Rating: ★★★★★
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Summary:
This book was an instant win thanks to its perfect storm of beloved tropes. The chemistry between West and Nora was electric, with West’s quiet devotion and Nora’s ambition making them a standout couple. The plot juggled romance, suspense, and personal growth without missing a beat. The only minor gripe? Wishing the villain faced a bit more justice—but the setup for the next book promises more. A five-star, spicy, trope-filled delight!

I knew from just 1% into this book that I was going to be hooked. The moment the overprotective older brother’s best friend entered the scene, I was done for. I’m a sucker for every single trope this book had to offer—it honestly felt like it was written just for me.

Tropes:
- Brother’s Best Friend
- Sunshine x Grumpy
- Enemies to Lovers
- Secret Dating
- Virgin FMC
- Marriage of Convenience

What I Loved:
WEST – The brooding. The yearning. The years of watching her from afar, unable to act on it—my God. The chemistry and tension were off the charts. West has a bit of a sordid past, but it doesn’t define him or weigh the story down. Honestly, it felt like nothing else in his life mattered once he finally had Nora in his grasp. And I was so here for it.

NORA – I'm usually pretty harsh on female leads. They often fall flat, and it only gets worse when they're written as virgins—it so often turns them into this infantilized, blank-slate character. Not Nora. She's ambitious, driven, hardworking, and genuinely afraid of failure—but she shows up and tries anyway. She's the kind of woman who throws herself into everything. She’s written to feel angelic, but still incredibly relatable.

The PLOT – This book could not pick a single struggle—and I loved that. We had sneaking around, a stalker leaving creepy notes and photos, Nora battling personal boundaries, and her setting herself up for success. I was worried it would feel too jumbled or that something would be left unresolved, but I doubted Olivia for nothing—she wove everything together beautifully.

What Didn’t Work:
Honestly, I struggled to find much to critique. If I had to nitpick, I wish Wilde had gotten more of a comeuppance than just being ruined and punched once by West. That said, based on the hints dropped toward the end, I imagine that thread will be picked up in Rafe’s story—so I’ll reserve final judgment.

Thanks to the publisher for sending me The Faking Game, but this one just didn’t work for me.
West was the highlight. She was inspiring, determined, and honestly the only reason I pushed through. The writing itself was solid and well done, but the story was way too fluffy for my taste. I found the male main character super annoying
Also, this book felt so long. I kept waiting for it to pick up or surprise me, but it just dragged.
One thing I was interested in was the stalker subplot, it added a darker twist I wasn’t expecting, but the ending left me disappointed. I was hoping for more depth or at least some real payoff, but it kind of fizzled out.
If you like sweet, fluffy romances with fake dating and a little suspense, this might work for you. But for me, it just wasn’t a favorite.

⭐️ rating = 4/5 lost weekends in Siberia

This was a NetGalley arc request for me. I mostly requested it due to its high star rating on NetGalley. I was a bit skeptical about whether I’d actually enjoy this book, I was being unnecessarily judgy based on the title.

Was this book a foray into topic tier fiction? No. Was it deeply profound? No. Was I unable to put it down? Yes!

This book is about Nora and West. Can I ask, what is it about MMC’s with the name Wes/West/Weston and the correlation between that and the fact that they are all hot as hell?!
Anyway Nora and West are a heiress and heir, respectively, from different powerful families. Linked together by West and Nora’s older brother Rafe’s friendship (one of those fun friendships where they can never touch the others sister).
Nora is being stalked and is under the protection of West. Somehow under the protection situation, West and Nora start dating lessons, as inexplicably beautiful, rich Nora has no relationship experience.
If this seems like a really terrible idea, you’d be right! What follows is some kind of acid trip of escalating relationship lessons… including visits to a sex shop and an educational experience on a pool table.

