A charming, heartfelt YA debut about first love, self-discovery, and finding where you belong.
Book Summary
Avery Blackwell has always loved rom-coms, but her own life has been short on love stories. When her carefully laid college plans derail, she takes a leap of faith and spends her freshman year abroad at her late mother’s alma mater in a seaside town in Brighton, England.
On the train ride there, Avery strikes a deal straight out of her favorite romance movies: she’ll pretend to be the girlfriend of a witty, magnetic local named Charlie to make Charlie’s ex jealous. In return, Charlie agrees to help Avery unravel a scavenger hunt her mother left behind decades earlier.
As Avery explores Brighton and follows the clues that bring her closer to understanding her mother, she also finds herself entangled in something she never expected real love. But when secrets come to light, Avery must decide if risking her heart is worth the leap.
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My Review
⭐ Rating: 4/5 stars
This debut truly shines because of how self-aware it is. Revord doesn’t just use beloved rom-com tropes she playfully calls them out, making the story feel like a love letter to the genre!
Avery is such a well-rounded protagonist. She’s messy, hopeful, and so believable as a college freshman trying to find her footing. I loved how her mistakes made sense for her age and situation, and how her growth felt gradual and real not a complete turnaround, but the beginning of something authentic.
The friendships in this book also stand out; every side character felt fleshed out, with their own arcs that made me want to cheer for them too.
The dual plots of Avery’s fake-dating romance with Charlie and her emotional journey through the scavenger hunt work beautifully together. The romance is swoony and sweet, while the search for her mother’s past adds so much to the story! The representation is also a highlight: LGBTQ+ and disability rep are woven in thoughtfully and naturally.
Overall, Rules for Fake Girlfriends is a cozy, funny, and heartfelt debut that balances charm with substance. It’s perfect for fans of swoony YA rom-coms, heartfelt coming-of-age stories, and anyone who loves a good fake dating setup.
Want to listen instead?
If you haven’t picked up Rules for Fake Girlfriends yet, why not let the story come to life in your earbuds? You can listen to Avery and Charlie’s swoony adventure for free with a 30-day Audible trial.
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What’s Your Fall Reader Vibe?
It's that time of year! Pumpkin spice latte in hand, leaves crunching underfoot… but what kind of fall reader are you? Take our quick Fall Reader Vibes Quiz to find out whether you’re a cozy witchy reader, a pumpkin-spice rom-com lover, or a moody dark-academia type. Plus, you’ll get perfectly matched book recs to fit your vibe! 👉 [Take the Quiz Here]
Read-Alike Recommendations
- Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
A rom-com obsessed teen lands in her own trope-filled love story when she teams up with her annoying neighbor to win back her crush. - Nothing But the Truth by Holly James
A sharp, funny rom-com where a young woman suddenly can’t tell a lie forcing her to confront her love life, career, and friendships head-on. - Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Two radio hosts fake a relationship for their show only to find that pretending sparks very real feelings. - The Do-Over by Lynn Painter
A perfect companion for fans of witty banter and second chances following a girl stuck in a Groundhog Day loop on Valentine’s Day. - Love and Lattes at Pumpkin Hollow by Victoria Walters This one has all the Hallmark-movie small-town sweetness! One dreamy stranger, one farm in need of saving, one chance to patch things up!
Final Thoughts
Rules for Fake Girlfriends is one of those rare YA debuts that feels both fun and meaningful. It made me laugh, gave me all the fake-dating feels, and also tugged at my heartstrings with Avery’s journey of loss, love, and self-discovery. I can’t wait to see what Raegan Revord writes next!
👉 If you’re a fan of Gilmore Girls, Heartstopper, or your favorite classic rom-coms, this belongs at the top of your fall TBR.
