Not Faking About You ๐๐คฃ๐คฆ๐พโโ๏ธ
๐ป๐ PLOTTING AMONG PETALS | BOOK REVIEW #001
๐ Never Faking About You
โ๐ฝ Author: Aubry J.
โญ Rating: 4.5/5
๐ Genre: Urban Romance
Let me tell yโall somethingโฆ Fire Carlson is a walking red flag with a sense of humor, and apparently, I have terrible judgment when it comes to fictional characters because at this point, Iโd rather live in this fictional world instead of reality ๐คฃ
From beginning to end, Never Faking About You kept me entertained! Whether it was the chemistry, the banter, the drama, and Fireโs absolutely unhinged behavior (which has been confirmed to be what I am looking for when it comes to my reads), I was thoroughly invested.
๐ฅ LETโS TALK ABOUT FIRE!
Sirrrrr! ๐ญ This man was obsessive, manipulative, morally questionable, and somehow hilarious at the same time. His methods were definitely not always admirable, and there were moments when I wanted to reach through the pages and ask him wtf he was thinking!
But one thing that was not to be mistaken about Fire? He was going to show up for the people he loved, especially his family ๐ฏ๐ฏ. That protective side added another layer to his character, but it still didnโt excuse his behavior at all.
๐ NOW, LETโS GIVE LYNX HER FLOWERS!
I appreciated that Lynx had a mind of her own! She wasnโt simply going to make everything easy for Fire, and I loved that about her. Their chemistry was undeniable, but their back-and-forth banter made their dynamic even more entertaining. I canโt tell you how many times I reread certain parts just because I was so tickled๐คฃ๐คฃ
The tension, the attraction, and the ridiculousness of some of their interactions had me laughing one minute and shaking my head the next.
๐ป THE FOUND FAMILY ELEMENT? YES, PLEASE!
Ocean โค๏ธand Lake ๐ were such welcoming additions to the story! I absolutely loved the family dynamic and the relationships woven throughout the book. ๐ฅฐ
Thereโs something special about a romance that gives you more than just the main couple. The humor, loyalty, and connections between everyone made the story feel more authentic.
๐ WHAT DIDNโT WORK FOR ME?
As much as I enjoyed this book, I canโt overlook Fireโs manipulation. Some of his behavior was beyond questionable, even by fictional red-flag standards (but should I even have standards atp when it comes to these ppl ๐คฃ๐คฃ).
There were also a few moments that felt rushed. I wouldโve liked more details on how Fire ended up having custody of the twins. I know he mentioned it briefly, but I wouldโve definitely wanted more details on the backstory. And that ending? I needed MORE! I wouldโve loved additional insight into what life looked like for these characters after everything unfolded. Definitely need a second book.
โจ MY FINAL THOUGHTS
This book delivered chemistry, humor, messy romance, memorable characters, and just enough chaos to keep me turning the pages!
Was Fire a red flag? Depending on your standards๐คช๐๐
Would I tolerate some of his behavior in real life?
Did I enjoy reading about it? Unfortunately for my fictional standardsโฆ YES! ๐
FINAL RATING: โญโญโญโญยฝ (4.5/5)
๐ป Would I recommend it? Absolutely! Especially if you enjoy morally gray men, strong female characters, laugh-out-loud banter, found family, and romances that are just a little messy.
Now tell me, have you read Never Faking About You? And more importantly, is Fire Carlson book-boyfriend material or a walking restraining order? ๐๐
๐ Plotting Among Petals ๐ป
Where pretty petals meet petty plot opinions.
#PlottingAmongPetals #NeverFakingAboutYou #AubryJ #BookReview
Reading "Never Faking About You" offers a rollercoaster of emotions that linger well after the last page is turned. In my experience with urban romance novels, characters like Fire Carlson stand out because they challenge conventional heroes with their flawed humanity. His blend of obsession, humor, and protectiveness creates tension but also relatability, which is a taboo yet captivating mix. One element that particularly resonated with me was the balance between Fire's darker traits and the warmth of the found family surrounding him. The presence of characters like Ocean and Lake enriches the narrative, emphasizing themes of loyalty and support that are sometimes missing in romance genres focused solely on the couple. This nuanced portrayal adds authenticity to the story and makes the world-building more immersive. Lynx, as a strong female lead, breaks through typical stereotypes by holding her ground and engaging in witty banter that many readers will appreciate for its freshness and realness. This dynamic keeps the story from becoming predictable, ensuring that the romantic tension remains lively and engaging. I found that the "fake relationship" trope was executed with a unique twist, adding layers to the characters' interactions and evolving emotional stakes. However, I also felt there were moments where deeper backstory, especially regarding Fireโs custody of the twins, would have enhanced the emotional impact and clarified motivations. This gap left me eagerly hoping for a sequel to unravel these mysteries and further develop the charactersโ journeys. As someone who has read several books in the "morally gray men" sub-genre, this novel stands out due to its combination of humor, chaotic romances, and found family elements. The bookโs light-hearted chaos contrasted with serious themes makes it a refreshing read for those who enjoy a messy but heartfelt story. In conclusion, "Never Faking About You" blends urban romance with humor, complex character studies, and emotional depth, making it a compelling choice for readers who love romance thatโs far from perfect but utterly entertaining. If you appreciate stories with flawed heroes, passionate heroines, and a rich ensemble cast, this book is definitely worth your time.
