The Faking Game by Olivia – aka my new obsession.

West has one job—look after his best friend’s little sister. But plot twist: she’s a full-blown menace, and he’s an overprotective teddy bear with a hero complex. I’m living for it.

“If you’re pretending to be my girlfriend, you’re only dating me…So, if you want to practice? You’ll practice with me.”

Sir???

And can we talk about the group chat with Rafe, West, Alex, and James? Iconic. Absolute chaos. The kind of energy I want in my own life group chat. The moment they see West and Nora’s photo in the paper? I wheezed.

West calling Nora trouble? Instantly one of my top 10 book nicknames. It’s giving “I’m in love but I’ll pretend I’m not.”

Now let’s talk Nora. Baby girl is a recovering people pleaser, and same, babe. SAME. Watching her find her voice (with West cheering her on like the golden retriever boyfriend he is) was actual therapy. Someone check on me.

Boxing lessons? Oh, you mean the slow-burn, tension-filled, flirt fest of my dreams. Nora swinging and missing, West grinning like Chris Evans in a tight tee? I’ve already mentally cast him—don’t fight me on this.

Cue the waterworks:

“You’ll call for help. You’ll call me.”

“And you’ll come?”

“Always.”

HELLO??? This is the bare minimum and yet I’m sobbing like it’s a Bollywood finale.

And then—fake girlfriend who??—he hits us with:

“Fake or real, you’re mine. Take my card next time.”

Manifesting a man like West IMMEDIATELY. Where do I sign up? I’ll fill out an application. References available upon request.

This man showers compliments like he’s Oprah giving out cars. “That’s my girl”? Say less. I’m down bad. Guys, take notes—but like, don’t say “my girl” to waitresses. Say it to your girl. With intention.

Jealousy trope? 10/10. Nora in Alex’s shirt and West going feral? Inject it directly into my veins.

Also: the poker buy-in scene with secrets or something valuable?? BRILLIANT. Nora dropping one of Rafe’s secrets had me howling. The group dynamic is SO real—feels like actual friends, not just convenient side characters.

And now, let’s talk spinoffs: James? Needs a book. Amber? Deserves her own love story. Her line?

“Dating is really hard. I know because I’m actively doing it. If you actually find someone you like and they like you—which you two obviously do; I can see it—then just go for it.”

Realest thing I’ve ever read.

And when West casually admits he’s in love with his best friend’s sister? Scream. Cry. Throw things.

But Rafe? The way he handled the whole “you’re dating my sister” thing with West AND Nora? Chef’s kiss. He had every right to be mad, but he handled it like a king.

Watching Nora grow into herself? Iconic. Sometimes, finding the right person teaches you who you are—and for Nora, that person was West. Ugh. My heart.

ALSO: HOLD UP. Who did Rafe marry??? Is it Amber? IT BETTER BE. I’m begging.

Ok it’s not her probably. But I think it’s going to be a marriage of convenience and enemies to lovers. Whatever it is, I am all for it.

OK YES, ITS MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE. (Writing this as I read, apologies in advance) WAIT WDYM FALL of 2025, I NEED IT NOW!

This book had me in a full emotional spiral. I’m literally packing a suitcase just to fly to the States and buy the paperback. It’s that serious. Olivia, I owe you my soul. And a coffee. Thank you for the ARC!

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Tropes I devoured like candy:

✨ Billionaire romance

✨ Best friend’s sister / Brother’s best friend

✨ New Adult

✨ Found family

✨ Virgin FMC

✨ Roommates

✨ Fake dating

✨ Dating lessons

✨ Praise kink (West, you sweet-talking menace)

BRB. Re-reading. And waiting (not patiently) for the rest of the gang to get their books.