Reviews with content warning for Fatphobia - The Fake Out

i loved this one, even more than pippa a jamie’s book. the story is simple and only focuses on the romance but it’s an easy read, i fell in love with the characters.

i’m glad there was no typical 3rd act breakup as it wouldn’t have worked for this story but there was still enough conflict in the story to stay interesting

the spice was great as per usual and i loved seeing both of them work through their issues and learn to be vulnerable and communicate.

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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

4.5

“I don’t know what to do with you.”[...] His fingers come beneath my chin and he tips my face up. “Keep me.”

Hazel’s jerk of an ex has been traded to the Vancouver Storms, the team she works physio for. He seems determined to give her a hard time and in a moment of panic tells him she’s dating Rory Miller, the team captain, in hopes he will leave her alone. Rory is all too happy to play along, after all he’s been trying to get Hazel to date him for a while and he’s determined to make the most of it.

Whoa. This might be Stephanie Archer’s hottest book yet! And I think it has just about every one of my favorite things as well.

I don’t know why I go into these books doubting that Stephanie Archer is going to deliver the satisfying ending she always does. Maybe it’s how well she writes a story that you just don’t see how she’s going to be able to pull it all together but she always does! It’s always natural and satisfying to see her characters get their wins without contrived drama. It is fun, hot and fluffy, and yet somehow so heartfelt and human.

Rory and Hazel’s chemistry drips off the page in this book and I absolutely fell in love with these two. Brimming with sexy scenes this also has tons of fun banter and playful moments as they come to care so much for each other. Parts of Hazel’s story was one I didn’t relate to at first but I was so happy to see her character growth and get that satisfying moment with her mom. And I was cheering at the way things resolved with her ex! That is how you handle sexual harassment in the workplace people!

Rory is the sweetest and a complete simp for Hazel. Perfect book boyfriend material. A cocksure flirty jokester with a heart of gold who has always held a torch for Hazel. I will always cheer for the moment when a character realizes their full worth apart from the unrealistic expectations of their parents. Annnd drunk Rory is my new favorite person.

This was just so much fun to read and I swear she was writing to include a little of everything she must love and it shows. I loved just how much romance catnip she stuffed into these pages.

Stephanie Archer is just an author I love to read. It will always be heartfelt, it will always be funny and hot and have me instantly hooked and turning pages. Thank you for this ARC!

“You’re so beautiful that it makes my chest hurt.” My heart pounds. “And even when we’re a hundred years old,” he whispers, “I’ll be flirting with you to get your attention.”

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