for the victims.)
You can find her online at www.emmahart.org, www.facebook.com/emmahartbooks, or join her reader group at http://bit.ly/EmmaHartsHartbreakers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews
December 1, 2020
I needed my Emma Hart fix and Holley didn’t disappoint. She’s the perfect bookworm to give me a big dose of Rom-Com at it’s best.
Holley and Sebastian used to be best friends. On Prom night everything changed and not in a good way. Now Holley hates Seb.
Seb is a famous baseball player with an injury. He’s returning home for his sisters wedding and hoping to mend the broken bridge with Holley.
These two are hilarious and had me screaming for them to kiss already. Holley stubborn and Seb’s desperate to win her over. Let the sparks fly and give me my Hart fix.
Just what I needed. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review however I collect Emma Harts paperbacks so this will be on my shelf!
Holley and Sebastian used to be best friends. On Prom night everything changed and not in a good way. Now Holley hates Seb.
Seb is a famous baseball player with an injury. He’s returning home for his sisters wedding and hoping to mend the broken bridge with Holley.
These two are hilarious and had me screaming for them to kiss already. Holley stubborn and Seb’s desperate to win her over. Let the sparks fly and give me my Hart fix.
Just what I needed. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review however I collect Emma Harts paperbacks so this will be on my shelf!
March 3, 2021
I thought I'd give this 2.5 stars rounded-up to 3, but it was just...oh-so-MEH.
To break it down swiftly:
✔ loved the bookworm puns
✔ Sebastian was a good guy and not the good-guy-who-expects-women-to-fall-into-his-lap-because-he's-a-GOOD-GUY type, but just actual decent human being
✔ Holley was feisty and funny...most of the time; but I can't hate too much on a heroine who loves organization as much as I do
✖ reason and source of Holley and Sebastian's conflict/drama was so ridiculous, my head exploded
✖ the romance and chemistry were...lukewarm at best, definitely not enough heat to warm the tips of my toes in that hard Montana winter where the action took place
✖ characterization was...not best; Holley basically had two settings - bookworm and feisty/sarcastic, there was literally nothing more to her character
✖ I LOVE books and I do identify myself as a bookworm but oh boy, there was just too much of it in this book; this was quite a short story and like I mentioned before, being a bookworm made for approximately 90% of Holley's personality and the quips and puns got overly repetitive, to the point of being tiring and annoying instead of funny
✖ for a summary that sells this story as one with fake-dating, there was barely any of that in the actual plot, which was a disappointment; but then maybe the problem was that there was hardly any plot...
✖ there's banter and then there's bickering like overgrown 5-year-olds and unfortunately Holley and Sebastian's exchanges veered into the latter more often than not; I am fine with romance that's easy and fun and cute and that's it, but it still needs to make sense that two people end up together? And here it made me scratch my head, because the main couple bickered and squabbled but they didn't have conversations about anything...real?
✖ this featured one of the straightest conversations to ever straight (including guys salivating over the idea of two girls making out) and it made me roll my eyes so hard, I feared they would stay that way
All in all...I will finish this series, because at this point I am - despite my better judgement - kind of invested in how Saylor/Dylan and Tori/Colton stories will turn out but I just hope they'll be better than this one, because it was definitely a miss for me.
To break it down swiftly:
✔ loved the bookworm puns
✔ Sebastian was a good guy and not the good-guy-who-expects-women-to-fall-into-his-lap-because-he's-a-GOOD-GUY type, but just actual decent human being
✔ Holley was feisty and funny...most of the time; but I can't hate too much on a heroine who loves organization as much as I do
✖ reason and source of Holley and Sebastian's conflict/drama was so ridiculous, my head exploded
✖ the romance and chemistry were...lukewarm at best, definitely not enough heat to warm the tips of my toes in that hard Montana winter where the action took place
✖ characterization was...not best; Holley basically had two settings - bookworm and feisty/sarcastic, there was literally nothing more to her character
✖ I LOVE books and I do identify myself as a bookworm but oh boy, there was just too much of it in this book; this was quite a short story and like I mentioned before, being a bookworm made for approximately 90% of Holley's personality and the quips and puns got overly repetitive, to the point of being tiring and annoying instead of funny
✖ for a summary that sells this story as one with fake-dating, there was barely any of that in the actual plot, which was a disappointment; but then maybe the problem was that there was hardly any plot...
✖ there's banter and then there's bickering like overgrown 5-year-olds and unfortunately Holley and Sebastian's exchanges veered into the latter more often than not; I am fine with romance that's easy and fun and cute and that's it, but it still needs to make sense that two people end up together? And here it made me scratch my head, because the main couple bickered and squabbled but they didn't have conversations about anything...real?
✖ this featured one of the straightest conversations to ever straight (including guys salivating over the idea of two girls making out) and it made me roll my eyes so hard, I feared they would stay that way
All in all...I will finish this series, because at this point I am - despite my better judgement - kind of invested in how Saylor/Dylan and Tori/Colton stories will turn out but I just hope they'll be better than this one, because it was definitely a miss for me.
December 3, 2020
Why do I keep feeling like Emma Hart's books end in the middle? And what about that boring epilogue?
I honestly enjoyed this book, but like I said, there are at least 100 pages missing. Because of that, I can't really give it a higher rating.
I honestly enjoyed this book, but like I said, there are at least 100 pages missing. Because of that, I can't really give it a higher rating.
