Sexy, sweet, soft.

The Faking Game was such a lovely and romantic book. I have a soft spot in my heart for people pleaser FMCs who are challenged by MMCs who want to see them stand up for each other, and this book had that dynamic in spades. West and Nora have a complicated relationship, given that Nora's brother is West's best friend, and their friendship has a strict "no sisters" clause. Throw in some forced proximity because West has promised to keep Nora safe in light of her stalker following her to the States, and you get a steamy, romantic love story with quick pacing.

This would have been five stars for me if the fashion showcase and/or the stalker had received a little more attention on page. Both felt like they resolved abruptly, and with little relevance to the narrative, and that was disappointing because of how integral both were to getting West and Nora together in the first place. The narrative focused almost too much on the relationship at cost of the other introduced plot points.

THAT said, I really enjoyed their relationship. I was so, so proud of Nora's growth. West even had some development too, and them coming to realize their true feelings was so soft and special. The boys group chat had me absolutely chomping at the bit for the future books in the series, and overall, I really look forward to reading more of Olivia Hayle's work. Like, really, really, look forward to reading her back catalogue.

I'd recommend this to fans of interconnected standalones (Parker S. Huntington/LJ Shen, Ana Huang, Julie Olivia vibes), light gray morality, and men who spoil the women in their lives.

I had such a good time with The Faking Game! The fake dating trope is always a win for me, and this one delivered with fun banter, great chemistry, and just the right amount of slow-burn tension. That kiss?! 11/10.

It was a light, entertaining read that kept me smiling, even if a couple parts felt a little rushed, I still had a delightful time and will definitely pick up another book by Olivia Hayle!

The Faking Game by Olivia Hayle

Quick Take:
A slow-burn, tension-filled, fake dating romance with dual POVs and plenty of drama..

What It’s About:
When a stalker forces Nora out of her apartment, she moves into her brother’s best friend West Calloway’s legendary estate. West is rich, arrogant, and frustrating—but when they fake a relationship to send a message that she’s taken, he also agrees to give her “dating lessons” in private. What starts as practice with clear rules quickly blurs into something more complicated—and real...

What I Liked:
- The overall storyline kept me hooked with lots of tension and slow-burning chemistry.
- I love dual POV
- The drama was well-paced and added layers to their evolving relationship & side-characters setting up for more books in the series

What Didn’t Work for Me (if anything):
- Sometimes Nora annoyed me, and West’s noble attitude felt more frustrating than charming
- Their back-and-forth could get repetitive, which slowed my emotional investment at points.

Recommended For:
Fans of fake dating with a mix of romance and drama who don’t mind imperfect characters. If you enjoy dual POVs and a story that balances tension with emotional growth, this could be a fit.

Thank you NetGalley & Olivia Hayle for an ARC!

Holy hotness, I loved this book. If you are into MMCs that are protective, full of praise, and just sexy on the page, West will check all of your boxes. Nora wasn't annoying, which i find rare in FMCs. I actually really liked her. I literally stayed up until 4am reading because I couldn't put this book down. I feel like the stalker aspect was quickly fixed. I was hoping for a little more action, but I still loved this romance.

Such a solid 4 star book for me! I read this in one sitting and couldn't put it down. It was exactly the type of book I was looking for in the moment and it certainly delivered. I mean...who doesn't love a fake dating billionaire brother's best friend romance?!?!?

Despite the tropes, this book actually had depth to it. The FMC had mental health issues that the MMC helped her work through. It was sweet and thoughful and not overly demeaning. The growth of not just the FMC, but also the MMC to the end of the book was well thought out and developed throughout and the lead up to the next book made me excited to see what is in store!

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for the arc

The book was about fake dating stalking roommates

I struggled to read it took a while to read it was a nearly DNF book for me reason they wasn’t much of a plot they said they was stalking in it they only a wee bit mention in it I wish they took a bit more and understand it

The fake dating was ok with the brothers best friend they went into straight in smut I don’t really like romance books like that I like books that get to know each first

I did skip a lot of pages as I didn’t want to read all the basically S**

Only thing I like he was patient with her to lose her virginity not pressuring her the romance was ok with them the ending of the book was rushed which i didn’t like

Overall 2 stars

I had the opportunity to read an ARC via NetGalley.

It was a little hard for me to get into the story; I felt that it started a little slowly, but once I was in, I definitely wanted to know what was next.

