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Not Faking it with the Colonel
Army Colonel Graham Holmstrom never expected that being widowed would lead to the conundrum he’s facing. Either he remarries within seven months, or he’ll be reassigned to a new post. With his adult children also based at Fort Liberty, he’s motivated to keep the family together—even if it means conquering the challenges of dating in a new era.
Longtime USO volunteer Erin Downey is on a mission to connect with a member of the Army’s Special Ops community. Recently divorced, she’s not looking for love. She needs an inside look at the elite soldiers’ lives to enable her to create convincing characters and missions to earn her shot writing for a military TV series.
After meeting Erin on base, Graham resorts to opening a Facebook account to get in touch with her. First, he has to convince her it’s him, not a scammer impersonating Army officers. Upon learning her reason for being at Fort Liberty, he makes an unconventional proposal: he’ll arrange for her to observe one of his Green Beret teams for research if she dates him.
There’s no need to fake their relationship, but when a rival’s wife ruins their fairy-tale romance by publicly claiming that Graham is using Erin to keep his command, their love is put to the ultimate test.
Will their love survive the attack, or will it become a casualty of the battlefield?
Longtime USO volunteer Erin Downey is on a mission to connect with a member of the Army’s Special Ops community. Recently divorced, she’s not looking for love. She needs an inside look at the elite soldiers’ lives to enable her to create convincing characters and missions to earn her shot writing for a military TV series.
After meeting Erin on base, Graham resorts to opening a Facebook account to get in touch with her. First, he has to convince her it’s him, not a scammer impersonating Army officers. Upon learning her reason for being at Fort Liberty, he makes an unconventional proposal: he’ll arrange for her to observe one of his Green Beret teams for research if she dates him.
There’s no need to fake their relationship, but when a rival’s wife ruins their fairy-tale romance by publicly claiming that Graham is using Erin to keep his command, their love is put to the ultimate test.
Will their love survive the attack, or will it become a casualty of the battlefield?
- GenresRomanceContemporary
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2023
112 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Brody
12 books418 followersTracy Brody has written a series of single-title romances featuring the Bad Karma Special Ops team whose love lives are as dangerous as their missions. A SHOT WORTH TAKING and IN THE WRONG SIGHTS won the Golden Heart® for romantic suspense in 2015 and 2016. DEADLY AIM was a four-time finalist in the Golden Heart.
She is now working on a romantic comedy series featuring Army heroes and hopes to make you laugh and cry and fall in love with her characters.
She has a background in banking, retired to become a domestic engineer, and aims to supplement her husband’s retirement using her overactive imagination. Tracy began writing spec movie and TV scripts, however, when two friends gave her the same feedback on a script, saying that they’d love to see it as a book, she didn’t need to be hit over the head with a literal 2” x 4” to get the message. She joined RWA® and developed her craft and is still working on using commas correctly
Tracy and her husband live in North Carolina. She’s the proud mother of a daughter and son and now a mother-in-law. She invokes her sense of humor while volunteering at the USO. You may spot her dancing in the grocery story aisles or talking to herself as she plots books and scenes while walking in her neighborhood, the park, or at the beach on retreats with friends.
You can connect with her on:
https://www.facebook.com/tracybrodyau...
https://www.instagram.com/tracybrodyb...
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tracy...
She is now working on a romantic comedy series featuring Army heroes and hopes to make you laugh and cry and fall in love with her characters.
She has a background in banking, retired to become a domestic engineer, and aims to supplement her husband’s retirement using her overactive imagination. Tracy began writing spec movie and TV scripts, however, when two friends gave her the same feedback on a script, saying that they’d love to see it as a book, she didn’t need to be hit over the head with a literal 2” x 4” to get the message. She joined RWA® and developed her craft and is still working on using commas correctly
Tracy and her husband live in North Carolina. She’s the proud mother of a daughter and son and now a mother-in-law. She invokes her sense of humor while volunteering at the USO. You may spot her dancing in the grocery story aisles or talking to herself as she plots books and scenes while walking in her neighborhood, the park, or at the beach on retreats with friends.
