Fake Dating Adrian Hunter is a romantic comedy by Skyla Summers that brings the heat and the hilarity in equal portions. The premise is similar to the movie Anyone But You. Please note that this book was written before that movie. Two ex-lovers come to a remote wedding of their sisters in Australia. In this book, they decide to fake a relationship to try to get their ex-es, also at the wedding, jealous. The main difference is the two main characters who fake being in love grew up together and hurt each other in their teen years.
Verena Valentine, famous dress designer and host of a well-regarded television show, pays for her sister’s Tory’s wedding in Australia. Her sister happens to be marrying the sister of the boy she hated in high school, Adrian Hunter. Verena’s and Adrian Hunter’s family arrive at the wedding destination. Unfortunately, Verena’s ex-boyfriend (Jake) and the woman who he cheated on her with (Hannah) are also there. Also present is Adrian’s ex-girlfriend (Isabelle). After a disastrous first meeting between Adrian and Verena, Adrian asks Verena if they can fake a relationship so that he may win Isabelle back. At first, Verena is resistant, but after coming face to face with Jake and Hannah, she agrees with Adrian’s idea.
From there, the two pretend to be a couple through couple’s yoga and snorkeling as well as more activities. Things go as planned until Verena’s co-workers show up, and Verena tries to fake a relationship with her costar (Darius) to repel Adrian. The alternating events of people faking and being honest continue throughout the plot.
This novel’s main goal is entertainment. Yet, the history between Adrian and Verena gives it some depth about people’s expectations and how history can form character. The book rates high both in its sexual and humorous scenes. The sex scenes are steamy without devolving into detail. The humor is first-rate. I highlighted many passages with a LOL next to them. The idea that everyone’s exes are at this wedding, though far beyond believable, makes for some hilarious situations.
Given that the plot is so similar to Anyone But You, how does this novel stack up against that movie? I enjoyed this novel better. The plausibility of the haters-to-lovers trope works better when they have a history. They fall for each other as they learn more about the other. That deep history works for this book and against the movie.
Do you like steamy, funny romances in exotic locations? Do you enjoy a bit of drama, a bit of absurdity, and a lot of l’amour? Then you’ll love Fake Dating Adrian Hunter.