A Very Fake Boyfriend

Very Much in Love #2

by Scarlett Avery

The commitment phobic billionaire agreed to be my fake boyfriend to a wedding from hell. He never signed up for a surprise baby.

When my evil stepsister announces her wedding to the cheating boyfriend she stole from me, I’m determined to be a no-show.

My Irish mother won’t hear of it. She’s dead set on her crusade to hold this family together, so she makes it mandatory I suck it up.

Attending the wedding of the backstabbing nemesis who pulverized my relationship by seducing yet another one of my boyfriends is humiliating enough. Showing up alone would be the kiss of death. So, I do what any desperate—I mean, self-respecting woman would do. I enlist the help of a fake boyfriend.

Serendipity and liquid courage were my allies when the preposterous proposal slipped from my lips.

Little did I know the very tall, devastatingly charming, and stupidly handsome hunk with a beautiful singing voice who agreed to be my fake boyfriend would turn out to be… my baby daddy.

USA Today Bestselling Author Scarlett Avery brings you a fake romance (that turns into a blazing romance) between a sassy plus size redhead who’s been betrayed and backstabbed one too many times and a commitment phobic billionaire still haunted by a former, jealous fling who thrives on drama. The nerd turned smoking hot CFO will stop at nothing to protect the curvy redhead who makes him want forever. Meddling Irish family included.
__________

★★★★★ “I HIGHLY, HIGHLY, HIGHLY, RECOMMEND!”
★★★★★ “Their chemistry was off the charts and their love was beautiful. The ending was amazing and the spicy scenes were fire.”
★★★★★ “This story is filled with everything you could every want and will have you captivated from beginning to end!”
★★★★★ “…it was even better than I could imagine.”
★★★★★ “As this is only my second book by this author, she has got me hooked.”
★★★★★ “I loved how Zane loved how Shay looked and also reminded her how beautiful she is!”
★★★★★ “If I could give it more than five stars, I for sure would.”

Genres: Romance, Fake Dating, Contemporary, Billionaire Romance, Contemporary Romance

464 pages, ebook

First published April 13, 2023

About the author

Bestselling Amazon Author Scarlett Avery’s Book Boyfriends aren’t like ANY others you’ve ever cuddled to before.

These dirty-talking, DOMINEERING, saucy seducers will make you forget all the other ones. Yeah, Scarlett’s Alpha Males are that DANGEROUSLY HOT!

Be warned: Her books have been dubbed, “Epic & Mind-Blowing”! This Canadian romance author’s books will melt your e-readers and they will leave you on the edge of your seat!

I dare you to discover how SIZZLING they REALLY ARE...

P.S.: Once you 1-click Scarlett’s books, there’s NO going back!

Reviews

[Jolie McAdoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5!!

This has been my favorite out of the series so far. I LOVED Zane as an mmc. I'm super excited to see how the third one does for me.

[Lina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was quite the journey for me. From the first moment Shay and Zane met, they instantly felt the attraction towards each other.

You know, some people don't like stories with insta lust, but I am not one of those people. I love instant attraction, which was the case with both MC's. Considering this, I am happy that they didn't act on that fire. To be honest Zane was the perfect fake boyfriend for Shay. He was defending her from her evil sister (If you ask me, she got what she deserved) and was behaving like the perfect gentleman. That was probably one of the reasons her family loved him so much.

Let me tell you one thing...that story deserved its hot scenes. It was that good, and I loved it. There was so much heat and smut, that I couldn't stop reading. And the accidental pregnancy... I loved it even more.

I really liked this story and I recommend it to everyone that likes insta-lust stories with hot looking male characters and a sexy, fiesty heroine.

***I received an ARC from Grey's Promotion and this is my voluntary review.***

[Lilouae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This man dirty talks like a god.

I loved the characters (especially the secondary characters) even if the evil step-sister is a walking stereotype. The plot wasn't original at all, but the interactions between the characters made up for that as they were a lot of fun and I didn't want to stop reading!

The ending was a little abrupt for my tastes though.

[Destiny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this

This book was amazing. It was a instant 5 star read before I even hit chapter 4.

Zane was so fucking sweet. The way he took care of Shay. The relationship he had with her family especially her sister was just everything.
They started in a fake relationship then it changed to a real relationship.
Aunt El was amazing. The way she was so protective but funny at the same time.

Imogen was fucking crazy and so was Ember. They literally got on my nerves.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

✨Fake Relationship
✨Billionaire Romance
✨Curvy Heroine
✨Surprise Baby

•Dual POV
•Stand-alone, but part of the Very New York Billionaires Series

This book was so good! It is the second in the Very NY Billionaire series and I loved it. Zane is 🔥.