You can connect with her on:
https://www.facebook.com/tracybrodyau...
https://www.instagram.com/tracybrodyb...
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tracy...
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 28, 2023
Wow!! Finished this book in a day it was so good I absolutely could not put it down. There were so many beautifully written characters and the story was amazing. This one had my heart from the beginning and had me rooting for the characters. This book is a absolute must read and I am so excited to read more from this author ❤️
November 18, 2023
Not Faking It With the Colonel by Tacy Brody is a fantastic read. It’s about military life and told in a real manner. The characters are realistic, the situations are true, and the grown children’s genuine emotions are spot on. Colonel Graham Holmstrom is taking command of 3rd Group because previous commanders lowered morale by getting involved with the wives of men under their command. His children are stationed here, and he has a chance to be near them and watch the grandbabies grow up; that’s a relationship he never had with his own kids. The general over Holmstrom wants the widower to get married so that he is seen as settled and not a threat to the wives. Erin Downey, a divorcee and writer, has been trying to observe a Spec Ops team for her new project, but since there is such secrecy around them to protect their lives and families, she hasn’t been given permission. The manner in which this book is narrated seems authentic, and that’s different from others of this trope. This one also gives readers a choice (by clicking on a link) to read the bedroom scenes. Brody is trying to please readers who don’t want the steam and those who do. What a unique idea! Book lovers will enjoy this sweet story, and I will certainly read more of Tracy Brody’s novels.
October 27, 2023
Not Faking It With The Colonel (ARC) by Tracy Brody: Really well written - the ultimate later life love story with more..
H/h: Graham/Erin. A wonderful, engaging storyline with characters that really pulled me in. It’s sweet, with a great storyline and wonderful characters. Military politics, oh boy!… A widower and a divorcee, and neither have dated in 30 years. Lots of chemistry! It’s heartwarming, realistic and touching, with the social media maneuvering especially touching, along with the adult children LOL. I loved this story — still smiling!
My favorite quote: “It’s about character over rank”.
—PTators
H/h: Graham/Erin. A wonderful, engaging storyline with characters that really pulled me in. It’s sweet, with a great storyline and wonderful characters. Military politics, oh boy!… A widower and a divorcee, and neither have dated in 30 years. Lots of chemistry! It’s heartwarming, realistic and touching, with the social media maneuvering especially touching, along with the adult children LOL. I loved this story — still smiling!
My favorite quote: “It’s about character over rank”.
—PTators
December 5, 2023
I would give Not Faking It With the Colonel 10 stars, but 5 stars is all they allow.
Ms. Brody has written an engaging story with believable characters and a great storyline. The main characters are mature people with adult children as opposed to most of the books out there that center on ‘twenty-something’ people. It was refreshing to read a novel about people closer to my age.
The author obviously did her research. The use of military terms was in correct context and accurate. (Former Army wife here.)
I really enjoyed Not Faking It With the Colonel. It is one of the most believable military romances that I have read. If you like clean military romance novels, you will love it. If you haven’t started reading military romance novels yet, this would be the perfect one to get you hooked on the genre.
Ms. Brody has written an engaging story with believable characters and a great storyline. The main characters are mature people with adult children as opposed to most of the books out there that center on ‘twenty-something’ people. It was refreshing to read a novel about people closer to my age.
The author obviously did her research. The use of military terms was in correct context and accurate. (Former Army wife here.)
I really enjoyed Not Faking It With the Colonel. It is one of the most believable military romances that I have read. If you like clean military romance novels, you will love it. If you haven’t started reading military romance novels yet, this would be the perfect one to get you hooked on the genre.
November 2, 2023
This book is amazing! Tracy Brody does an incredible job telling this story about a widowed colonel and an aspiring writer who find themselves in love. The story is entertaining and enjoyable-loved this book! Five stars for sure!