January 9, 2022
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
First Impressions
The Bookworm’s Guide To Faking It was such a fun time, and I breezed through this audiobook here. I had so much fun discovering this romance and enjoying the wonderful voice of Emma Hart. This is a very short and quick read, but it is one that you will get a kick out of. If you want a true romantic comedy, then look no further than this author. I have become impressed with her books so far and see what she pens. This is a romance that features quite an array of tropes and themes here and it was interesting to see how they all worked together. Another delight is that the heroines in this series are all booklovers of romance, so there is a connection to them that is so relatable. I really felt like the elements that are blended in this book just worked so seamlessly and I can tell that its a talent of this author in how she crafts such charming stories.
Summary
Holley Stuart is completely content working in her bookshop, and not having to worry about a man, that is until her high school sweetheart who broke her heart comes back to town. Holley and Sebastian were once best friends until at prom she saw him kissing her nemesis, and it broke her heart and she was never able to forgive or forget that fateful night. But now Sebastian is back and wants to reconcile, but Holley is determined to stand her ground against him. Sebastian has never forgotten Holley, despite his adventures throughout his career, she was his best friend and he is not a pansy and willing to allow Holley to let this misunderstanding widen the gap between them especially as he may be in town longterm due to his baseball injury. Through a set of circumstances, they end up posing a fake relationship, and as they are forced to be close together, the issues that separate them have to come to light and it will turn Holley’s life upside down. Because she realizes that she has never stopped loving him and what she feels him is more powerful than anything that she has ever felt. But will Holley have the courage to embrace what they have together?
What I Liked
This was a story that I truly had so much fun with and I really loved the turn of events that led these two into a fake relationship. I just adore this trope, and I really found this setup so endearing. There are so many fun players involved in this story from the main characters all the way down to the grandparents of Holley and Sebastian, to even the sweater-dressed ducks. The humor in this book was so delightful, I couldn’t stop laughing at all the dry humor and this author definitely knows how to evoke such playful emotions that just left me with a smile all day. I will admit that I just wanted to immerse myself in this story and allow this author to captivate me even further. The romance that develops between these two was quite fun and I didn’t want to let go of this one here. I adored seeing Sebastian and Holley together, and their quirky bantering was utterly delightful. You can bet on many barrels of laughter to entertain you to no end.
What I Disliked
As much as I was charmed by the story I will admit that there were some factors that kept this from a five-star read. The first is how LONG it took for this couple to actually get together. Like they didn’t have sex or even really have a good kiss until the latter half of the story, and even though it’s a short book, I really would have preferred some more built-up chemistry than what we received in this one here. But I also struggled a bit with Holley. I didn’t understand her reasons for pushing Sebastian away constantly throughout the book, it was a bit frustrating. Because even when the truth comes out, she still treats him like a stranger. I felt like she could have faced up to her feelings and fears sooner without Sebastian having to see past her fake persona and get to the facts of the feeling on the matter.
Overall Evaluation
I found The Bookworm’s Guide To Faking It to be an essential story that will charm your heart in the most endearing of ways. It’s a romance of fun angst, playful banter, a reconciliation that will bring a tear to your heart and deliver a sense of contentment to the soul.
First Impressions
The Bookworm’s Guide To Faking It was such a fun time, and I breezed through this audiobook here. I had so much fun discovering this romance and enjoying the wonderful voice of Emma Hart. This is a very short and quick read, but it is one that you will get a kick out of. If you want a true romantic comedy, then look no further than this author. I have become impressed with her books so far and see what she pens. This is a romance that features quite an array of tropes and themes here and it was interesting to see how they all worked together. Another delight is that the heroines in this series are all booklovers of romance, so there is a connection to them that is so relatable. I really felt like the elements that are blended in this book just worked so seamlessly and I can tell that its a talent of this author in how she crafts such charming stories.
Summary
Holley Stuart is completely content working in her bookshop, and not having to worry about a man, that is until her high school sweetheart who broke her heart comes back to town. Holley and Sebastian were once best friends until at prom she saw him kissing her nemesis, and it broke her heart and she was never able to forgive or forget that fateful night. But now Sebastian is back and wants to reconcile, but Holley is determined to stand her ground against him. Sebastian has never forgotten Holley, despite his adventures throughout his career, she was his best friend and he is not a pansy and willing to allow Holley to let this misunderstanding widen the gap between them especially as he may be in town longterm due to his baseball injury. Through a set of circumstances, they end up posing a fake relationship, and as they are forced to be close together, the issues that separate them have to come to light and it will turn Holley’s life upside down. Because she realizes that she has never stopped loving him and what she feels him is more powerful than anything that she has ever felt. But will Holley have the courage to embrace what they have together?
What I Liked
This was a story that I truly had so much fun with and I really loved the turn of events that led these two into a fake relationship. I just adore this trope, and I really found this setup so endearing. There are so many fun players involved in this story from the main characters all the way down to the grandparents of Holley and Sebastian, to even the sweater-dressed ducks. The humor in this book was so delightful, I couldn’t stop laughing at all the dry humor and this author definitely knows how to evoke such playful emotions that just left me with a smile all day. I will admit that I just wanted to immerse myself in this story and allow this author to captivate me even further. The romance that develops between these two was quite fun and I didn’t want to let go of this one here. I adored seeing Sebastian and Holley together, and their quirky bantering was utterly delightful. You can bet on many barrels of laughter to entertain you to no end.
