Reviews with content warning for Sexual content - The Fake Out

I LOVED this book. The fake-dating trope done SO well, great teasing banter, steamy and spicy without all the icks. I wish childhood traumas could be resolved so easily, but it’s a true HEA, even with the parent relationships.

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maureen2506's review

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emotional funny lighthearted

4.0

It gave what it was supposed to give. A very nice romantic story, with lots of sweet moments und funny lines. Nothing outrageous in terms of the story, but I really liked the dynamic between hazel and Rory.

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hcgambrell's review

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emotional hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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forgottencupoftea's review

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funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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britwalsh16's review

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I love a good enemies to lovers romance! I enjoyed this book very much. Hazel and Rory’s story was perfect. They make such a sweet pair, Rory chasing after Hazel since high school, & Hazel fighting her attracting to Rory so she doesn’t get hurt again. But neither of them realize what awaits them. And the whole hockey team & organization that stands behind them is amazing, and something I love so much about the hockey organization & community, they’re a family, & when someone threatens that family they deal with it, even when the threat comes from within, they stand behind eachother & protect! Connor made a great villain, & I love how no matter what he did, Hazel & Rory didn’t let him get between them. I want a love like that!

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scienceparrot's review

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

✅ Fake dating
✅ Golden retriever MMC
✅ Body positive FMC

Steam:
🔥5/5

This book got me in the warm and fuzzies. I loved how caring Rory was and clearly head over heels for Hazel. Yet he kept their fake relationship light without revealing his feelings until she was ready. Love a confident MMC who can read when the FMC is so obviously in the deep end yet gives her all the space without taking away attention, a caring MMC who’s a boss in bed _swoon_

I loved how Hazel had her own ambition and could pull her own weight against bullies and antagonists. She was definitely one to win over because of her past trauma, and it was so sweet to see her learn to trust Rory.

Stephanie Archer can definitely write steamy build-up like in her other series — the payoff was sooooo good.

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