Fake It Til You Break It - Meagan Brandy

We're doing something a little different for this one, each giving you our own take on Meagan Brandy's new novel. So, without further adieu:

Ruminations of an Insomniac.. 

Nico and Demi's story was unexpected, but 100% what I needed in my life right now. A beautiful, tortured boy and the talented girl next door who feels like she has something to prove. A plot so thick, even the weavers get carried away in the vastness of it. An angsty breath of fresh air that pulled me in and held me captive.

 "..in case there’s room for question, let me clear it up for you. You’re mine, D, and I’m yours. That’s as real as it gets.” - Nico Sykes

Childhood friends that drifted apart, family secrets pouring out of the woodwork, and a boisterous group of teenage friends, simply living their best life. It was a pleasure to live vicariously through them. Which actually struck me as interesting. Because, let's be real, the vast majority of what I read is about high school/college aged characters. I'm not sure what it was about these ones that pulled me deeper into their lives than most. 

Once again, Meagan brought her A game and blew me away. This story has so, so much heart and is unflinchingly relatable. But, it wouldn't be a Meagan story of she didn't throw in some surprises. I'll leave you with a final thought: we mustn't forget that a castle built on a foundation of sand, will eventually crumble.

Ramblings of a Bookworm..

Meagan Brandy has done it again - completely thrown me into a world of beautifully soulful and complex characters.  Childhood friends who drift apart due to little more than fear, football, hip hop, testosterone fueled rivalry, girl next door who strives for perfection, and a squad of friends which is borderline unbreakable.

"My little Pixie," I whisper, my lips twitching when she shudders.  "An elusive, unattainable creature.  Can hardly see it.  Can't possibly catch it."  My eyes snap to hers.  "Could never keep it." - Nico Sykes

Nico and Demi have a fascinating dynamic - when one pushes, the other pulls.  They compliment each other beautifully with the way they ebb and flow, but there is always more than meets the eye.  Much like in real life, every character has their own back story, their own trials and tribulations to endure, their own darkness to fight through.

I found their story both sweet and sinful, the perfect balance of fire and ice.  Not too much angst that you're heart is hurting with each and every page, but enough to keep you on your toes.  If you're looking for a story that can draw you in, spin you around, and then safely place you back on your feet, I would definitely recommend FITYBI.  

Rating:

Book Boyfriend: 9/10

Flow: 9/10

Plot: 9/10 

Overall: 9/10

Release date: February 5, 2020 

Synopsis:

Fake.
That’s what we are.
That’s what we agreed to be.

I thought it would be harder, convincing everyone our school’s star receiver was mine and mine alone, but we played our parts well.

So well, the lines between us began to blur until they disappeared completely.

The thing about pretending, though, someone’s always better at it, and by the time I realized my mistake, there was no going back.

I fell for our lie.
And then everything fell apart.

It turned out, he and I were never playing the same game.

He didn’t have to break me to win.
But he did it anyway.