Lessons in Faking Summary, Characters and Themes

Lessons in Faking by Selina Mae is a contemporary romance novel that explores themes of family, personal growth, and unexpected connections. Athalia Pressley, a university student struggling with her statistics course, finds herself reluctantly partnered with Dylan McCarthy Williams for tutoring.

Dylan is a former friend of her brother Henry, and their strained relationship makes their forced interaction even more difficult. However, a series of events leads to a fake dating scheme between the two, initially intended to annoy her brother. As the arrangement progresses, both Athalia and Dylan begin to question whether their feelings are genuine or just part of the plan, leading to unexpected emotional growth and realizations.

Summary

Athalia Pressley is a student at Hall Beck University, struggling with her statistics course. Her brother Henry, a former star player and team captain, has a fraught relationship with Dylan McCarthy Williams, who has taken over Henry’s position on the team and even dated his ex-girlfriend.

This animosity creates tension when Athalia is assigned to tutor with Dylan for the class. Initially, Athalia is unhappy about the situation and attempts to avoid it.

Dylan, however, is indifferent and sometimes passive-aggressive, making the sessions awkward.

The tutoring sessions start off as uncomfortable exchanges, with Athalia failing her midterm and struggling to grasp difficult concepts like A-B tests and bandit algorithms. Dylan, while teasing her about her poor grades, is still willing to continue helping her.

Athalia soon discovers that Dylan is a teaching assistant for Professor Shaw, who oversees her course, and this complicates their relationship further. Despite their animosity, Dylan continues tutoring her, which frustrates Athalia even more.

Meanwhile, Athalia’s best friend Wren is skeptical of Dylan and the tutoring arrangement. After a wild night at a party, where Athalia runs into her ex-boyfriend Jason, the tension with Dylan intensifies.

Adding to the pressure, her brother Henry interferes, and when he finds out about the tutoring sessions, he makes it clear he disapproves of Dylan. This fuels Athalia’s growing resentment toward both men.

Athalia decides to take control of the situation by using Dylan in a scheme to annoy Henry. She proposes a fake dating arrangement with Dylan, knowing that it will upset her brother.

Dylan agrees, but his reasons for agreeing remain unclear. The two sign a “contract” outlining the terms of their fake relationship, which includes weekly date nights, exclusivity, and the ultimate goal of making Henry jealous.

Though risky, Athalia feels empowered by the idea of controlling her circumstances.

As the fake relationship progresses, both Athalia and Dylan continue to grapple with their personal issues while pretending to be a couple. Wren, while initially dubious, eventually supports the idea, recognizing it as a way for Athalia to assert her independence.

However, she warns Athalia that Dylan’s unpredictability could lead to complications. Despite the tension, the arrangement begins to serve its purpose, and the dynamics between Athalia, Dylan, and Henry start to shift.

As the fake relationship deepens, Athalia finds herself questioning whether she can maintain control or if she might end up caught in her own scheme.

As the fake dating arrangement continues, Athalia begins to experience feelings she didn’t anticipate. In Chapter 9, during a fake date, Athalia is frustrated when Dylan arrives late.

The two banter back and forth, with Dylan being unexpectedly charming despite the tension. They quiz each other about personal details, and although Athalia tries to catch him off guard, the undeniable chemistry between them grows.

When Athalia’s brother Henry enters the café where they are sitting, Athalia’s nerves increase. Dylan plays his part convincingly, and when Henry leaves without acknowledging them, Athalia feels relief but cannot stop thinking about Dylan’s unexpected charm.

By Chapter 10, Athalia notices that Henry is becoming visibly frustrated by her relationship with Dylan. Dylan mocks Henry for his inability to talk to women, and the two continue their sessions, with Dylan pushing Athalia to try harder in her studies.

Athalia struggles with focusing on her work, haunted by insecurities related to her late mother’s legacy.

In Chapter 11, Athalia and Dylan attend a party together, and Dylan remains unaffected by the awkwardness of their fake relationship. Athalia, however, starts to feel drawn to him as their interactions become more flirtatious.

They navigate the crowd effortlessly, with McCarthy impressing her with his charm and confidence. As the night goes on, Athalia’s feelings for Dylan grow more complicated, and she finds herself struggling to suppress them.