May 28, 2024
One Very Good Man
A wonderful story of two mature, experienced adults moving into the next chapter of life. Graham Holstom is an Army Colonel leading a special ops team. He's a widower and father of two grown children. Erin Downey is a recent divorcee with two adult children. She's a writer trying to complete a screenplay. Both our protagonists are facing life dilemmas. They agree joining forces will help them both. But the challenges of family dynamics, Army politics, health issues and just everyday life constantly catch them into turmoil. This is a great story of two honest, straightforward people realizing their lives could be so much better together. All the characters are relatable, the dialogue is lively and the plot excellent. Another charming book from Ms. Brody.
A wonderful story of two mature, experienced adults moving into the next chapter of life. Graham Holstom is an Army Colonel leading a special ops team. He's a widower and father of two grown children. Erin Downey is a recent divorcee with two adult children. She's a writer trying to complete a screenplay. Both our protagonists are facing life dilemmas. They agree joining forces will help them both. But the challenges of family dynamics, Army politics, health issues and just everyday life constantly catch them into turmoil. This is a great story of two honest, straightforward people realizing their lives could be so much better together. All the characters are relatable, the dialogue is lively and the plot excellent. Another charming book from Ms. Brody.
October 22, 2023
I love Tracy's writing about military life and things that go on post. I've seen fake accounts myself on Facebook, but not friend requests to me but other people. Blending families and dealing with divorces aren't easy. It's a shame when Commanders step out of line and everyone pays the price. I liked Graham (widower) and Erin (divorced) make a good couple. HEA.
February 25, 2024
Graham's ultimatum
Graham was an honest man grieving his late wife who was told that he needed to remarry in order to stay with his unit. Finding Erin was a godsend and the attraction was obvious. She had been through a rough marriage/divorce and never wanted to marry again. Following these two and their kids was so awesome! Couldn't put it down!
Graham was an honest man grieving his late wife who was told that he needed to remarry in order to stay with his unit. Finding Erin was a godsend and the attraction was obvious. She had been through a rough marriage/divorce and never wanted to marry again. Following these two and their kids was so awesome! Couldn't put it down!
November 16, 2023
Army Colonel Graham Holmstrom is a career military man. He has lived his life around the military. He has recently lost his wife, and his superior officer has basically told him to find a wife or risk losing his assignment. He is very happy at Fort Liberty with his team and his children and their spouses as they live close by. He has no desire to leave Fort Liberty, but he also does not want a wife right now.
Erin Downey is a USO volunteer and aspiring screenwriter. Her dream is to write a movie or dramatic television series starring the elite members of the military. She feels that she needs an insider look at the elite forces so that her writing can reflect their real lives and their real training. When Graham sees Erin at the USO, there is an automatic spark. Neither of them have dated anyone in decades so they both feel they are an extreme disadvantage. Graham is widowed and Erin is divorced, but they can use each other to get what they want. They decide to fake date. It does not take long for both of them to realize they have true feelings for one another. You will be carried along on their journey of self-discovery of their feelings for one another and learning to examine their own personal wants and needs to be the best version of themselves. As in any good romance, there will always be hurdles. There were some light hearted moments that will give you a chuckle.
This entire plotline was interesting. I loved the camaraderie with the characters. I also admired Erin. This woman was fearless, and she also knew how to defuse a potential bad situation with her signature heart. There were a couple of characters that I really did not like. You will know who they are when you read the book. This was a beautifully written, tender-hearted romance. This is my first read from Tracy Brody, but it will not be my last.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Erin Downey is a USO volunteer and aspiring screenwriter. Her dream is to write a movie or dramatic television series starring the elite members of the military. She feels that she needs an insider look at the elite forces so that her writing can reflect their real lives and their real training. When Graham sees Erin at the USO, there is an automatic spark. Neither of them have dated anyone in decades so they both feel they are an extreme disadvantage. Graham is widowed and Erin is divorced, but they can use each other to get what they want. They decide to fake date. It does not take long for both of them to realize they have true feelings for one another. You will be carried along on their journey of self-discovery of their feelings for one another and learning to examine their own personal wants and needs to be the best version of themselves. As in any good romance, there will always be hurdles. There were some light hearted moments that will give you a chuckle.
