Nora’s trying to make a name for herself without her super-rich and powerful family’s influence, but when a stalker starts threatening her life, she has no choice but to rely on her brother’s best friend, West, to keep her safe. So, Nora moves into West’s family estate and pretends to date him to keep the stalker away, as well as the number of prospective brides his mom is showing him. But if Nora’s going to sacrifice her freedom and pretend to date West, she wants something in return: she wants West to teach her how to date. And guess what? When West takes the time to get to know her and buys her presents, and she starts sleeping in his bed, they start to wonder if this fake relationship was ever really fake.

I went from loving every single second of this novel to wondering what just happened. The pacing was a huge issue at certain parts; Nora’s inner dialogue became too repetitive, making the story feel a bit clunky in the middle. Some of the spice had me rolling my eyes, and I feel like the payoff with the stalker reveal wasn’t worth all the pages that were put into the storyline. Honestly, I couldn’t believe that that was how this major storyline was going to end; it felt so lackluster.

HOWEVER…I am going to continue with this series. There were so many good parts that I think/hope that this is a series that will get better and better with each novel.

✨FAKE dating + dating lessons + brother’s best friend = my entire personality for the week.✨
Olivia Hayle, ma’am, you did not have to go this hard… and yet you did. 🫠💗

In The Faking Game, we get:
💋 Fake dating turned very real
💋 Brother’s best friend who falls first (and HARD)
💋 A slow burn that flirts, aches, and finally delivers
💋 Soft praise kink + protective energy + secret bed sharing
💋 Dating lessons... that may or may not lead to more than just practice 👀

Nora is sheltered, sweet, and finally learning to stand on her own. West is closed-off, commanding, and hopelessly gone for her—even when she doesn’t see it yet. Watching them unravel each other’s defenses felt like falling in love in real time. Slow, soft, wrecking.

💭 “The way he’s looking at me now? It’s not part of any lesson.”
THAT LINE LIVES IN MY HEAD RENT-FREE.

This book has all the emotional ache and payoff you could want, without unnecessary drama or toxicity. Just the kind of story that holds you close and reminds you—you deserve someone who sees you. (And maybe buys you sparkly things while kissing you breathless.)

🖤 Thank you to @netgalley & @oliviahayle for this ARC!

#TheFakingGame #OliviaHayle #NetGalley #FakeDatingTrope #BrothersBestFriendRomance #SlowBurnRomance #RomComReads #RomanceBookstagram #FictionalMenAreSuperior #BookReview #BookishLove #BookBoyfriendEnergy #Bookstagram #ContemporaryRomance #NewReleaseAlert #SpicyReads

The Faking Game is a steamy billionaire , forbidden romance and I devoured!!!

The chemistry between the two mcs was undeniable. The spice was wayyy spicer than expecting and I loved every second of it.

This book not only gave you swoon worthy moments, spice, a stalker! But it was at its core a heartwarming romance.

If you like
Billionaire romance ✔️
Fake dating ✔️
Brother’s best friend ✔️
Slow but worth it burn ✔️

This one’s for you!

Will definitely be stocking in my shop!

I believe The Faking Game is the book closest to my heart. It is beautifully written, with an amazing plot and interesting characters.

I loved West a lot, he was so understanding, patient and sweet to Nora. Their interactions were really enjoyable and I couldn’t stop giggling while reading.

However, the star of the show, Nora, is the first FMC I have read about that I truly saw myself in. From her people-pleasing ways and keeping everyone at arm’s length, I felt as though I was reading about myself with every page turned. Her story helped me a lot and made me realize the strength in myself and also how important it is to sometimes put yourself first. She is amazing, strong, funny, intelligent, ambitious and really talented.

I have nothing bad to say about this book, maybe that I wish it was longer haha. I can’t wait to get a physical copy and recommend it to everyone I know!

Many thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. 🫶🏻

I am absolutely obsessing over these characters. West and Nora are everything. I loved the slow burn and steamy chemistry between West and Nora. The emotional growth from each character was great and relatable. It was such a sweet and engaging read. Hot but respectful chemistry. Definitely a book that I would 1000% recommend and will be recommending to my girlfriends!

