(Not Really) Faking It With My Best Friend's Brother by Lily Waters is a delightful foray into the romantic and often chaotic world of fake relationships that transform into something unexpectedly real. Set against a contemporary backdrop, Waters crafts a narrative rich in humor, emotional depth, and a generous helping of swoon-worthy moments, all centered around our protagonists, Jenna and Mark.

Jenna, a spirited and independent graphic designer, finds herself in a predicament when her large and somewhat nosy family begins to press her on her solitary status. In comes Mark, her best friend’s charming and successful brother, who is all too familiar with the pressures of appeasing family expectations. The solution? They pretend to be in a relationship. From the onset, the premise is engaging, not just because it teases the inevitable complications of fake relationships but because it promises a rollercoaster of evolving emotions and situations that test the boundaries of friendship, love, and the truths we tell others and ourselves.

The strength of Waters' writing lies in her ability to flesh out characters that are relatable and multifaceted. Jenna is portrayed not just as a protagonist caught in a web of her own making, but as a woman grappling with her desires, professional ambitions, and personal growth. Mark, on the other hand, is more than just a foil or a romantic interest; he is a character with his own arcs of vulnerability, humor, and introspection. The dynamism between Jenna and Mark is palpable, their banter and interactions peppered with a chemistry that evolves organically over the course of the novel. Their dialogue sparkles with wit and authenticity, propelling the narrative forward in a dance of emotions and revelations.

Waters also excels in her secondary character development. The portrayal of Jenna’s family and friends adds a rich layer of comedy and reality that enhances the main storyline. Each character, from the overbearing but loving mother to the teasing yet protective best friend, is crafted with a distinct voice and personality, making the world of Jenna and Mark feel fully inhabited and vibrantly real.

The theme of authenticity runs deep through the narrative, challenging both Jenna and Mark to confront their perceptions about love, relationships, and personal happiness. As their fake relationship wades through public displays and family gatherings, the blurred line between what’s real and what’s pretend becomes a central, compelling conflict. It’s this exploration of authenticity that elevates the novel from a simple romantic comedy to a reflective inquiry into what makes relationships meaningful.

While the book adheres to many tropes familiar to the genre—the fake relationship, the brother’s best friend angle, the inevitable romantic misunderstanding—Waters approaches these elements with a fresh vitality. One of the most enjoyable aspects is how the usual trope of "faking" exposes real vulnerabilities and leads to heartfelt moments of self-assessment and mutual understanding. There’s a delightful irony in how pretending to be in love can lead to genuine intimacy and emotional honesty.

The pacing of the story is another triumph. Waters manages to balance fast-paced witty exchanges with slower, more introspective sections where characters ponder their dilemmas and emotions. This rhythm not only enhances the readability of the novel but also mirrors the internal fluctuations of Jenna and Mark’s evolving relationship, engaging the reader’s empathy and interest throughout.

However, at certain points, the narrative seems to lean too heavily on the misunderstandings that arise from the fake relationship setup, occasionally feeling contrived. Although these moments are few, they momentarily disrupt the flow and the otherwise smooth escalation of the plot towards its climax.

Ultimately, (Not Really) Faking It With My Best Friend's Brother is a charming, insightful, and thoroughly enjoyable read. Lily Waters delivers a contemporary romance that deftly mixes humor, emotional depth, and an engaging plot. For aficionados of the genre, Jenna and Mark’s story is a heartwarming affirmation of the messy, wonderful journey of finding love, often where and when we least expect it. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, the best kind of love is the one that starts out as something else entirely.

For those looking for a book that provides laughter, heart, and a dose of wise introspection about the nature of relationships, Lily Waters’ novel is a perfect pick. It’s a story that not only entertains but reminds us of the enduring power of love, friendship, and the unexpected paths that lead us to our own happy endings.