I enjoyed that the typical issues that you tent to expect in this type of stories weren't treated the way they usually are. The problems were there, but they weren't huge things that felt like the MCs wouldn't have the will to solve.

There are several spicy scenes, more than I expected, but at the same time it doesn't feel like the whole story is centered on just that. There's growing for the characters and the sex is kinda important for the growth of the FMC.

I definitely would like to read the next story, especially because of how it's kinda introduced on the epilogue of this book.

I was slightly concerned after the first few pages mentioned Nora's modeling career to a point of annoyance, but this book actually was a surprisingly refreshing view of women's mental health, and how Nora put everyone's needs and happiness ahead of her own.

Obviously the title eludes to a fake relationship between West and his best friend's little sister, for her "protection", but West is keeping a secret from Nora. As their affair heats up, the timeline on their relationship starts ticking, all while trying to solve the mystery of who is stalking Nora.

This book actually sucked me in with romance and mystery, and I rated it 4 stars.

I was gifted an ARC copy of The Faking Game in exchange for an honest review.

When a stalker forces Nora out of her apartment, her brother Rafe insists that she stay with his best friend, West. She has had a crush on him since she was a teenager, but she is aware of a conversation that she heard that he did not feel the same. When West suggests that they fake date to send a message to the stalker, she agrees so long as he helps her to practice ‘real’ dating and to overcome her fears. Soon they are doing far more than practicing, but they both fear Rafe finding out.
An easy read with plenty of spice. Both are likeable characters, and this story sets a steady pace. It leaves with an interesting update on Rafe, which has me now waiting to find out more. This book highlights that each of the four male friends will have a book about them.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book was such a slow burn…in the best way!! Besides the romance, there was some mystery thrown in with trying to figure out who is stalking Nora. The characters all evolved as the book went on and Olivia Hayle definitely left the door open for her to tell the other character’s stories. (Please do!!!) Thank you for letting me read it early!

My first and arguably most important feedback is that it felt like both main characters were mature and actually adults. I’m tired of the MMC starting immature and then morphing halfway through and West was fire from the beginning.

I also loved the premise of Nora having a stalker. It made for so many sweet and steamy moments but felt like the resolution was a little rushed.

I felt a kinship to Nora and her people pleasing tendencies. It felt like a real but not over the top struggle.

I love fake dating. Especially the over the top faking moments and love this one!

4.5⭐️

Such a fun forbidden love/fake dating/enemies to lovers romance. The banter and chemistry of the main characters was so good and felt realistic. I love the personal growth journey the MFC went on and how the MMC supported her throughout. Their love story felt organic and not forced at all which I appreciated. Some things were a bit predictable and with the large focus the stalker situation had throughout the book that resolution felt less than which is why I only gave 4.5⭐️. But this was a fun, bingeable read that would be perfect for summer. The book ended with a surprise/cliffhanger/peak into the next story and I cannot wait to read it! Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced copy!

4.5 ★

"If you give someone the key, they will wreck you. But you already have the key, sweetheart. And you're welcome to wreck me as long as it means you'll stay."

Okay so I have never read an Olivia Hayle book before and I'm just gonna say this now... please do me a favour and add her books to your tbr lists because wow I'm a huge fan!!!

Not only did she deliverrrrrr with the brother's best friend and fake dating tropes(!!!!!) but she also ateeeee with the lessons??!!!

Brother's best friend is probably my ultimate fav trope ever and this book is the perfect example as to why. It was so addicting, and fun, and so so spicy that I could not get enough. Period.

West is just everythingggggg. The way he is with her, how he teaches her to be herself, to stand up to everyone around her, how he's supportive and protective and flirty, how he showers Nora with the praise that deep down she LOVES, and let's not forget how he also teaches her to be oh so naughty. Oh my lord. Yes. Please and thank you.

I absolutely adored the relationship between West and Nora. The chemistry these two have is off the fricken charts. And their banter with each other... oh how I love me some tension-filled banter. So so yummy.

I would truly like to thank Olivia and NetGalley for the arc of this book. I'm so obsessed and now cannot wait for the rest of this series + to read more of her books!!!