The Faking Game is a light, entertaining fake relationship romance with all the classic tropes: a successful CEO, witty banter, and undeniable chemistry. Olivia Hayle delivers an easy, fast-paced read that's perfect for a lazy afternoon.

The dynamic between the main characters is fun at times, and there are a few genuinely sweet moments. However, the plot feels quite predictable, and the emotional depth is a bit lacking. The characters don’t always feel fully developed, and some scenes come across as rushed.

It’s not a bad book by any means—if you enjoy fake dating stories and are looking for something light and uncomplicated, you’ll likely have a good time. But it doesn’t offer much that’s new or particularly memorable in the genre. A decent, quick read, but not a standout.

I loved the relationship that developed between West and Nora. It was amazing to read how he encouraged her, helped her grow and to believe in herself so she could, learn about herself and go after what she wants. West helped Nora stand up for herslf and take control of her life. I loved how protective he was of Nora but also supportive and understanding that she still needed to live and wouldn't let the stalker stop her from doing that. I was so invested in the characters and I would highly recommend this enemies to lovers story about love, personal growth and friendship. I can't wait to see what Olivia Hayle has in store next!

I really loved the vibe from this book, because it is an enemys lovers, there is a stalker involved and it’s forbidden love.
The story is about Nora and West and they hate eachother. West is Nora’s brothers best friend. Because Nora has a stalker West became her bodyguard.
You really get to know them both, so it’s not just a story only about their relationship.

Personally I don’t really like spicy books, so that’s why I gave it three stars. But if you like spicy books and what I’ve written above, I would really recommend you to read this!

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a review.

This was such a good story but wayyy spicer than I anticipated. This is an easy quick read perfect for a beach or pool day.

Nora Montclair, a model, seeks refuge at her brother’s best friend West Calloway’s lavish estate to escape a persistent stalker. To protect her—and help West proposes a fake‑dating arrangement. What starts as a convenient cover-up quickly evolves: West offers dating lessons, emotional support, and safety, all while navigating his own walls. Their journey to fiercely protective lovers is heartbreakingly real.

What truly stood out is the slow-burn development—the intimate glances, the supportive banter, the deeply personal growth you feel with each chapter. Nora steps out of her comfort zone, shedding her people‑pleasing habits with West's help—respectfully, patiently, lovingly. West, the quintessential billionaire brother’s‑best‑friend, is both protective and emotionally available—not just a trophy hero, but a real person capable of vulnerability. Their first kiss is chef’s kiss, built on trust and genuine affection

🔍 Why It’s a Must-Read
Tropes Done Right: Billionaire romance ✔️ Fake dating ✔️ Brother’s best friend ✔️ Slow burn ✔️

Character Arc Highlight: Nora's growth from people-pleaser to confident partner feels earned and inspiring.

West’s Emotional Depth: He’s protective, guided by loyalty—and that emotional availability adds real substance.

Warm, witty banter & chemistry: Their dialogue keeps you smiling while the intimacy keeps you melting.

⭐ Final Take
A beautifully layered romance that blends steamy chemistry, heartfelt growth, and a sweet-but-steady romance arc. If you're drawn to emotionally invested billionaire romances with slow-burning attraction and authentic character development, this is one to stash in your TBR. Just imagine a warm cup of tea... perfect for cozy weekend reading.

Respectfully, this was good and at the same time it wasn’t. The story itself was cute. But then…
First of all, i get it, West once said something that hurt the fmc’s feelings. I really understand it. But it doesn’t have to be repeated so many times.
Second, the whole virgin-trope can be good, but it has to be done well. But i didn’t liked how it was played out in this book. I know there are people with zero knowledge, but this was over the top clueless… the spicy scenes were just so cringe and i felt really embarrased the way Nora acted in these scenes.
Third, the reveal of the stalker? I found it really anticlimatique… had expected something crazier…
On the positive side when there were no spicy scenes, it is a good story that I enjoyed.
Respectfully, I wasn’t a fan. I will definitely try one of Olivia Hayle’s other books to see if it’s her writing or just this book I didn’t like.

