Sweet story but unfortunately for me a tad young for me. Unlike many books out there, these junior year high school students really were as clueless as real-life, which is refreshing because no one has great wisdom in HS but also didn't stimulate me enough to become invested in the characters. Probably a great book for a young reader. ( )

When I was first approached by Leigh T. Moore to review The Truth about Faking, I have to admit that I fell in love with the premise. What could be more fun than reading about a group of high school kids who just want to figure out love? It sounded sweet, and funny! So I jumped in head first. It took me a little while to fall into step with Harley and her friends, but once I did I was enjoyed myself.

Let's start with what I loved. Jason definitely makes this list! Here is a character that is just impossible not to fall in love with. Adorable, witty, and just all together nice. It was a breath of fresh air to see a guy character who wasn't trying to constantly be a bad-boy type. I also really loved Harley's mom and dad. Her mom especially! A hippie at heart, and an herbalist by profession, she was one of those moms that shines off the page. She cared about Harley, and it showed. I so enjoy families who actually care about one another!

Harley herself took me a bit longer appreciate. I'm not going to deny that I wanted to shake some sense into her more than a few times. She's a sweet girl. Misguided sure, but definitely not evil-minded. All Harley really wants is Trent, and she's willing to do a lot to get what she wants. I did appreciate how Moore gave Harley a conscience though. We've all acted on instinct, and Harley is no exception. However the difference is that Harley actually learns from her mistakes. Refreshing!

Overall my biggest issue with this book was how long it took for me to become invested. I loved Jason, and because of that I wanted to shake Harley for the way she was treating him. I didn't really care for Trent. Or Shelly, who is supposed to be Harley's best friend and yet treats her pretty badly. The pacing in the beginning also felt a little rushed, and it wasn't until midway that I finally began to understand the characters. Trust me though, it's worth reading on! I loved the ending, and no I won't spoil it.

Ultimately The Truth About Faking ended up being a book that I enjoyed, and that I definitely recommend. If you are a reader who loves a good contemporary romance, then this is one for you.
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http://shesgotbooksonhermind.blogspot.com/

Harley (exceptionally cool name for a girl) is a typical teenager who has fallen for the popular boy, Trent. Trent is actually a very nice guy so I am proud of Harley for choosing someone like him to crush on. I don't know about you but I usually get over my crushes after a couple of months or a school year. Some show that they are not really great people or I don't think I would be able to talk with them. That might be why she was so persistent to get the guy. He was a decent guy. But then she meets Jason who hello! Obviously likes her. He was incredibly nice to her and all the time was so happy that he was "fake" dating her because he really liked her. She could easily talk with him, he had a great personality, and he was good looking too... This is where you wonder what the main character's problem is. Why can't you see what's right in front of you? If the dream guy was actually the dream guy he would have asked you out a long time ago especially since you did well and made an effort to get noticed by him. If he liked you he would say wow! She's beautiful and seems like a really nice person I can talk to. Let me ask her out. But no. That doesn't happen and you have another guy willing which you decide isn't good enough... Sigh.

Her friend! Oh how I did not like her so very much. Her parents got divorced and apparently that's a good reason to go from guy to guy. Not only that but to prey on the main guys that her best friend clearly has feelings for? She is not your friend. I couldn't be friends with someone like her. She didn't even redeem herself in my eyes. She just kept on being that perky popular girl that everyone gossips about behind her back. And she wants that! She wants the attention! Stop. Giving. It. To. Her. She frustrated me to no end. I'm glad she wasn't a major character in the story and I didn't have to deal with her that much.

There was a second aspect of this story that creates some mystery for me. I kind of had a feeling to what was happening later on with them and another character which sounds bad but I was very happy that it was put into this story. It was perfect. Anyways her mom is a massage therapist which has gotten her some enemies in the church. Her father is the main reverend and he beat out one of the woman's husband so she now makes it her mission to make rude comments to her mother any time she sees her. So the potential gossip Harley feels might come out of the weird relationship that her mother and her mother's assistant, Ricky, have makes her super anxious. She bothered me with how she was feeling with this and the things she was doing to Jason. Jason deserved better treatment. It's not like I totally don't like her. I actually really liked the story even if she was the type that took a while to realize how silly she's been acting. The story kept me engaged with romance and gossip. I really wanted someone to bring down that woman a peg who kept on being nothing but rude to her mother. I couldn't wait till Harley admitted how wrong she was. It was like the author promised - a sweet romance that I couldn't help devouring right away. ( )

This is a pretty good YA book for those middle schoolers who love the YA books. The main character, Harley, is the daughter of a minister, and while some of her friends cuss and party too hard, she doesn't agree with those things and has no problem telling her friends not to swear. Their family is careful about how Harley talks, how she dresses, they keep tabs on where she is, and they have high expectations for her behavior. Her parents are in a very loving and strong relationship. All of those things can be all too rare in a YA book. I also really appreciated how the author dealt with the topics of religion and homosexuality and was very respectful and kind about both. The story itself is cute and the characters are very likeable - with one exception for me, and that was the character of the best friend. She went off the deep end after her parents divorced and went from boy to boy to boy, and didn't seem to be a very good friend to Harley. At the end it wrapped up her story all too neatly and I didn't buy it at all. Other than that, I quite liked this book and think my older middle schoolers will enjoy it.

Areas of concern:
*The *s* word and a few others were used a little too frequently, but the main character never said them and she disapproved.
*The best friend wants to make out with every guy she meets.
*There is suspected adultery.
*There is kissing and tongues are mentioned.
*Homosexuality is discussed.
*Religion is discussed.

http://read-me-maybe.blogspot.com ( )

This is a very cute story! I love the feel of thinking its all a game when it’s not.

Plot: This plot is about a girl who has a pretend boyfriend and in the mist of things, she falls in love with him. I absolutely love this story. It’s a very cute read with tons of great characters and plot. The plot also goes in to detail with her family as well as her friends. One thing about this plot is that it feels very real and you can connect with the characters.

Love: This love is super fun to read. It does reach a climax of choices but I like that it takes her a while to see what she needs to do. Over the course of their friendship and love, both Jason and Harley start to question what they are doing. There relationship also has some strained with family problems as well as friend drama. It’s good to see this relationship build slowly to a wonderful friendship and love.

Ending: I love this ending. It is a HEA and I’m okay with that. Being with all the characters have gone through, they deserve some peace.

This is a very cute and fun read. Super easy to get into and love, The Truth About Faking captures a fantastic teenage voice that is brought to life with a great satisfying plot. A fun romantic drama that is touching, The Truth About Faking is great. ( )