What the author does really well is build some serious tension. I mean it’s hot! The second half takes the SMUTcapades to the next level. I think I enjoyed the first half a lot more. But this was mostly because I enjoyed the simmering tension between Nora and West and I can get over excessive smut quickly.
But for a smut lover this is well written and will be a fun 5/5 read.

I also wasn’t the hugest fan of West’s praise kink. But he even references it isn’t for everyone and he’s right, it’s not for me!!

⭐️4.0 🌶️2.8

✨Thank you to NetGalley and Olivia’s team for this ARC ✨

I devoured this book in 24 hours. It has all the tropes I love! Fake dating, brother’s best friend, marriage of convenience, billionaire MMC……

Nora and West were so adorable. I believed every aspect of their story. I didn’t have any expectations going into this book, and I’m more than satisfied.

Olivia is a genius. I think she may have solved my reading slump. Can’t wait to read about Rafe next!

The Faking Game has so many favorite romance tropes all wrapped up with a luxury brand bow. Fake dating, brothers best friend, teach me, and more! One thing I adored about the teaching part was that the main focus was confidence, saying no, and being okay with not being a people pleaser. It was lovely seeing Nora develop her confidence and stand up for herself. The “suspense” aspect was anticlimatic at best, but still played an important role.

But holy cow- Olivia knows how to write some SPICE without going over the top.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC! This had a lot of my favorite tropes: billionaire, best friend’s brother, fake dating. It was cute and fun. It was a little too long for me, but I overall enjoyed it. The MMC was swoony!

The Fakeing Game Arc review by Olivia Hayle
I was thrilled to receive an arc copy from NetGalley of this exciting romance novel. It has all of my favorites tropes faking dating, brother best friend , roommate, slow burn. It was an adorable fast paced read that I couldn’t but down once I started it. I love the storyline the characters the plot fun and interesting to keep the story flowing nice. The banter and romance between the main couple was so
Endearing and special. I love west and Nora story arc and how they grow together and help each other learn and grow it so sweet and I really enjoyed the journey you go on together love the ending it wrap right beautiful and i excited to see where the story go next in for Nora brother Rafe I can’t wait to see his story hopefully soon 🙏🏻. This one comes on May 25 hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Highly recommend you check this one out it was so great! A fun five star read.

Did i found my new favorite series ? Well I definitely think so. I literally read that book in one seating i couldn’t look away i couldn’t stop reading. I loved everything in this book, the slow burn, the friendships, the writing was amazing. Nora is such a loving and relatable character i loved reading about her becoming her true self. West is my new favorite book boyfriend he was so caring towards Nora putting her first making sure she was safe and always on the same as him during their lessons and also after.
Their banter, the chemistry, the slow burn between West & Nora was everything.. Their development was so well written.
I also loved the other boys and i cant wait to discover their books especially with that ending 🤭 now I’m looking forward for Rafe’s book.
It was also the first time reading a book by Olivia so I’m definitely gonna look into her other books.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!!

This is my first book by Olivia Hayle but whew can she write a good billionaire novel. I absolutely loved both the FMC and MMC. Normally an inexperience trope is not one of my favorites to read but with the brother’s best friend and fake dating trope to make up for it made for an easy read. I did love how Olivia developed Nora’s character throughout the book while utilizing West as someone who helps her find her strength and not do the work for her.

The ending was a jaw dropper and I absolutely can’t wait to read book 2 but I low key can’t wait for Jame’s book…bring on the duke.


Thank you NetGalley and Olivia Hayle for the eARC I thoroughly enjoyed this one.

This book was so good! Once I started I couldn’t stop.. love love love West and Nora. The book gave us enough time for her transformation and his. I love a good slow burn and this was just the ticket . Throw in a little brothers best friend and dislike to lovers and I’m there lol

Thank you netgalley for allowing me to read this book in advance of its release for my honest opinion.
I have read quite a few Olivia Hayle books in the past, so I knew when I requested this book, that I wouldn't be disappointed.
Nora has a stalker and West steps up to protect her and provides her security by moving her into his home. From there, we see these "enemies" turn their non existent relationship into something beautiful.
I enjoyed all the characters in this book, especially West's sister. I did enjoy Nora's brother, but he was too overprotective and didn't let her live the life she wanted (it didn't bother me that much though) the only issue i had was the build up of the stalker, I felt a little let down, but that did not take away from the love I had for West, Nora and their story.