What I Disliked
As much as I was charmed by the story I will admit that there were some factors that kept this from a five-star read. The first is how LONG it took for this couple to actually get together. Like they didn’t have sex or even really have a good kiss until the latter half of the story, and even though it’s a short book, I really would have preferred some more built-up chemistry than what we received in this one here. But I also struggled a bit with Holley. I didn’t understand her reasons for pushing Sebastian away constantly throughout the book, it was a bit frustrating. Because even when the truth comes out, she still treats him like a stranger. I felt like she could have faced up to her feelings and fears sooner without Sebastian having to see past her fake persona and get to the facts of the feeling on the matter.
Overall Evaluation
I found The Bookworm’s Guide To Faking It to be an essential story that will charm your heart in the most endearing of ways. It’s a romance of fun angst, playful banter, a reconciliation that will bring a tear to your heart and deliver a sense of contentment to the soul.
June 11, 2021
3.5! I liked it and it was going to be a solid 4 but the ending dragged and they took so long to get together.
December 14, 2020
Mon avis en français
My English review
I like the author very much and after having had a good time with the first volume, I was curious to discover Seb and Holley story.
Several years ago, at the prom, Seb humiliated Holley by kissing another girl and since then they have never spoken to each other again. But what Holley doesn’t know is that Sebastian thought she was the woman he was kissing and that the identical dress the two women were wearing misled him. Today, Seb is back in town due to an injury and he is determined to put the young woman back on the hook! He starts by offering to accompany him to her sister’s wedding.
It was a very nice little novel. Humor, endearing characters and of course funny grandparents! It was a pleasure to discover the two characters and I am quite curious about the third and last volume now.
My English review
I like the author very much and after having had a good time with the first volume, I was curious to discover Seb and Holley story.
Several years ago, at the prom, Seb humiliated Holley by kissing another girl and since then they have never spoken to each other again. But what Holley doesn’t know is that Sebastian thought she was the woman he was kissing and that the identical dress the two women were wearing misled him. Today, Seb is back in town due to an injury and he is determined to put the young woman back on the hook! He starts by offering to accompany him to her sister’s wedding.
It was a very nice little novel. Humor, endearing characters and of course funny grandparents! It was a pleasure to discover the two characters and I am quite curious about the third and last volume now.
February 23, 2023
Můj spánek pláče:(((( do dvou do rána jsem četla a pak smůla nebylo to dobrý … první díl lepší
February 9, 2022
İlk kitaba göre olaysız, sade ve biraz sıkıcıydı. Aslında fena değildi ama beklentim arttı sanırım. Doğru düzgün bir şey de olmadı bence.
Holley -ki bu hangi ismin karışımı- ve Sebastian lisede çok yakın arkadaşlardır. Bir yanlış anlaşılma yaklaşık on yıllık suskunluk ve kırgınlığa yol açar. Sebastian'ın geri dönüşü ile de bazı duygular gün yüzüne çıkar.
Kitap, Sebastian'ın gerçeği anlatmak için Holley'in peşinden koşmasını konu alıyordu diyebilirim. Kızın da sözde olmasa da 🙄 gönlü olduğu için olaylar ortaya çıkıyor.
Sonrasında tamam sen bana ihanet etmemiş olabilirsin ama eskisi gibi olamayızlar, evet oluruzlar derken bitti kitap 🤷🏻♀️ Öyle bir şeydi.
İlk kitaba oranla kitap teması daha azdı. Yani Kinsley'i daha ben gibi hissetmiştim. Bunda çok ön planda değildi.
Holley -ki bu hangi ismin karışımı- ve Sebastian lisede çok yakın arkadaşlardır. Bir yanlış anlaşılma yaklaşık on yıllık suskunluk ve kırgınlığa yol açar. Sebastian'ın geri dönüşü ile de bazı duygular gün yüzüne çıkar.
Kitap, Sebastian'ın gerçeği anlatmak için Holley'in peşinden koşmasını konu alıyordu diyebilirim. Kızın da sözde olmasa da 🙄 gönlü olduğu için olaylar ortaya çıkıyor.
Sonrasında tamam sen bana ihanet etmemiş olabilirsin ama eskisi gibi olamayızlar, evet oluruzlar derken bitti kitap 🤷🏻♀️ Öyle bir şeydi.
İlk kitaba oranla kitap teması daha azdı. Yani Kinsley'i daha ben gibi hissetmiştim. Bunda çok ön planda değildi.
December 2, 2020
*5 Stars*
ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
This book was awesome. I devoured it, staying up later than I should've, so that I could finish it. I was really curious about Holley and Sebastian, after the brief bit of info we got in the first book.
As best friends in high school, who had a bad ending to their friendship at prom but no real closure from it, it was interesting to see them interacting again, and the stubborn side Holley. Seb was such a sweetie and I really liked him as a character. He wanted Holley back in his life and he went for it.
Holley was a really relatable character as well. Being the bookworm she is, I totally found myself understanding the things she would say or do, because, hello, bookworm life! Haha. When she and Sebastian were together, I loved the banter and the remarks they would make. They really worked off each other and it was lots of fun. You could feel the chemistry between them, they just need to clear the air and discuss what really happened in the past.
I also really love the secondary characters in the story. Emma Hart has created an awesome little world in their town, with this group of friends and their families. And who can forget the ducks?