Chapter 12 finds Athalia attending a soccer game with her best friend Wren, dreading the event as it involves supporting her brother Henry. At the game, McCarthy continues to act as though everything is normal between them, and Athalia begrudgingly enjoys the event.

The chapter highlights the growing tension between Athalia, Dylan, and Henry, as they each navigate their personal dynamics.

As the fake relationship continues, Athalia wrestles with her growing feelings for Dylan, trying to maintain the boundaries of their arrangement. In Chapters 14 and 15, the line between real and fake begins to blur, and the chemistry between them becomes undeniable.

Their playful teasing gives way to more tender and vulnerable moments. McCarthy’s unpredictable behavior challenges the boundaries of their agreement, forcing Athalia to confront her feelings.

By Chapter 17, McCarthy and Athalia share a tender moment as they walk home after a party. Their conversation reveals the depth of their emotional connection, and although they haven’t fully acknowledged their feelings, the affection between them is clear.

Athalia reflects on how much has changed since the beginning of their fake relationship, and she finds herself wondering if it has transformed into something more meaningful.

Athalia and Dylan’s complicated relationship reaches a boiling point when they share a physical encounter, which ignites both passion and vulnerability. Although their connection deepens, they continue to struggle with the boundaries of their fake arrangement.

Throughout this time, McCarthy proves to be a supportive and emotionally available presence, which makes it harder for Athalia to ignore her feelings.

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, Dylan invites Athalia to spend time with his family, an offer she reluctantly accepts. The warmth of his family contrasts with her own emotional struggles, but Dylan continues to show her a gentler side.

Despite the complexities of their relationship, McCarthy’s growing affection for Athalia becomes more apparent, and she starts to realize that her feelings for him are no longer just part of a plan.

By the end of the weekend, McCarthy’s family has accepted Athalia, and their emotional connection grows stronger. The once-contrived fake relationship has turned into something real, and they both come to terms with their feelings.

McCarthy’s affection for her is evident, and the two share a moment of clarity that marks the beginning of something deeper and more meaningful.

The story concludes with a New Year’s Eve celebration where Athalia and Dylan share an intimate moment, cementing their feelings for one another. Despite the complicated journey, Athalia realizes she is in love with Dylan, and the two share a kiss, sealing the bond that has developed throughout their fake relationship.

Characters

Athalia Pressley

Athalia Pressley is a complex character, navigating the challenges of college life while struggling with her emotional past. She is a student at Hall Beck University, where she faces academic difficulties, particularly in her statistics class, which becomes a source of tension and frustration for her.

Her relationship with her brother, Henry, is strained as he tries to control her life in the wake of their parents’ deaths. Athalia initially rejects the idea of tutoring with Dylan McCarthy Williams, a student her brother dislikes, but is forced to continue due to academic pressures.

The dynamic between Athalia and Dylan is charged from the beginning, with both characters exchanging barbed comments and tension-filled moments. Athalia uses the fake dating arrangement with Dylan as a way to rebel against Henry’s controlling nature, but as the relationship progresses, her feelings grow more complicated.

Despite her initial resistance, Athalia begins to question her own emotions as her connection with Dylan deepens. Throughout the story, she struggles with her feelings of independence, grief over her parents, and her blossoming romantic feelings for Dylan.

Her internal conflict makes her a relatable and layered protagonist, torn between her desire for control and the genuine emotions she starts to feel for Dylan.

Dylan McCarthy Williams

Dylan McCarthy Williams is portrayed as a seemingly indifferent, sarcastic, and occasionally passive-aggressive character at the start of the book. He enters Athalia’s life as her assigned tutor, a role he is not particularly enthusiastic about, given his strained history with her brother Henry.

Dylan’s character is complicated by the tension between him and Henry, which stems from past events like Dylan taking Henry’s place as team captain, dating his ex-girlfriend, and generally being a source of frustration for him. Despite his initial indifference, Dylan’s actions reveal a surprising depth, particularly in his interactions with Athalia.