Loved Nora and West from the first page to the very last! I loved how their relationship developed and the misunderstandings on both sides. I am interested and hopefully see all of these characters again soon.

Thank you to Netgalley and Olivia Hayle for this e-arc.

Okay this book was so cute! This had all my favorite tropes: Fake dating, billionaire, best friends brother and a regency vibes which is very popular these days. I also loved the FMC and MMC. Their chemistry felt so natural they were so cute and sweet. I love a book when you can really feel the chemistry and vulnerability without it being forced or cringe and this story just felt so natural. If you like Romance and Historical Regency romance like a Bridgerton this book could be your gateway to a more contemporary romance that give you all the feels.

The Faking Game by Olivia Hayle is a captivating romance that hits all the right notes. When the heroine moves in with West Calloway—her brother’s wealthy best friend—for safety reasons, a fake relationship turns into something far more real. What starts as a protective arrangement becomes a slow-burn, emotionally rich love story full of tension and chemistry.

It balances witty banter, swoon-worthy moments, and genuine emotional depth with ease. West is both guarded and charming, while the heroine’s personal growth feels authentic and empowering. Their dynamic is addictive, making it hard to put the book down.

With just the right mix of heat, heart, and humor, The Faking Game is a must-read for fans of the fake dating trope done right. I couldn’t stop smiling—and swooning.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely devoured this!!

I knew I would love this book from the blurb alone, but I did not anticipate just how much I would love it. The relatability, the slow burn, the SPICE… incredible no notes. This may be my new favorite Olivia Hayle book.

Nora might just be the most relatable FMC I’ve ever read–is this play about ME? Every little detail about her had me hitting pause because it was a little too real! Who gave Miss Olivia access to my diary? It was so amazing seeing her growth throughout the book. I was so giddy and proud whenever she had a breakthrough moment.

West was so perfect with Nora, like… woah, yeah! No notes. The way he cared for her and was so firm, yet gentle with her when she got into her head was so adorable. Where is my West to teach me to stop being such a people pleaser?

The slow burn and the smut were actually so perfect. The tension and build up got me. The delicate balance of West helping her set boundaries while also getting her to push them… phew! Sometimes long, drawn-out smut can be A Lot, but it worked so well with this book. It fit both characters so well and actually felt realistic. There's no “I’m a virgin but I somehow am a sex goddess my very first time” messiness; just real, sometimes awkward scenes that actually progress the plot.

My singular issue with this book was the timeline being a bit confusing at times. I found myself circling back to previous chapters to figure out what day/week/month we were on. It only happened a few times, but that did take me out of the immersion.

Truly loved this book so much and will be giving it a reread <3

ALSO I’m so excited to read Rafe’s book, but Alex and James have me SO intrigued. I must know more!

I ate this book up! It was adorable and just put me in such a good mood lol. I loved both the hero and heroine so much.

This story is about Nora, she bends over backwards for her family and dates that she knows won’t go anywhere. When a stalker makes a dangerous move she moves to New York for a fresh start, away from her stalker. Her Brother Rafe decides it’s best since he isn’t New York that his best friend West, filthy rich and painfully arrogant- who Nora once had a crush on who never returned her feelings.

West needs to send his mother a signal to stop her from trying to set him up with women since it becomes a very prominent part of his life. West suggested that fake dating will keep his mother at bay and the stalker who lurks in the shadows a sign to back off since now she’s protected from all angles. But Nora, has a goal in her heart. Lose her virginity by 25… only problem is… she’s never been in a relationship. West is up for the challenge of teaching her.

