Faking It (Losing It, #2) Summary & Key Insights

Cora Carmack's "Faking It," the second book in the "Losing It" series, follows the complex relationship between Sam, a fiercely independent and guarded woman, and Dean, a charming but emotionally unavailable hockey player. Picking up after the events of "Losing It," the sequel dives deeper into the fallout of Sam’s impulsive decision to fake a relationship with Dean to escape a difficult family situation.

Their initial arrangement, designed to be a temporary fix, unexpectedly develops genuine feelings on both sides. However, the foundation of their relationship is built on deception, a precarious foundation that threatens to crumble under the weight of unresolved issues and external pressures. Sam is grappling with the lingering effects of her father's manipulative behavior and the trauma it caused. She struggles to trust, both in herself and in others, fearing vulnerability and intimacy. Dean, meanwhile, carries his own baggage, battling the expectations and pressures associated with his successful hockey career and a strained relationship with his family. His emotional walls, built out of past hurt, mirror Sam's self-protective mechanisms.

A significant plot point revolves around the unveiling of their fake relationship. The constant threat of exposure creates intense tension and forces Sam and Dean to confront their feelings for each other while navigating the complexities of their individual struggles. The pressure builds as their friends and family begin to suspect the truth, adding another layer of difficulty to their already complicated dynamic.

The novel delves into the themes of trust, vulnerability, and the challenges of overcoming past trauma. Both Sam and Dean are forced to confront their deepest insecurities and face the demons from their past to move forward. Their journey to genuine intimacy is not easy; it involves painful confrontations, heart-wrenching revelations, and moments of doubt and uncertainty. The process of healing and building trust is slow and painstaking, requiring both characters to acknowledge their flaws and actively work toward self-acceptance.

Secondary characters play a crucial role in supporting and challenging Sam and Dean. Their friends provide a crucial support system, offering advice and understanding, while the presence of ex-lovers and family members serves to highlight the contrast between unhealthy and healthy relationships. These interactions help to illuminate the growth and transformation that Sam and Dean undergo throughout the novel.

Ultimately, "Faking It" explores the messy and unpredictable nature of love and the importance of honest communication and self-awareness in building lasting relationships. It's a story about overcoming personal obstacles and finding the courage to embrace vulnerability, proving that even a relationship built on a lie can blossom into something authentic and deeply meaningful, provided both parties are willing to work through their issues and face the truth.