This book takes all of your favorite tropes and packages it in a fun and unique story.
Fake dating ✔️
Brothers best friend ✔️
Billionaire Romance ✔️
Forced proximity ✔️
Throw in a dangerous stalker, a woman on a mission to improve herself, a brother’s best friend who wants to fix all of her problems and you get a swoon worthy romance. Can’t wait for the next 3 books! 🩷🩷🩷

I really enjoyed and liked this and I do love a bit of fake dating and then add billionaire trope it’s something special (because who wants reality at the moment or ever) 🥲 I thought the romance and the spice were brilliant , I loved watching the FMC grow and our MMC way with words at the right times (chefs kiss). Wonderful

I really enjoyed this book. It felt like a story about real people dealing with complicated emotions, and that made it hard to walk away from. Nora is strong and determined, but also grappling with a lot of vulnerability, and the author captures that balance beautifully. West is protective and patient in a way that never feels overbearing, you can tell how much he genuinely cares. The way these two open up to each other and learn to trust felt very natural, and their moments together felt both meaningful and easy to relate to. The story doesn’t rely on over‑the‑top drama or cheesy moments, which made it all the more captivating. It’s a character‑driven romance with heart!!

Thank you so much net galley for access to this one! This was such a fun read. I had a few moments where things felt a little disconnected and thrown in there (the party scene at the strange house? We still didn't learn a ton about the past fifth member of their group?) but overall this was super fun to read. Bodyguard trope is always a good time!! I am also so hype to see exactly what is going on with Rafe in the next book from that epilogue....

This book was such a good read! The story pulled me in right from the start and kept me hooked the whole way through. The writing was smooth and easy to follow, and the characters felt real and relatable. I found myself rooting for them and wanting to know what would happen next. The pacing was just right—never too slow, but not rushed either. It had a nice balance of emotion, drama, and just the right touch of humor. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a well-written, engaging story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of The Faking Game!

This spicy, swoon-filled romance delivers all the best tropes: fake dating, brother’s best friend, forced proximity, dating lessons, and a slow-burn dynamic that turns absolutely blistering. Olivia Hayle knows how to bring the tension—and the tenderness.

West is the kind of grumpy, guarded billionaire hero you can’t help but fall for, and his chemistry with the sunshiney, self-discovering heroine crackles on every page. What starts as a strategic fake relationship quickly turns into something deeper, as emotional walls start to crumble and lines blur between pretend and real. The dual dynamic of West being both her protector and her “dating coach” is incredibly satisfying, especially as he starts catching feelings he never expected.

Tropes you’ll find:
💋 Brother’s best friend
💋 Fake dating
💋 Dating lessons
💋 Forced proximity
💋 Only one bed
💋 Cinnamon roll hidden under grumpy billionaire

If you love a romance that mixes heat with heart and gives its heroine the room to grow into her own confidence, The Faking Game will be your next binge. Equal parts sexy, sweet, and emotionally grounded—perfect for fans of Lauren Asher and Lucy Score.

I was excited to read this book when I saw fake dating and billionaire romance. This book was such a fun easy read full of everything I love to see in a romance. Nora is looking for love and protection and West is looking for a fake relationship to keep his family away. Now they just have to hide their secret from everyone.

Read if you like:
⭐ Fake Dating
⭐ Billionaire Romance
⭐ Brother’s Best Friend
⭐ Enemies to Lovers

Thank you to the publishers and NetGally for this Advanced Release copy. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I wanted to live this book sooo much more. But I didn't..
I wanted to loved them more Nora and Wes, but it was justnot really for me. I love the trope fake dating, brothers friend, but I am not reallyon board with love lessons. Nope!

I really enjoy reading Olivia Hayle's books. This has a fun plot with fake dating and the added off limits friend's sister that he has had the hots for. The spice in this was off the hook. Like super hot.

West was a deeper character than I thought he would be. I honestly did not need the whole billionaire part of it as some others say. He was just himself and that was nice. I love Nora trying to be herself and stand strong after letting everyone walk all over her. West was definitely a large part in helping her.

I cannot wait for the other books in this series. The hint of what's to come has got me excited :)

Thank you to NetGalley and Olivia Hayle for the e-ARC. This review is my own opinion.