The (Fake) Dating Game

Janovsky (New Adult) returns with a playful yet heartfelt romp through grief and new love set against the backdrop of reality TV. Holden James, a lifelong game show fan, is ecstatic at the chance to try out for his and his late mother’s favorite show, Madcap Market, which combines elements of quiz shows and Supermarket Sweep and only casts couples with interesting backstories. Just before the audition, however, his boyfriend breaks up with him. Holden flies from England to L.A. solo, despite having little hope that the show’s producers will take pity on him. Then he meets handsome and kind Leo Min, the concierge at his hotel, who surprises him by offering to be his fake boyfriend for the audition, enticed by both the cash prize and his own love of games. To appeal to the producers and the public, they paint a picture of love at first sight—which is a little too close to the truth for comfort. Janovsky deals sensitively with Holden’s grief, as, six years after his mother’s death, there’s a lot he learns he’s been repressing; the love story works around that plotline in a way that points to a real chemistry between the characters. The result is fun, fast-paced, and full of feeling. (Jan.)