Absolutely loved this one, and really looking forward to the next book too. A great intro for that one was part of this story as well. Loving this world, highly recommend.
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ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
This book was awesome. I devoured it, staying up later than I should've, so that I could finish it. I was really curious about Holley and Sebastian, after the brief bit of info we got in the first book.
As best friends in high school, who had a bad ending to their friendship at prom but no real closure from it, it was interesting to see them interacting again, and the stubborn side Holley. Seb was such a sweetie and I really liked him as a character. He wanted Holley back in his life and he went for it.
Holley was a really relatable character as well. Being the bookworm she is, I totally found myself understanding the things she would say or do, because, hello, bookworm life! Haha. When she and Sebastian were together, I loved the banter and the remarks they would make. They really worked off each other and it was lots of fun. You could feel the chemistry between them, they just need to clear the air and discuss what really happened in the past.
I also really love the secondary characters in the story. Emma Hart has created an awesome little world in their town, with this group of friends and their families. And who can forget the ducks?
Absolutely loved this one, and really looking forward to the next book too. A great intro for that one was part of this story as well. Loving this world, highly recommend.
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March 28, 2023
I chose this book because it checked a few of my box’s for my challenges and I am glad I did. It had me smiling and giggling.
Sebastian and Holley were high school friends, with crushes but when Holley sees Sebastian kiss someone that wan’t her she is crushed.
Years later Sebastian is back after an injury and is rehabbing his pitching arm. He wants to rekindle his flame and set the record straight.
Holley is having none of it, she is happy with her book store her friends and the ancients (aka old folks home where her grandparents are)
Caught up in a fake dating plan it kind of goes from there.
It's funny and sweet and just a great listen, solid 4 stars.
Savannah and Tim do a great job with the narration, I think I will pick up book 3.
Sebastian and Holley were high school friends, with crushes but when Holley sees Sebastian kiss someone that wan’t her she is crushed.
Years later Sebastian is back after an injury and is rehabbing his pitching arm. He wants to rekindle his flame and set the record straight.
Holley is having none of it, she is happy with her book store her friends and the ancients (aka old folks home where her grandparents are)
Caught up in a fake dating plan it kind of goes from there.
It's funny and sweet and just a great listen, solid 4 stars.
Savannah and Tim do a great job with the narration, I think I will pick up book 3.
November 30, 2020
***5 Stars***
There is never a dull moment in White Peak. It doesn’t matter if it’s Holley attempting to dodge Sebastian or their grandparents wreaking havoc at the nursing home...or even the ducks, something is always causing some sort of crazy and I loved getting to witness it first hand.
I loved Holley and Sebastian. Holley is snarky, sassy and just a tad bit of a control freak, but she is also a sweetheart who loves her friends and family...even if they do drive her BSC. Sebastian is sweet, laid back and focused. When the man makes a decision, he sticks with it.
Their journey was a lesson in patience...a fun, crazy, kind of OTT one, but OMG. These two. It was easy to see how they were once BFF’s. Their bantering had a flow to it that only people who’d known each other for years could pull off and the chemistry was there, but man that one thing from their past...it’s one of those situations where I sided with both of them and honestly couldn’t make up my mind who was actually in the right or wrong because in the end...they both were. But I will say that while it did take some time for them to figure things out and get their HEA, it was totally worth it in the end.
This was a fun read. Over the top at times, but a lot of fun. The White Peak crew had me cracking up ~ even those crazy ducks and I am totally looking forward to the next book and seeing Saylor fall!
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
There is never a dull moment in White Peak. It doesn’t matter if it’s Holley attempting to dodge Sebastian or their grandparents wreaking havoc at the nursing home...or even the ducks, something is always causing some sort of crazy and I loved getting to witness it first hand.
I loved Holley and Sebastian. Holley is snarky, sassy and just a tad bit of a control freak, but she is also a sweetheart who loves her friends and family...even if they do drive her BSC. Sebastian is sweet, laid back and focused. When the man makes a decision, he sticks with it.
Their journey was a lesson in patience...a fun, crazy, kind of OTT one, but OMG. These two. It was easy to see how they were once BFF’s. Their bantering had a flow to it that only people who’d known each other for years could pull off and the chemistry was there, but man that one thing from their past...it’s one of those situations where I sided with both of them and honestly couldn’t make up my mind who was actually in the right or wrong because in the end...they both were. But I will say that while it did take some time for them to figure things out and get their HEA, it was totally worth it in the end.
This was a fun read. Over the top at times, but a lot of fun. The White Peak crew had me cracking up ~ even those crazy ducks and I am totally looking forward to the next book and seeing Saylor fall!
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
April 14, 2023
Holly has to be one of the most annoying main characters I’ve ever read about. I don’t think I’ll be reading any more Emma Hart books after this.
June 25, 2022
they are so beautiful so cute i love them as a couple
December 1, 2020
“Why are you falling asleep while reading?” “Because ‘one more chapter’ turns into ten more chapters.” “It’s not that hard to stop after one more chapter.” “That’s the difference between you and I, Sebastian. You can stop reading. I cannot, therefore resulting in a severe lack of respect for the thing known as a good night’s sleep.”
The Bookworm’s Guide to Faking It is such a fun and entertaining read. No one and I mean no one can hold a grudge like Holley. You see, many years ago on prom night, Holley had her heart broken by Sebastian. And every time Sebastian tried to explain himself, Holley shut him out. Years later, fate has intervened and has thrown these two ex-best friends back into each other’s lives. And this time, Sebastian doesn’t plan to let Holley go without a fight….