Shay is a plus-size beauty mogul and Zane is the CFO of a plus-size curvy fashion line. They meet by chance at a hotel bar and hit it off right away. This instant chemistry between them is amazing and they can’t deny it. Shay’s step-sisters wedding is coming up and it’s unfortunately to Shay’s ex-boyfriend, who cheated on her. She doesn’t want to go along and asks Zane to be her fake boyfriend for the wedding. Zane agrees but insists it must be with benefits. They have an amazing time at the wedding and the connection sizzles between the two of them. They both decide that they don’t want the relationship to be fake anymore and want to be in a real relationship with one another. Things are going great, until exes get involved and a surprise pregnancy.

Zane is all man and is an excellent dirty talker. The steam in this book was HOT❤️‍🔥. I loved how Zane loved how Shay looked and also reminded her how beautiful she is. Such a great book and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. 😍

[ELC · Rating 5 out of 5]

 A VERY FAKE BOYFRIEND by Scarlett Avery

I love me a fake relationship romance and this one did not disappoint. This is Zane and Shay’s journey. It all started thanks to Imogen. Which let’s talk about Imogen she is a piece of work that I really really wanted to punch multiple times. I mean talk about a character you really dislike that is Imogen. I loved Briar and Shay’s relationship it was funny and witty. Loved they interaction between Zane and Shay. The chemistry was super strong and hot. Loved this book and highly recommend.

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series. Not only are the women feisty and smart, the men are not all about slim waist.

When these two meet, the earth shakes. The chemistry is off the hook and when Shay asked him to help her out by being her fake BF to attend a wedding of her ex and her stepsister from Hell, he agrees. But what Zane doesn't expect is to be so drawn to Shay. He's not quite a relationship guy, but something about Shay calls to him. She has her life in a hot mess when it comes to her family. But being with Zane feels right and she is determined to see where it could lead them. But just when things seem to be perfect, Zane past comes back in one last effort to mess with him. But he's found his one and is not letting anything or anyone get in the way.

This was read in one sitting and had me laughing out loud a few times. Zane and his mouth should come with a warning label that's for sure. I'm looking forward to seeing what will come next in the series.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***

[Claire Ingledew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc copy given,
I love a fake boyfriend romance and Scarlett didn’t disappoint, I loved Shay and Zane characters. I also loved how close Shay and Zane were to there families.

Scarlett has written another hot steamy read but we also see so nasty characters but you have to wait and see if Karma comes around for these people.

I hope you enjoy Shay and Zane Journey and you love Great aunt Eileen she made lol with some of her staying.

4⭐️ with a few🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Maye · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[♡︎ Kesa Subban ♡︎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

卂᥅ᥴ 尺ꫀꪜﺃꫀ᭙
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - Zane
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - Shay
3 Fake 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧

𝐴 𝑉𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝐹𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝐵𝑜𝑦𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝐵𝑦 𝑆𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑙𝑒𝑡𝑡 𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦

This was my first book by this author and I could not wait to get started on this one.

But sadly, this one just wasn't for me...the H inner thoughts at times just irritated me, and the h, I loved her confidence but I just could not connect with her.

[Niki]

dnf.Thats not even the cringe you want to read to have some laugh time. Thats second hand embarassment time. Cant believe someone thought its good to publish it.

[LaChante Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes to having a curvy FMC!

⭐️⭐️⭐️.75|🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
The story concept and plot was very good! However it needed a fine tooth comb of editing. It was too long for what it was. Like a little less unnecessary details.

I did love the representation of curvy tall women being loved on properly 👏🏾👏🏾 oh and the spice was great! Zane has a very dirty mouth 🥵

Would still recommend 💖

[Sarah Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Alyssashelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks for this ARC ! This book was funny sweet and adorable 🥰 this couple had very hot chemistry. I love billionaire romances and this one is perfect !

[Marla Janczak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down!

Scarlett Avery is one of my favorite authors. Once I started this book I didn't want to put it down.

[Lorraine Kaplan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zane & Shay

Shay has a dilemma- her step-sister is getting married ( to Shays ex) and she desperately needs a plus one.

Zane is at the Evengelista Bar at the hotel - he was to meet a friend but his friends wife wasn't feeling too good so he had to cancel - Shay was also at the Lounge for a meeting - her meeting was also held up.

They wind up sitting next to each other at the bar and get to talking. Shay blurts out that she needs a plus one and explains the situation to Zane and he says he will consider it and they exchange numbers.