This entire plotline was interesting. I loved the camaraderie with the characters. I also admired Erin. This woman was fearless, and she also knew how to defuse a potential bad situation with her signature heart. There were a couple of characters that I really did not like. You will know who they are when you read the book. This was a beautifully written, tender-hearted romance. This is my first read from Tracy Brody, but it will not be my last.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 7, 2023
This story belongs to widower, Army Colonel Graham Holmstrom, and Erin Downey, a divorced teacher hoping to make contact with someone in Special Ops so that the screenplay she’s trying to write , feels authentic enough. Thus given her a chance to have it produced in the competitive market of LA.
When Graham’s superior gives him an ultimatum of either get married or lose his command, he remembers the woman he met at the local grill.
From the moment these two meet again, the connection and attraction is evident, but since neither wants to get married at the moment, a deal is made. Erin will act as his girlfriend and she gets a chance to work with a Special Ops group.
But plans don’t go as expected , and outside forces create havoc in the relationship , real or not.
Can these two individuals, who truly are made for each other, find their HEA, or will they be forced to go their separate ways to save their careers?
This is a story about family, obligations, and second chances in life and love. I especially enjoyed that these characters were in their 40s dealing with real issues.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
When Graham’s superior gives him an ultimatum of either get married or lose his command, he remembers the woman he met at the local grill.
From the moment these two meet again, the connection and attraction is evident, but since neither wants to get married at the moment, a deal is made. Erin will act as his girlfriend and she gets a chance to work with a Special Ops group.
But plans don’t go as expected , and outside forces create havoc in the relationship , real or not.
Can these two individuals, who truly are made for each other, find their HEA, or will they be forced to go their separate ways to save their careers?
This is a story about family, obligations, and second chances in life and love. I especially enjoyed that these characters were in their 40s dealing with real issues.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
November 12, 2023
A romance with a slightly older couple who are both recovering from the past. Army Colonel Graham Holmstrom lost his wife almost two years ago due to an aneurysm. His older children and his career keep him busy. Erin Downey, recently divorced, is moving ahead with her writing career after concentrating on being a wife and mother. She hopes to write a movie or television series about a Special Ops team. Her volunteer work at the USO brings her into contact with Graham and finding out that he is Special Ops is a plus. As they spend time together, they are taking it slow, but everything feels so comfortable with her, while she never expected to be so attracted to another man. After some previous disruption in his unit, his general requests that he consider marrying Erin and soon. He is upfront with Erin, but there’s his adult children and hers to consider. Will taking a break make the decision easier or will he decide to accept another assignment even though it may take him away from his children? A beautiful and emotional love story. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
November 7, 2023
This is a totally enthralling sweet story that had me from the first page and I didn't want o put it down until I turned that last page.
Army Colonel Graham Holmstrom had lost his true love and had no intention of ever entering the dating pool again but misbehaviour by previous officers in charge of his latest posting make it imperative that he be married that is according to his commanding officer He doesn't want to move again as both of his adult children are close by at the moment so he thinks that maybe he can bluff his way through with a girlfriend. Enter USO volunteer Erin Downey she needs access to a special operations team so she can make sure that the characters she is writing for a tv show are accurate a win win situation that is until real emotions become involved along with military politics and jealousy. Can they find a way to be together and can they build a future You will have to read to see. I guarantee you will be laughing hysterically when Graham sets up a social media account to meet Erin and she is firmly convinced it is a scam.