The Bookworm’s Guide to Faking It pulled me into the story instantly. I loved Holley’s wit and I loved the way Sebastian challenged her. The banter between these two ex-besties was off the chart and left me begging for more. Seriously, the chemistry and tension between these two was explosive. I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next and if Holley would finally let Sebastian explain himself.
The Bookworm’s Guide to Faking It was everything that I wanted and needed in a romantic comedy from Emma Hart. The characters were fun, entertaining, and smartly written. Their story was captivating and left you wanting more. There was the perfect blend of humor, sass, and romance. All in all, this was the perfect read to spend your afternoon getting swept up in!
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
The Bookworm’s Guide to Faking It is such a fun and entertaining read. No one and I mean no one can hold a grudge like Holley. You see, many years ago on prom night, Holley had her heart broken by Sebastian. And every time Sebastian tried to explain himself, Holley shut him out. Years later, fate has intervened and has thrown these two ex-best friends back into each other’s lives. And this time, Sebastian doesn’t plan to let Holley go without a fight….
The Bookworm’s Guide to Faking It pulled me into the story instantly. I loved Holley’s wit and I loved the way Sebastian challenged her. The banter between these two ex-besties was off the chart and left me begging for more. Seriously, the chemistry and tension between these two was explosive. I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next and if Holley would finally let Sebastian explain himself.
The Bookworm’s Guide to Faking It was everything that I wanted and needed in a romantic comedy from Emma Hart. The characters were fun, entertaining, and smartly written. Their story was captivating and left you wanting more. There was the perfect blend of humor, sass, and romance. All in all, this was the perfect read to spend your afternoon getting swept up in!
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
March 5, 2021
2.5
Better than the first one... but I didn't really like it more? They're both not terrible.
Holley was 26 going on 15. She's holding a grudge over something stupid from her prom, which yes was pathetic. Which the boy crazy friend(Saylor) flat out tells her.
That doesn't stop her from being defensive and flat out mean to Sebastian for like... 90%? Even after they've "moved passed it" after the one sentence it took to clear up her dumb as fuck grudge.
So much book is her being a jerk, for no reason. They're "together" for like the last 2 chapters and then get a 2 months later epilogue. WHY IS SO MUCH BOOK HOLLEY BEING A DICK? Who wants to read that?
Sebastian comments that she's a lot of work, in a off hand jokey way. TOO REAL. She acts like an asshole and he keeps coming back for more- based off feelings he had for her as a teenager.
100% they would have broken up if they got together as teenagers, because Holley is insecure, self centered, and defensive. No way would they be able to survive him being successful, having women hit on him, and him traveling.
She's a coddled controlling nightmare, just like the clumsy friend in the first one.
Fewer side character references, but each one still came with the teaser for their own book/plot. Pfffflt.
I haven't liked the other friend so far, so, it's going to take me being stuck somewhere with no wifi to get me to read the last one.
Thinking Emma Hart is not longer a one click author for me
Better than the first one... but I didn't really like it more? They're both not terrible.
Holley was 26 going on 15. She's holding a grudge over something stupid from her prom, which yes was pathetic. Which the boy crazy friend(Saylor) flat out tells her.
That doesn't stop her from being defensive and flat out mean to Sebastian for like... 90%? Even after they've "moved passed it" after the one sentence it took to clear up her dumb as fuck grudge.
So much book is her being a jerk, for no reason. They're "together" for like the last 2 chapters and then get a 2 months later epilogue. WHY IS SO MUCH BOOK HOLLEY BEING A DICK? Who wants to read that?
Sebastian comments that she's a lot of work, in a off hand jokey way. TOO REAL. She acts like an asshole and he keeps coming back for more- based off feelings he had for her as a teenager.
100% they would have broken up if they got together as teenagers, because Holley is insecure, self centered, and defensive. No way would they be able to survive him being successful, having women hit on him, and him traveling.
She's a coddled controlling nightmare, just like the clumsy friend in the first one.
Fewer side character references, but each one still came with the teaser for their own book/plot. Pfffflt.
I haven't liked the other friend so far, so, it's going to take me being stuck somewhere with no wifi to get me to read the last one.
Thinking Emma Hart is not longer a one click author for me
December 10, 2020
5 The Ultimate Second Chance Stars!!!
I absolutely loved this newest book by Emma Hart. I’m such a huge fan of her snarky and sassy heroines and Holley is right up there with my favorites. I love how she’s a bookstore owner and reads romances unapologetically. Her friendship with Sebastian went south in a very hurtful way several years ago and she’s not so inclined to give him any type of second chance at that friendship or anything more when he shows up in her bookstore… and she needs to be his date to his sister’s wedding.
These two together were laugh out loud funny. Some of their conversations and situations they find themselves in had me with a big smile on my face with the occasional snort laugh happening too. Holley doesn’t make it easy for Seb, but their friendship that was lost so many years ago slowly heals her heart and highlights their growing attraction to each other.
There wasn’t one thing I didn’t love about this book from Holley and Sebastian getting their second chance at friendship and so much more. The secondary characters that we’ve met previously and their respective families all makes for a rom-com that once I started it, I couldn’t put it down!!