Zane loves the way curvy Shay looks, he loves curves and isn't afraid to show it - Shay thinks he is the most handsome, sexiest man she has ever met.

Great story of two strangers who meet accidentally and wind up falling for each other hard and fast. Zanes hotness is off the charts - makes me wonder if men like this exist in real life cause I am all for the dirty, sexy growls and rumbles that come out it's of this mans mouth - I needed a cigarette and a scotch after reading what came out of his mouth💦🍆🍑

There is another crazy ex involved and it almost puts their growing love for each other off the rails.

[Yai · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another 3.75⭐️ rounded up (I changed my mind halfway through typing the review). Idk I didn’t love this as much as I thought I first did. Idk why but I’ve discovered that I don’t like when the guy is like billionaire and a CFO but he’s got golden retriever energy. Like wdym ur NOT nonchalant and broody and scary? I think the only time the whole golden retriever thing works is when the guy is like in high school/college because other wise what is your reason for being this happy at 37 without having met the love of your life…? Idk but it didn’t rub me the right way. Don’t get me wrong, I liked him but he just wasn’t the best.
Another thing. I just NEED to talk about how unrealistic this dialogue was. Why are you speaking like that? They weren’t even bold they were just unrealistic to the point I visibly cringed and had to put it down for a sec.
The ending was way too rushed imo and I didn’t love it.
I had one more thing i wanted to say but I forgot so oh well.
Edit 03/04/25: I remembered what it was. I really didn’t like that he was texting Briar. I remember reading that and normally I would think aww he’s trying to get closer to her family but in this case I hated it. The conversation consisted of all of them basically flirting. Her saying he’s great and perfect and asking if he’s got single family members like him bc he’s so nice perfect and him saying no in such an extra way. Like just fuck her atp. Why are you flirting with your girlfriend’s sister…? Get out my face. Overall it wasn’t the best book, it was a good read but I wouldn’t read it again. However. That doesn’t mean I will not be reading the rest of the series because I will.

[Daisy Nijs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shay needs a fake date to attend her stepsisters wedding, the stepsister who stole Shay’s boyfriend. And she has found the perfect man for the job: Zane Keller. Zane and Shay meet at a hotel’s lounge, both ending up at the bar because of a business meeting that didn’t go through. The attraction between both was there from the moment Zane set his eyes on that curvy redhead.
And even though they start out as pretend, the heat between them is far from fake.

After reading Xavier’s story, I was really looking forward to Zane’s story, and it was even better than I could imagine. As this is only my second book by this author, she has got me hooked. I love her writing, you can’t help but fall for her characters, and the spice is off the charts.
I am looking forward to reading much more from this author.

[Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shay is a successful makeup influencer. And her life is great except for the relationship part of it. Her stepsister, Imogen stole her boyfriend and is pregnant with his baby and they are getting married 😬

So what does she do, she gets herself a fake boyfriend... This is where Zane comes in... HOT, SEXY and perfect to be her date, right...

Loved their story. I loved Shay's job, she is a plus size model for a curvy fashion range and Zane is the CEO. Shay's stepsister what a cow, loved that Zane stood up for her. His so freaking hot, protective and supportive. The chemistry between these two were so good I couldn't put this one down. Lots of drama, romance, and funny parts and a bit of angst thrown in😊

[Devons book corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a fun, simple read and I enjoyed it. Shay has a great job as a very successful makeup influencer. Everything is great in her world, minus her relationship with her stepsister Imogen. Imogen stole Shay's boyfriend Elias, and she's pregnant to boot. She also happens to be marrying Elias in about a week as well. Shay just wants to skip out on this whole nightmare, but her mom won't let that happen. So now, Shay decides she needs a fake boyfriend for the wedding. Zane agrees to be that guy. He's hot and he's also older than Shay by about 10 years. There's definitely drama along the way, not to mention surprises that no one saw coming. I thought it was a good book, decent storyline and enjoyable characters. I would recommend this title.

[Neeru Rana · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐
A fun read by Scarlett that's filled with laughter, swoony moments and a couple that makes you crave for more.

Zane and Shay won my heart from the first page and I was giddy to unravel there journey and rooting for them to find happiness together.

There chemistry was smoking hot, enough to burn the pages. They need to overcome the issues from the past both individually and together.

I loved both Zane and Shay's family except for a certain someone. There were many funny moments that made me cackle like crazy.

It's a must read if you are a fan of swoony hot billionaire who melt you heart, a strong and independent heroine who are faking relationship but not there chemistry and a surprise baby on the way.

