Review of Fake Skating by Lynn Painter
❄️ HAPPY RELEASE DAY TO THIS GORGEOUS OF A BOOK! ❄️ I couldn’t resist diving into Lynn Painter’s latest gem, Fake Skating, as soon as I got my hands on the ARC—thank you, NetGalley and the publisher! Lynn has a way of pulling you in, and I found myself gleefully exclaiming, “OH MY GOSH I GOT THE LYNN PAINTER ARC!” My excitement could probably be bottled up and sold as a happiness potion. So, grab a mug of your favorite beverage and settle in; it’s time to unravel this delightful tale.
Fake Skating follows Dani and Alec through the whirlwind of fake dating, a trope I adore. I mean, come on! The tension, the longing, and that cheeky “it’s fake, but is it really?” allure always keeps me giggling, even if it makes me momentarily feel a bit single. Dani, with her relatable journey through self-discovery and her banter, instantly captured my heart; she’s a girlboss in every sense. And Alec? He’s like that dreamboat who rides in on a hockey rink, all while rocking an unexpected playlist of “Sombr” jams—seriously, my culture is not to be played with!
Lynn’s writing is as sharp and vibrant as ever, filled with quotable lines that made me chuckle out loud. One of my favorite moments is when Alec hands Dani a tote bag and says, “Fill her up” at the bookstore — it’s classic! And let me tell you, the humor in this book straight-up eats.
However, my love for this story came with a couple of minor bumps on the road. First, the miscommunication trope — oh, how it unnerves me! If navigating relationships were a banana, miscommunication would be the peel we all slip on. I found myself wishing Dani and Alec would just chat it out like adults—they’re near adults, for crying out loud! My poor notes app was filled with late-night rants, desperately wishing for some good old-fashioned dialogue.
The language choice, especially during Alec’s inner thoughts, felt a bit too crude for my taste. I get that he’s a hockey player with a rough edge, but I yearned for a little more variety. Oh, and can we take a moment for the sheer cringe of endearments like “baby” and “good girl”? I’m more of a “last name with a term of endearment” person, if you catch my drift!
Characters are where Lynn truly shines. Dani is feisty and real, with relatable quirks that made her engaging from the get-go. Alec is that swoon-worthy hero with a hidden soft side, even if he could possibly use a dictionary now and then. And let me tell you, Grandpa Mick steals the show; you’ll want him in your life—seriously, he’s a diva!
In conclusion, Fake Skating is like the warm hug you need on a chilly day—perfect for reading cozied up in a blanket, whether by the beach or on a winter retreat. If you enjoy witty banter, complex friendships, and a sprinkle of hockey drama without it overwhelming the narrative, this book is for you! It made me laugh, swoon, and even cringe in the best way possible, reminding me why I love Lynn Painter’s work. Grab a copy and let the journey unfold; you won’t regret it!
Reflecting on my reading experience, I feel lighter and filled with joy, knowing that Lynn has once again fed my book-loving soul. Here’s to more adventures in her wonderful universe! ☃︎
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