A review by bookishlychar
The Fake Out by Stephanie Archer

emotional funny hopeful 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? Yes

5.0

When Hazel's ex is traded to the Vancouver Storm, where she is a physiotherapist, she is crushed. In steps team phenom, Rory offers to fake date her. Rory, Hazel and the ex have a history, as they all went to high school together. Rory has always had a crush on Hazel, but she was always dating her ex. Hazel was burned by his ex, and since there has sworn that she is not a relationship girl. As she spends time with Rory she realizes he's not the arrogant guy she thought, he is sweet, caring and protective. What happens when fake dating, becomes real feelings?

This book took me no time to read at all. Rory and Hazel sucked me in and I loved them so much! I love how this was a story of falling in love, but also a story of personal growth for both characters. Rory was trying to find his spark and love for hockey again, while Hazel was learning to trust herself more.

This book was both sweet and spicy, and I loved the chemistry of Rory and Hazel together. I loved how their relationship transitioned from friends/fake dating to real dating and how they were true to themselves and each other. The banter between these two was top-notch and I loved every second of it. The author does such a good job of building up the tension and love between these two.

This hockey contemporary is a warm hug that I love! Stephanie Archer is an auto-buy author for me! Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.

Read if you like: hockey romance, fake dating, he falls first, forced proximity