Thanks to Scarlett and Wildfiremarketing for the advanced copy.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shay O'Hara and Zane Keller met in a bar after both were stood up by business associates. He is quite taken with her.
She is a beauty vlogger and has her own Beauty with Shay channel.
She ends up telling him about her ex boyfriend getting married to her step-sister and how she doesn't want to go to the wedding but has to. She asks him on a lark if he would be her fake date.

Zane is a billionaire, CFO of Curves Envy Fashions which he co-owns with his brother and cousins. He had gotten out of a 2 week relationship with a crazy woman and wasn't in any hurry to be in another. He agrees to the wedding but with benefits. They have a lot of chemistry so acting as a couple should be easy.

Where does it go from here?

4 stars

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I was pleasantly surprised by the spice level. It was a great story that started with a meet cute with insta-chemistry. Shay has just realized there’s no getting out of a wedding in which her evil step-sister is marrying her ex-boyfriend. This leads to a fake relationship with the handsome stranger, Zane, that she just met at the bar. I really enjoyed the story as there was no pretense between the couple that there isn’t an attraction and the communication between the two was refreshing. Of course there is plenty of drama along the way so it’s far from boring and the spicy scenes definitely do not disappoint!!! I will be going back to read some of the previous books and will be on the lookout for future stories as well.

[kreadsoften · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Zane and Shay met, there was an instant attraction. Shay eventually asked Zane to be her fake boyfriend to go to her step-sister's wedding to her (Shay's) ex-boyfriend.

This story had a lot of drama on both Zane's and Shay's side. Zane was dealing with an ex who could not let him go and was pretty certifiable. Shay had to deal with her step-sister's crappy attitude and even her ex-boyfriend's cruelty.

Zane did a great job at playing the doting "boyfriend" and it was obvious that he wanted it to be real. Also, I loved that Shay was a plus-size model and beauty vlogger and did was not upset about her size. She loved her body and did not let anyone'e harsh words affect her. I also loved how close-knit Shay's family was and how they all stood together to help Shay when she needed it.

[Katelyn Rizzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved loved this book! It started off 🔥🔥right off the start.
The chemistry between them in the first meeting was so sexy and hot!
She has a very very crappy step sister who is a B and only cares about herself! What she does to shay is horrible.

But thank god it happened because it brought her in the arms of the sexiest man I think I have ever met in a book. Good god what I would do for him to be real 🔥🖤🖤🖤…

This book is a must read! I’m not going to ruin it. So please read! It’s sooooo good.

[Tasneem · Rating 3 out of 5]

why do white people love to make foreigners look stupid??

if u want ur character to have culture, let them speak their language instead of making them look stupid when speaking english. just have a convo in the native language and translate, wtf?

this book could’ve also been a 200 page novella if unnecessary yap wasn’t present. no one cares about the history of the floor is it’s gunna be in one scene only GOD SHUT UPPPPPPPPPPP

and lastly, does the author know how to correctly use exclamation points or does everyone have to be yelling and excited all the time? “i pooped my pants!” “imogen fucked her brother!” like SHUT UPPPPPPP UGHHHHHHHH

[Tina Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars


So after I read Xavier's story I couldn't wait to read Zane's and I wasn't disappointed at all. First I'm so glad he got the Ember situation figured out although she still continues to cause trouble. And those twins I swear they need some karma to come back on them!! But Shay is completely perfect. And I love her with Zane. And her family is amazing and funny!! Well most of them are. And I am going to need her sister and aunt a book!! And Zane lord I would climb him like a tree!! That mouth of his would get him and me in trouble!! And the surprises in the book was the perfect!! The only thing I was wanting more from the epiloge!! I need more future. I'm also going to need a book just for future of Xavier and Zane for like 10 years down the road and how they are doing and what they are done personal life wise....lol This was a great read and I highly recommend it!! 

[Vanessa Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC Review ✨
***
Thank you to Scarlett Avery and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for the ARC to review.
***
A Very Fake Boyfriend was so sweet, cute, and spicy. I loved Zane. He was the sweetest, most caring fake boyfriend ever. I loved his alpha and dominating side alot! Shay was the cutest and I loved her personality. Their chemistry was off the charts and their love was beautiful. The ending was amazing and the spicy scenes were fire.
***
⭐⭐⭐⭐
***

[Renee's Reading Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Very Fake Boyfriend was so good. It hooks you right from the beginning.

The chemistry between Shay and Zane is off the charts. The way he defends her is absolute perfection. And his dirty talk is top notch!

Overall a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and 🌶🌶🌶🌶 on the spice scale.