He steps up as a tutor, even though he finds her struggles with statistics laughable, and continues the fake dating scheme with Athalia, even when it risks complicating their already strained relationship. As the story progresses, Dylan’s charm, wit, and occasional vulnerability become more apparent.

His teasing banter with Athalia masks a growing affection for her, which he is reluctant to admit. His willingness to support her emotionally, particularly when she grapples with her grief over her parents’ deaths, shows a gentler side that contrasts with his earlier, more distant demeanor.

Dylan’s evolution from a sarcastic tutor to a caring, deeply connected partner illustrates his complexity and emotional growth throughout the story.

Wren

Wren, Athalia’s best friend, plays an important supporting role in the narrative, providing insight into Athalia’s character while also serving as a grounding force for her. Initially, Wren is skeptical of the fake dating arrangement between Athalia and Dylan, voicing her concerns about Dylan’s unpredictability and the potential complications it could bring.

Her protective nature toward Athalia is clear, as she is wary of the emotional risks involved in the fake relationship. However, Wren’s feelings evolve over the course of the story.

She eventually supports Athalia’s decision, recognizing that the arrangement is a way for Athalia to assert her independence from the overbearing control of her brother Henry. Wren’s own emotional journey also comes into play when she confesses to Athalia that she once had feelings for her, but has since moved on.

This moment of vulnerability deepens their friendship and shows that Wren’s relationship with Athalia is more than just a one-dimensional supporting role. She provides a sense of loyalty, care, and emotional balance for Athalia as she navigates her own complicated emotions.

Henry Pressley

Henry Pressley, Athalia’s older brother, is a character who embodies the well-meaning but controlling sibling archetype. After the death of their parents, Henry steps into a protective role, but his overbearing nature causes friction between him and Athalia.

His desire to control her life, particularly her academic and social choices, is rooted in his own grief and struggles with their parents’ loss. He disapproves of Athalia’s tutoring arrangement with Dylan from the beginning, further complicating their relationship.

Henry’s relationship with his sister is tested as he tries to assert control over her decisions, even going as far as intervening when he finds out about the fake dating scheme with Dylan. His disapproval of Dylan becomes a central point of tension between the two siblings.

However, Henry’s character arc reveals his vulnerability, particularly when he apologizes to Athalia for his controlling behavior, acknowledging that he was acting out of his own unresolved emotions. This moment of reconciliation highlights Henry’s complexity, showing that beneath his overbearing attitude, he genuinely cares about his sister’s well-being.

Themes

Family Dynamics and Control

The theme of family dynamics and control plays a central role in Lessons in Faking as Athalia grapples with the complex relationships she has with her family, especially with her brother Henry. Henry’s overbearing nature and his attempts to control Athalia’s life are evident throughout the story, particularly as he tries to assert authority over her choices, from her academic struggles to her personal relationships.

This behavior is rooted in his own unresolved grief over their parents’ deaths, which causes him to hold on tightly to the only family member left, Athalia, in a way that is stifling rather than supportive. The tension between the siblings is exacerbated when Athalia’s decision to fake a relationship with Dylan is seen as an act of rebellion against Henry’s control.

She feels the need to assert her independence, and in doing so, she challenges the role Henry has tried to impose on her. While their relationship is fraught with conflict, there is also an underlying vulnerability that suggests that Henry’s actions are driven by his own pain and fear of losing Athalia.

His emotional struggle creates a nuanced dynamic, as Athalia eventually sees through his controlling behavior and recognizes the hurt that fuels it. Their eventual reconciliation is a crucial moment, as it signifies a shift from conflict to understanding, where both siblings acknowledge their grief and try to move forward with a more balanced relationship.

Identity and Self-Discovery

The theme of identity and self-discovery runs deeply throughout Lessons in Faking, as Athalia embarks on a journey of understanding herself and her place in the world. Initially, she is portrayed as someone who is struggling not only academically but also emotionally, as she deals with the grief of losing her parents and the expectations placed on her by her family.

Her fake relationship with Dylan serves as a catalyst for her personal growth, forcing her to confront her insecurities and understand her desires. Athalia’s journey is marked by her efforts to live up to the legacy of her late mother, as well as her complex relationship with her brother Henry.