I absolutely loved this newest book by Emma Hart. I’m such a huge fan of her snarky and sassy heroines and Holley is right up there with my favorites. I love how she’s a bookstore owner and reads romances unapologetically. Her friendship with Sebastian went south in a very hurtful way several years ago and she’s not so inclined to give him any type of second chance at that friendship or anything more when he shows up in her bookstore… and she needs to be his date to his sister’s wedding.
These two together were laugh out loud funny. Some of their conversations and situations they find themselves in had me with a big smile on my face with the occasional snort laugh happening too. Holley doesn’t make it easy for Seb, but their friendship that was lost so many years ago slowly heals her heart and highlights their growing attraction to each other.
There wasn’t one thing I didn’t love about this book from Holley and Sebastian getting their second chance at friendship and so much more. The secondary characters that we’ve met previously and their respective families all makes for a rom-com that once I started it, I couldn’t put it down!!
December 1, 2020
4.5 stars
I loved The Bookworm's Guide to Faking It by Emma Hart!
I found the storyline entertaining, sweet, heartfelt and I lost count how many times I found myself laughing out loud with Holley and her girlfriends antics.
Watching Holley and Sebastian relationship unfold had me smiling, swooning and frustrated all throughout the book. I enjoyed their banter, they both knew how to press each other's buttons and I loved their sexual tension.
These two were best friends who had a falling out years ago but now find themselves reconnecting and opening their hearts to each other.
I loved them together.
The Bookworm's Guide to Faking It is a wonderful addition to the The Bookworm's Guide series and I highly recommend it!
Now Live!
Series Amazon: https://amzn.to/3gDoUlk
TBR: http://emmahart.pub/TBGTFI-GR
Amazon US → https://amzn.to/3eFnxlb
Amazon UK → https://amzn.to/3dqG1UT
Apple Books → https://emmahart.pub/TBGTFIapple
Nook → https://emmahart.pub/TBGTFInook
*An advance copy was provided in exchange for my honest thoughts*
I loved The Bookworm's Guide to Faking It by Emma Hart!
I found the storyline entertaining, sweet, heartfelt and I lost count how many times I found myself laughing out loud with Holley and her girlfriends antics.
Watching Holley and Sebastian relationship unfold had me smiling, swooning and frustrated all throughout the book. I enjoyed their banter, they both knew how to press each other's buttons and I loved their sexual tension.
These two were best friends who had a falling out years ago but now find themselves reconnecting and opening their hearts to each other.
I loved them together.
The Bookworm's Guide to Faking It is a wonderful addition to the The Bookworm's Guide series and I highly recommend it!
Now Live!
Series Amazon: https://amzn.to/3gDoUlk
TBR: http://emmahart.pub/TBGTFI-GR
Amazon US → https://amzn.to/3eFnxlb
Amazon UK → https://amzn.to/3dqG1UT
Apple Books → https://emmahart.pub/TBGTFIapple
Nook → https://emmahart.pub/TBGTFInook
*An advance copy was provided in exchange for my honest thoughts*
February 24, 2023
This book was exactly what I needed( i thought), this series is so cute, fun and sassy. In the first book, I was so anxious about Seb and Hollie's relationship but now that I have read it I know that there wasn't actually anything to be scared of as this book doesn't have a freaking STORY.
Okay, that was me going in Godzilla mode, no matter how cute and fun a book is I don't like books that just spirals around , doesn't form a story or making any sense. the first book had an arc at least this one though is just so devoid of any message or soul.
this book could be a chapter in any romance novel as this won't affect the character or life of anyone whatsoever even after the author's deliberate attempts to merge the stories of Kinsley and Saylor into it. The romance part was nice, but not nice enough, it was not as good as the first book I felt like the author wrote this book just because she wanted to write a series and had a lot of bookworm jokes with her.
Okay, that was me going in Godzilla mode, no matter how cute and fun a book is I don't like books that just spirals around , doesn't form a story or making any sense. the first book had an arc at least this one though is just so devoid of any message or soul.
this book could be a chapter in any romance novel as this won't affect the character or life of anyone whatsoever even after the author's deliberate attempts to merge the stories of Kinsley and Saylor into it. The romance part was nice, but not nice enough, it was not as good as the first book I felt like the author wrote this book just because she wanted to write a series and had a lot of bookworm jokes with her.
December 1, 2020
The Bookworm's Guide To Faking it by Emma Hart is sarcastically witty and extremely fun. Holley and Sebastian's story is a best friends to lovers mixed with the fake dating troupe and a jock and nerd romance. Both characters are so endearing despite the fact that Holley tries her best to stay away from Seb after an eight year old mistake. Yes, it takes them EIGHT years to address their little dilemma. Talk about unrequited feelings!
The Bookworm's Guide to Faking It will have you laughing one minute and swooning the next.
Recommended to readers who:
* Want a fun, quick and swoony read
* Are looking to laugh their socks off
* Love a multi-troupe romance
* Love Emma Hart just as much as I do
Excuse me as I go buy twin ducks so I can name them Cheese and Quakers.
The Bookworm's Guide to Faking It will have you laughing one minute and swooning the next.
Recommended to readers who:
* Want a fun, quick and swoony read
* Are looking to laugh their socks off
* Love a multi-troupe romance
* Love Emma Hart just as much as I do
Excuse me as I go buy twin ducks so I can name them Cheese and Quakers.