I loved this book! The characters were loveable and their banter was believable. The lust, the like and the love were all believable and it moved in an incredible and enjoyable pace through the book. West is an incredible MMC and I loved his respect for Nora and of course his best friend. Nora is a fierce FMC who I find myself in her throughout the book! I highly recommend reading this book!

Thank you to Net Galley and Olivia Hayle for sending me an ARC copy of this book 🫶

Genre: Romance
APK: E-Book
Page count: 394
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Series: The Billionaire Games (Book one of four)
Tropes: Fake Dating, Best Friends brother, Stalking, Billionaire, Sexual Content, Praise, Dirty Talk.

My first Five Star Read for May 2025. I hadn’t read anything by Olivia Hayle before but I’m definitely going to read more of her books in the future because I loved The Faking Game.

Nora is such a great FMC, I like how she tries really hard to keep her independence and not let anybody else know how terrified she is by the stalker. She’s such a sweetheart and it’s easy to see why everybody from Darcy (the cat) to West’s sister, Amber and the Fairhaven staff are all charmed by her. I can definitely relate to how much of a people-pleaser she is.

West is just the Perfect Book Boyfriend. The chemistry between them is Off. The. Charts. It’s sweet that he calls Nora “trouble” and is determined to make sure that she never puts on a mask around him and asserts herself. They can both be themselves around each other. West is so caring with Nora outside the bedroom that it makes the spicy scenes that much hotter and they’re already five-alarm hot.

Is it greedy that I want stories for the rest of the group (especially Nora’s brother, Rafe) ASAP?

⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 - 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for sending me a digital ARC 💖

Nora—an heiress, model, and relentless people pleaser who prioritizes everyone’s needs, even beyond her family—is used to living for others. But when a stalker shatters the illusion of safety, she’s forced to abandon her glamorous life in Paris and seek refuge in New York. There, a surprising new arrangement changes everything—giving her a front-row seat to the softer, hidden layers of the enigmatic West.

West—heir to the Cal Steel empire—is as infuriating as he is elusive. Arrogant, fiercely private, and emotionally unavailable, he keeps the world at arm’s length. So when he agrees to a fake dating arrangement with his best friend’s sister, it’s not out of goodwill—it’s because he needs to. The plan is simple: protect Nora, keep up appearances, and keep emotions out of it. It’s supposed to be a temporary strategy, nothing more. But Nora isn’t the type to go along with a charade without something in return. She agrees—on one condition: West has to teach her how to date. What starts as a deal quickly begins to blur the lines between fake and something dangerously close to real.

This book was so damn good!!! Their dynamic was electric- the forbidden chemistry, the praise.. UGH- there were moments that keep me glued to the page at 2AM. Dont get me started on the spice... Literally could not put the book down.

This wasn’t just a romance built on tropes—it was about two people learning to trust each other in the middle of chaos. Nora’s stalker adds a layer of suspense without overshadowing their growing adoration for each other. The gradual shift from fake to real feels earned, not rushed.

Olivia’s writing style is effortless— it just hits you right in the feels.. and that cliffhanger... I need book 2 like yesterday...

Oh my goodness, I just finished the faking game by Olivia Hayle and wow it was truly amazing.
5 ⭐️

I couldn’t put this book down after I finally was able to get it started and deep dive. It had me going through so many emotions it will be stuck in my brain for ages and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

If you love a brother’s best friend and a billionaire combo this book is definitely needed on your list, The tropes for this book were to die for. It was a slow burn with humour and flirtyness that had me giggling while reading.

West Calloway is now on my book boyfriend list and definitely in the top 3.
I saw so much of myself in Nora especially with her being a people pleaser and wanting to change. I think I learnt a few things from west Calloway myself.


Thank you to netgalley and Olivia Hayle for the opportunity to read this arc and it being my first is very special