My New Favorite YA Romance: A Review of Fake Skating by Lynn Painter
If you’re anything like me, you’ve been on the lookout for that one YA romance that makes your heart do somersaults. Enter Lynn Painter’s Fake Skating! As a long-time admirer of her sparkling adult romcoms, I was eager to see how she’d translate that magic into the realm of young adult fiction. Spoiler alert: she absolutely nailed it. This novel isn’t just a love story; it’s a celebration of resilience, personal growth, and the kind of second chances that make your heart flutter.
At the heart of the story is Dani, a girl returning to her hometown in Minnesota after her parents’ divorce. As she reconnects with her roots and her eccentric grandfather, Mike—a local legend and former hockey star—the stage is set for an emotional journey. Dani’s childhood best friend, Alec, resurfaces, and he’s no longer the boy she once knew. Instead, he’s the charming, devilishly handsome hockey star with a contingent of admirers. Their initial reunion crackles with tension; both are harboring past grievances and unspoken feelings that make their chemistry leap off the page.
One of the standout aspects of Fake Skating is how Painter artfully weaves themes of first love, heartbreak, and family chaos into the fabric of the story. The misunderstandings and assumptions that drove Dani and Alec apart resonate deeply, making their eventual reunion all the more poignant. The fake-dating twist adds an irresistible layer of complexity, forcing both characters to confront unresolved feelings while navigating their path toward self-discovery.
Painter’s writing is as vibrant as ever: she balances heart and humor effortlessly. The banter between Dani and Alec sparkles with wit, and their emotional growth is deeply satisfying. I found myself chuckling at the unforgettable wisdom of Grandpa Mike—seriously, he’s a scene-stealer. His couple of one-liners brought me pure joy, especially during the hilariously chaotic hospital scene.
Another highlight for me was Dani’s journey of finding her voice and standing up for herself in a new school environment. It’s refreshing to see her character arc evolve as she navigates friendships and reconciles her feelings about her family. The small-town hockey backdrop lends a cozy yet dynamic vibe, reminiscent of Friday Night Lights but with a distinct romcom flair—imagine if Fredrik Backman’s Beartown collided with a feel-good Netflix teen movie!
What particularly struck me was how Fake Skating evoked a range of emotions—laughter, swooning, and those bittersweet moments that tugged at my heartstrings. It’s a rare feat for a book to make you feel so much, and Painter has achieved that beautifully.
In conclusion, if you’re searching for a YA romance that douses you with emotional depth, hilarious moments, and characters you can’t help but root for, then Fake Skating is an absolute must-read. It’s heartfelt, charming, and absolutely unforgettable. I genuinely didn’t want to say goodbye to these characters.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for sharing this delightful digital ARC with me in exchange for my honest thoughts. I promise, you won’t regret picking up Fake Skating—it just might become your new favorite, too!
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