December 6, 2020
I read another review saying that it felt like this book stopped midway and I felt the same thing. I was really surprised when I finished the last chapter and I was at the epilogue. I felt like I needed at least 2-3 more chapters to wrap it up.
I still enjoyed the chapters leading up to the end, but the story doesn’t feel resolved by the end.
I still enjoyed the chapters leading up to the end, but the story doesn’t feel resolved by the end.
October 19, 2021
A fun fake dating, second chance at love dual perspective romance between two old high school friends. I loved the small town setting and that three bookish best friends are running their own bookstore. I didn’t love how the story just wrapped up seemingly instantly at the end with little lead up. All of a sudden they were in bed and it was HEA and I was like what?? But overall a fun read and I’m still looking forward to the others in this trilogy.
May 25, 2022
Bookworms guide⭐️
“Romance novels are, for the most part, a healthy representation of relationships where there is respect and consent and love, and if more young women were taught not to be ashamed of what they read, maybe the world would be a better place.”
“Romance novels are, for the most part, a healthy representation of relationships where there is respect and consent and love, and if more young women were taught not to be ashamed of what they read, maybe the world would be a better place.”
June 12, 2023
סבסטאין והולי😻
החברים הכי טובים מאז ותמיד עד הנשף שסבסטיאן מנשק את האויבת שלה והם לא מדברים תשע שנים עד שהוא חוזר.
אין לי הסבר אבל מההתחלה אהבתי את סבסטיאןן והייתי בעדו😍
הולי נפגעה ממש והיא לא יכולה לסלוח לו לצערה לסבסטיאן נמאס שהיא מתעלמת ממנו אז הוא גורם לה לבוא איתו לחתונה של אחותו בתור הדייט שלו ומשם הסיפור שלהם מתחיל🥰
באמת שהספר מהמם אבל לא ציפיתי לפאקינג סלואו בורן😭באסה לי
החברים הכי טובים מאז ותמיד עד הנשף שסבסטיאן מנשק את האויבת שלה והם לא מדברים תשע שנים עד שהוא חוזר.
אין לי הסבר אבל מההתחלה אהבתי את סבסטיאןן והייתי בעדו😍
הולי נפגעה ממש והיא לא יכולה לסלוח לו לצערה לסבסטיאן נמאס שהיא מתעלמת ממנו אז הוא גורם לה לבוא איתו לחתונה של אחותו בתור הדייט שלו ומשם הסיפור שלהם מתחיל🥰
באמת שהספר מהמם אבל לא ציפיתי לפאקינג סלואו בורן😭באסה לי
June 21, 2022
como são fofos jss
December 6, 2020
As with every other book I read by Emma Hart, I was laughing from the very first page. The hilarious dialogue she comes up with is exactly what I love. It’s what keeps me going and has me rolling in bed with laughter at midnight when I should have been sleeping two hours earlier. In this case, or should I say also once again, I totally felt so much of what the main character, Holley, thought. I mean I guess that makes sense since the series is about bookworms, and I am totally a bookworm. But there was the part towards the start when she mentioned that she got to “shop” for books when she was ordering them into her bookstore. That is me with part of my job as a school librarian. My favorite part sometimes is ordering books with my budget. The hardest part is not having enough money to buy all the books I want to buy for my students. And then when the boxes of books I’ve ordered come in, well, just like Holley, it is like Christmas for me! Opening the boxes and taking the books out and putting them on the shelves, LOVE!!!! Of course reading about her working the bookstore made me a little sad since thanks to this lovely pandemic I lost my job of 15 years at a bookstore when they had to lay me off last April because I was classified as seasonal. But I digress in my review.
Another thing Holley did that was so me was how she thought about how she kind of narrated to her own “imaginary reader” inside her head. I think I do that too. It’s why I like books that are first person POV and when they “break the wall” as they say. I feel like I think that way to myself all the time, so it makes sense to me when characters do it in books. Oh yeah, and then when she talked about why she didn’t end up reading the Game of Thrones books even while loving the show, that was me too.
We had our time with the crazy grandparents as usual in any of Emma Hart’s books. In fact it was Sebastian’s grandpa that kind of made the whole fake dating bit happen, and so that was good. While I adored Holley, and her stubbornness, and ability to argue just for the sake of being stubborn (once again I highly resemble that trait), I also loved Sebastian and even got him to some degree. Especially his thoughts about Schitt’s Creek. Everyone goes on and on about how great and how funny it is, but it just doesn’t look that great to me.
Oh Sebastian, totally a romance book hero, book boyfriend, you name it. I loved him and how he felt about Holley, how her stubbornness made him laugh and love her more. Honestly, it’s not just even the banter between Sebastian and Holley that I loved. The way the group of friends talk to each other is so much like some of my best friends and even some of my family talk to each other. I feel at home I guess in these worlds by this author.
Once again I have to tell you if you haven’t read anything by this author yet, what are you doing? Go, grab one, any of them, you can even start anywhere in a series, because they each focus on a different character usually, so you can pick up the one that sounds most interesting to you. But. you’ll fall in love with the friends and family in the books and then you’ll have to read their books as well!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
Another thing Holley did that was so me was how she thought about how she kind of narrated to her own “imaginary reader” inside her head. I think I do that too. It’s why I like books that are first person POV and when they “break the wall” as they say. I feel like I think that way to myself all the time, so it makes sense to me when characters do it in books. Oh yeah, and then when she talked about why she didn’t end up reading the Game of Thrones books even while loving the show, that was me too.