However, as her fake relationship with Dylan deepens, Athalia begins to challenge her preconceived notions about herself and others. She learns that she is capable of making her own decisions and asserting her independence, even if it means going against her family’s wishes.

The evolving relationship with Dylan pushes her to question the walls she has built around herself and to explore her true feelings, particularly her growing attraction toward him. Her emotional vulnerability, especially in moments of grief and self-doubt, further shapes her understanding of who she is and what she values in her relationships.

This theme highlights the importance of self-acceptance and the courage to redefine oneself outside the expectations of others.

The Complexity of Love and Relationships

Lessons in Faking explores the complexities of love and relationships, particularly through the evolving dynamic between Athalia and Dylan. What begins as a purely transactional arrangement—two people pretending to be in a relationship for their own reasons—gradually transforms into something far more profound and complicated.

Initially, both Athalia and Dylan are driven by motives unrelated to genuine affection: for Athalia, it is about rebelling against her brother’s control, and for Dylan, it seems to be about keeping up appearances and perhaps challenging his own feelings of indifference. However, as they spend more time together, their interactions shift from cynical to flirtatious, and then to emotionally charged.

The chemistry between them becomes undeniable, making it harder for both to maintain the boundaries of their fake relationship. This theme underscores how love can evolve in unexpected ways, especially when two individuals are forced to confront their vulnerabilities.

What started as a charade grows into a genuine connection, and both characters are left questioning their feelings as the lines between real and fake become increasingly blurred. Their growing affection complicates their initial arrangement, forcing them to confront their true emotions and the possibility that their connection might be something deeper than either had anticipated.

The theme also explores the internal conflict both characters face as they struggle to accept their feelings, fearing vulnerability and the potential consequences of falling in love with someone they initially tried to resist.

Grief and Healing

Grief is a persistent and defining theme in Lessons in Faking, particularly through Athalia’s character. The death of her parents has left her emotionally scarred, and their absence profoundly influences her actions and decisions throughout the story.

Athalia’s grief manifests in her reluctance to fully engage with her emotions, as she struggles to move forward while still mourning the loss of her parents. This theme is intricately woven into her relationship with Dylan, who becomes a source of emotional support during some of her more vulnerable moments.

Although the grief over her parents’ death is a heavy burden that Athalia carries, Dylan’s presence offers a form of healing, even if it’s not something either of them acknowledges fully at first. Dylan’s ability to provide comfort and offer understanding, without pushing her to open up, creates a safe space for Athalia to begin to heal.

The Thanksgiving trip to Dylan’s family is another pivotal moment where Athalia is confronted with the dynamics of a loving family, something she has been missing since her parents’ death. Through these interactions, Athalia starts to see that healing doesn’t mean forgetting the past, but rather learning to live with it and still find joy in new connections.

As the story progresses, Athalia’s emotional growth and healing are marked by her increasing openness to Dylan and her ability to reconcile her grief with the possibility of new love and happiness.

Friendship and Loyalty

In Lessons in Faking, the theme of friendship and loyalty is explored through Athalia’s relationships with those closest to her, particularly with her best friend, Wren. Wren’s role in the story serves as a grounding force for Athalia, especially when it comes to navigating her complex feelings for Dylan.

However, Wren’s initial skepticism about the fake dating arrangement creates tension between the friends. Her concern for Athalia’s emotional well-being highlights the loyalty she feels, yet she also struggles with jealousy and the fear of losing her best friend to a situation that seems to have the potential to cause harm.

Over time, though, Wren’s support shifts from caution to understanding, as she recognizes that the fake relationship is Athalia’s way of taking control of her life and asserting independence. Wren’s loyalty becomes evident when she encourages Athalia to confront her emotions and consider the impact of her actions on her personal growth.

The theme of friendship is also reflected in the way Athalia learns to rely on others, including Dylan, despite her initial reluctance. Through her evolving relationship with Wren, Athalia comes to understand that loyalty isn’t just about blindly supporting someone; it’s about being there for them through difficult decisions and helping them navigate the complexities of their emotional landscape.

The theme emphasizes how true friendship involves both honesty and the willingness to let go when necessary, allowing both individuals to grow and change.