Fake It Till You Break It by Jenn P. Nguyen
Published by Swoon Reads on May 28th 2019
ISBN: 1250308011
Pages: 304
Goodreads

This lighthearted, high school romance for readers in grades 9-12 fits the bill for happily ever after fans.  Mia, who is Asian, and Jake, who is not, have been neighbors as far back as they can remember.  Their single mothers are best friends and have been scheming to make them a couple since they were two, so their solution is to be a fake couple and then stage a breakup.  This arrangement starts to backfire when Mia begins to take interest in Ben from theater and Jake is challenged to perform an original song, secretly written for Mia, at a festival.   First kisses, loyal friends and interfering moms result in personal growth and a “real” relationship for Mia and Jake.  The pacing flows smoothly and sarcastic humor provides some chuckles.  Told in the first person voices of Mia and Jake, not always in alternating chapters, the awkwardness, secret crushes and all the unnecessary emotional jeopardy shine through.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Springvale Public Library