We had our time with the crazy grandparents as usual in any of Emma Hart’s books. In fact it was Sebastian’s grandpa that kind of made the whole fake dating bit happen, and so that was good. While I adored Holley, and her stubbornness, and ability to argue just for the sake of being stubborn (once again I highly resemble that trait), I also loved Sebastian and even got him to some degree. Especially his thoughts about Schitt’s Creek. Everyone goes on and on about how great and how funny it is, but it just doesn’t look that great to me.
Oh Sebastian, totally a romance book hero, book boyfriend, you name it. I loved him and how he felt about Holley, how her stubbornness made him laugh and love her more. Honestly, it’s not just even the banter between Sebastian and Holley that I loved. The way the group of friends talk to each other is so much like some of my best friends and even some of my family talk to each other. I feel at home I guess in these worlds by this author.
Once again I have to tell you if you haven’t read anything by this author yet, what are you doing? Go, grab one, any of them, you can even start anywhere in a series, because they each focus on a different character usually, so you can pick up the one that sounds most interesting to you. But. you’ll fall in love with the friends and family in the books and then you’ll have to read their books as well!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
December 1, 2020
**4.5 stars**
The Bookworm’s Guide to Faking It is the second book in the Bookworm’s Guide series based in a small town in Montana. It can still be read as a standalone. If you did read the first one, this is Holley’s book, Kinsley’s best friend. Holley’s ex best friend, Sebastian, returns to town after suffering a shoulder injury as a Major League Baseball pitcher. He’s hoping to rekindle their friendship. But, Holley is still angry about a miscommunication that happened in their last encounter at prom in high school. He wears her down and eventually talks her into going to his sister’s wedding as his fake girlfriend, in exchange for the truth of what happened that night. She reluctantly agrees. As you can imagine, things start to feel a lot less fake.
I loved the storyline and the pace. I thought things were going to be very fake relationship trope predictable but Emma Hart threw some unique twists in there that I was not expecting. The pace was perfect. I loved Sebastian! He was so sweet and kind. On the other hand, I really struggled with Holley’s character. She was so set in her ways, and holding such a grudge about something that happened 8 years ago. I loved getting to see some of our favorite friends back in the story. Saylor and Dylan’s book is next and I cannot wait! These two were so intriguing together in this one, that I need to see how this all plays out!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Bookworm’s Guide to Faking It is the second book in the Bookworm’s Guide series based in a small town in Montana. It can still be read as a standalone. If you did read the first one, this is Holley’s book, Kinsley’s best friend. Holley’s ex best friend, Sebastian, returns to town after suffering a shoulder injury as a Major League Baseball pitcher. He’s hoping to rekindle their friendship. But, Holley is still angry about a miscommunication that happened in their last encounter at prom in high school. He wears her down and eventually talks her into going to his sister’s wedding as his fake girlfriend, in exchange for the truth of what happened that night. She reluctantly agrees. As you can imagine, things start to feel a lot less fake.
I loved the storyline and the pace. I thought things were going to be very fake relationship trope predictable but Emma Hart threw some unique twists in there that I was not expecting. The pace was perfect. I loved Sebastian! He was so sweet and kind. On the other hand, I really struggled with Holley’s character. She was so set in her ways, and holding such a grudge about something that happened 8 years ago. I loved getting to see some of our favorite friends back in the story. Saylor and Dylan’s book is next and I cannot wait! These two were so intriguing together in this one, that I need to see how this all plays out!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 27, 2020
There is quite a bit of sexism and forced gender roles in this book--that was a big yikes for me. For example, a male gets made fun of for baking, like that is somehow a girly activity? What? There are so many more examples, but I don't feel like going back through the book to find them.
Also, the "plot" was incredibly contrived. I had a hard time believing the situations that were created or even the romance between the two main characters. It was hard to get through the whole book honestly.
Last of all, and I say this as a certified Basic White Girl™ that grew in the Midwest, this book was the most Midwestern, white people book I have ever read. Like, these people are basic af. My god. I guess in that regard, the author did an excellent job writing them. I totally believed these characters grew up in middle-class Montana.
Also, the "plot" was incredibly contrived. I had a hard time believing the situations that were created or even the romance between the two main characters. It was hard to get through the whole book honestly.
Last of all, and I say this as a certified Basic White Girl™ that grew in the Midwest, this book was the most Midwestern, white people book I have ever read. Like, these people are basic af. My god. I guess in that regard, the author did an excellent job writing them. I totally believed these characters grew up in middle-class Montana.
December 2, 2020
The Bookworm’s Guide to Faking It is book 2 in the Bookworm’s Guide series by Emma Hart. This is this is Holley and Sebastian's story. This book brings the snark, humor, romance, heat, feels, drama, passion, love, and HEA. Holley and Sebastian were best friends in high school until their senior school prom. He did something that changed things between them and they haven't spoken in 8 years. Now Sebastian is back in town.
Get ready for the slow burn romance ! The chemistry! The answers as to what really happened. I can't wait for book 3.
My Rating: 4.5 stars ********
Get ready for the slow burn romance ! The chemistry! The answers as to what really happened. I can't wait for book 3.
My Rating: 4.5 stars ********
August 14, 2022
I deeply disliked Holley. I’ve read middle grade books with more mature characters.
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