• Brother’s Best Friend
• Forced Proximity
• Fake Dating
• Dating Lessons
• Praise Kink
• Billionaire Romance
• Dual POV

Spice level: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

For the most part, I liked the novel and the chemistry between its two leads. Some of the action was steamy as well.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
📆 Pub Date May 25 2025
♥️ Fake dating
♥️ Brother’s best friend
♥️ Dating lessons
From the very beginning, Nora's character resonates with me. The people-pleasing girl is ready to start fresh and get some dating lessons from her brother’s best friend. This is definitely a spicy slow burn where he falls first while she is protecting her heart. This was exactly what I needed: an older brother's grumpy, protective best friend with a praise kink. Yes, please!! It's a refreshing palette cleanser, easy to read, and I can't wait for more in the series.

Before I start gushing, thank you Victory Editing for sending me the e-book version of The Faking Game. I was absolutely obsessed and could not put this book down! This was the sweetest and steamiest version of an angelic FMC and a corruptive MMC, I think we all want a West. The praise kink!! I’m so here for it. I really did love everything about this.

First off rom cons aren’t my favorite but the synopsis sounds great. I really did enjoy this story. The characters are great and I loves their growth throughout the book. My only pro is that I think to many tropes were thrown into this ok. Brothers bestfriend, fake-dating and billionaire romance with a stalker side-plot. It was overwhelming at times. I think some could have be removed and the book would have flowed naturally. This book was both romantic and suspenseful. And I would recommend it

✧ 𝒜𝑅𝒞 𝓇𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌 💍

𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒻𝒶𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝑔𝒶𝓂𝑒 is OUT NOW!

"You should look at the paperwork. Men will say anything, do anything to get the privilege of being inside you." - West Calloway.
"Except you." - Nora Montclair
"Especially me." - West

Hello, my sweet, awful creatures! 🦇

EEEKKK! I'm beyond excited to present you with West and Nora's story!! My new favorite enemies-to-lovers couple.

West has two weaknesses in his life: one is Fairhaven, and the other is Nora, the stunning model and his best friend's sister. Unfortunately, both of these weaknesses are causing him trouble at the same time. If he doesn’t get married in three months, he will lose Fairhaven, and due to the danger she’s in, Nora must live with him there until they can find the stalker who is after her. West knows that his best friend's sister is off-limits—she's always been off-limits—but how can he resist her when she clearly asks for his help in practicing dating?

Wow! I have never read a romance with such relatable content before. Nora’s struggle with saying no and setting boundaries mirrored my own thoughts and worries as I read through her character. Every woman in the world has probably gone through something similar at least once, and I love that we finally have a character who embodies this experience. Nora is every woman. Nora is us.

The fact that West never thought of himself, even while burning with jealousy, made this story so much better! Throughout the whole fake dating situation, he ensured that she was the one gaining the most from it. He taught her how to argue, respect herself, stand up for herself, and feel safe when it comes to sex. Even when Nora wanted nothing more than to make him feel good in return, he only accepted her efforts so she could practice on him! There wasn’t a single selfish bone in his body. West Calloway deserves the Best Book Boyfriend award—sorry, not sorry!

The romance and smut factor were delightful from start to finish. For me, that’s a low possibility since I might encounter scenes or plots I’m not comfortable with whenever I read a smutty book, but West’s protective nature toward Nora made it safe for me! The romance was sweet and bubbly, with some grumpy moments here and there. The smut was consensual, free of triggers, and filled with a teacher/student dynamic that made me giggle and kick my feet. Way to write a steamy romance for softies like me! (I could have had a bit more of the spanking.)

Thank you for the ARC copy and the opportunity to review this! I loved it and can’t wait for Rafe’s book, which is right up my alley.

Until next time

Mira 💗

I thoroughly enjoyed this one! The Faking Game is a delightfully engaging page turner of a slow burn! I loved being a part of their world throughout the read. I found myself missing the two main characters if I stepped away from the book for a moment, and certainly when the read was over. This is a list topper for anyone in a reading slump, as well as a shelf trophy I would like to own. I will buy the physical copy, as I do want the ability to pick it up and read it any time I like. The story is a hit! It made me smile numerous times, and I highly recommend the read.

The perfect amount of eye brow raising, and butterfly evoking spice!

One of my favorite reads on NetGalley this Spring!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I read a lot of rom coms but this one falls flat for me. It’s not terrible, but it wasn’t my favorite. It almost packs too many tropes. We could have eliminated the stalker portion, though the ending shows it will lend itself to future books. Making Nora virginal and inexperienced as a runway model with filthy rich friends and family made her unrelatable to me. She and West could have fallen in love without that whole facet of their relationship, which ended up feeling forced to me. The friendship between West, Rafe, Alex, and James was the most interesting part of this.