Fake Skating
Sale price
$2089
Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2025 · Est. 10 hour read

Fake Skating

By Lynn Painter

Childhood friends reunite, fake romance, and uncover secrets in a hockey town.

4.2/5 Goodreads · 115,508 ratings
448 pages· 105,512 words· Est. 10 hour read
$21.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Dani returns to her hometown, facing a changed Alec, her childhood friend turned hockey star. Amidst family turmoil and unresolved feelings, they fake a relationship, sparking unexpected reconnections. As they navigate their past, secrets unravel, challenging their perceptions and revealing why Alec distanced himself. Will their pretend romance lead to real emotions, or will hidden truths keep them apart?

From the publisher

A #1 New York Times bestseller! From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Better Than the Movies Lynn Painter comes a heartfelt and banter-filled “feel-good rom-com” (School Library Journal) about childhood sweethearts whose icy reunion in their hockey-loving hometown unexpectedly thaws when they fake a romantic relationship. Growing up, Dani couldn’t help but follow around the adorable son of her mom’s best friend. Funny, kind of nerdy, and a little soft, Alec was always down to hang with Dani when they were little. From play dates to sneaking into movie theaters, Dani and Alec were inseparable. Until Dani moved away. Alec promised they’d stay in touch–except, they didn’t. Flash forward and Dani is back in Minnesota for her senior year, she and her mom living with her grandfather. Dealing with the fallout of her parents’ devastating divorce, Dani wouldn’t mind a nerd-out with the cozy and comforting Alec (and maybe a chance to confront him on his MIA status for all these years). But teenage Alec is nothing like the kid Dani remembers. He’s a hockey star in a town where hockey players are worshiped as gods. Dani’s place as his shadow has been taken up by drooling female fans…and he loves it. Dani is resolved to ice out her former best friend until an unlikely series of events brings them together–and forces them to fake being a couple. Once stuck together, the former childhood sweethearts begin to reconnect, unearth complicated family secrets, and face their true feelings towards each other…including the real reason Alec has been pushing Dani away all these years.

At a glance
Format
Hardcover
Pages
448
Words
105,512
Reading age
13–17
Audience
Young Adult
Lexile
~899L
Themes & topics
Books about long-distance relationshipsBooks about hockeyBooks about second chancesBooks about divorceBooks about first love
For readers who can't stop at one

The next favorite is already out there.

Age-appropriate books selected to help their love of reading grow, delivered right to their door.

Find their book club
Bookroo club box with books for growing readers
More from the creator

More from Lynn Painter

Explore Lynn's bookshelf
Better Than the Movies
#1 in Series
Sale price
$899

Better Than the Movies

2021

Betting on You

2023

The Do-Over

Ages 8–12 · 2022

The Wish Switch

Ages 8–12
Your next read

Books that feel like this one

See all similar books

All the Bright Places

Ages 14–18 · 2015

I Am Number Four

Ages 14–18 · 2010
Sale price
$1099

Dumplin'

Ages 13–18 · 2015
Yes No Maybe So
Sale price
$1999

Yes No Maybe So

Ages 14–18 · 2020
Love, Life, and the List
Sale price
$1099

Love, Life, and the List

Ages 13–+ · 2017
Far from the Tree
Sale price
$1799

Far from the Tree

Ages 13–18 · 2017

Felix Ever After

Ages 14–18 · 2020
Sale price
$2299

Strange the Dreamer

Ages 14–18 · 2017
The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
5.8
F&P level
~V
AR points
17
AR interest level
UG
AR quiz
556319
Publication
Published
September 30, 2025
Edition
Language
English
Type
Chapter Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9781665921268

Surprise a reader with their next favorite book.

Spotted a mistake or something missing? Improve this page.

Are you the author or illustrator? Claim your book.

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Follow Bookroo