Army Colonel Graham Holmstrom had lost his true love and had no intention of ever entering the dating pool again but misbehaviour by previous officers in charge of his latest posting make it imperative that he be married that is according to his commanding officer He doesn't want to move again as both of his adult children are close by at the moment so he thinks that maybe he can bluff his way through with a girlfriend. Enter USO volunteer Erin Downey she needs access to a special operations team so she can make sure that the characters she is writing for a tv show are accurate a win win situation that is until real emotions become involved along with military politics and jealousy. Can they find a way to be together and can they build a future You will have to read to see. I guarantee you will be laughing hysterically when Graham sets up a social media account to meet Erin and she is firmly convinced it is a scam.
November 21, 2023
Very Enjoyable Military Romance!
I love stories about authors written by authors (obviously). In this case divorced Erin is using her job as an in-home pet sitter for her temporary home while she works on a screenplay about the military. As a military brat myself, I found the politics and the expectations for the wives are highly accurate.
Colonel Graham Holmstrom was brought in to settle some issues within the unit he now leads. Ironically the fact he is now a widow makes that become an issue again, and he is warned unless he can marry quickly he will most likely be deployed overseas. He is currently near his children and that is not a good option.
Erin and Graham can help each other out. What starts as an interesting way to spend time, converts into an unexpected relationship of support and understanding. Unfortunately for them, the odds are not in their favor. Romantic, heart-warming and all the feels.
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
I love stories about authors written by authors (obviously). In this case divorced Erin is using her job as an in-home pet sitter for her temporary home while she works on a screenplay about the military. As a military brat myself, I found the politics and the expectations for the wives are highly accurate.
Colonel Graham Holmstrom was brought in to settle some issues within the unit he now leads. Ironically the fact he is now a widow makes that become an issue again, and he is warned unless he can marry quickly he will most likely be deployed overseas. He is currently near his children and that is not a good option.
Erin and Graham can help each other out. What starts as an interesting way to spend time, converts into an unexpected relationship of support and understanding. Unfortunately for them, the odds are not in their favor. Romantic, heart-warming and all the feels.
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
November 4, 2023
This was a good solid read. I was entertained, I loved the two main characters Graham (Colonel) and Erin (aspiring author - script writer) and the secondary characters were great too. Tracy shows that politics and nosey self serving people are in all walks of life. A widower and a divorcee dealing with situations, family members and finding romance. I really appreciate that its not the usual angst, if there is trouble there might be a moment of self doubt or reflection but both deal like the adults they are. This can be read as a stand alone but it was awesome seeing the gang from Faking it with the Green Beret and let me tell you Ms Erin can hold her own with Special Forces. I recommend taking some time to read this book and put a smile on your face and joy in your heart. Thank you for the arc. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #NotFakingitwiththeColonel #TracyBrody #Kindle #TracyBrodyBooks #BookFunnel
November 17, 2023
Four and a half stars
NOT FAKING IT WITH THE COLONEL is the third in Tracy Brody’s Faking It series, but stands alone well. Army Colonel Graham Holmstrom is a widower, and happy to finally be stationed near his grown children. USO volunteer Erin Downey is recovering from a painful divorce. When they meet, they discover both a surprisingly easy chemistry and realize they are uniquely suited to help each other achieve their professional goals and decide to join forces.
Tracy Brody writes very sympathetic characters in Graham and Erin and their families, and I enjoyed getting to know them as I got caught up in their story. While their connection is near immediate and steadily growing, they definitely face quite a few challenges, from their own children to meddling peers and superiors… Not Faking It With the Colonel is hard to put down, and a real feel-good read! Looking forward to going back to read the others in the series!
NOT FAKING IT WITH THE COLONEL is the third in Tracy Brody’s Faking It series, but stands alone well. Army Colonel Graham Holmstrom is a widower, and happy to finally be stationed near his grown children. USO volunteer Erin Downey is recovering from a painful divorce. When they meet, they discover both a surprisingly easy chemistry and realize they are uniquely suited to help each other achieve their professional goals and decide to join forces.
Tracy Brody writes very sympathetic characters in Graham and Erin and their families, and I enjoyed getting to know them as I got caught up in their story. While their connection is near immediate and steadily growing, they definitely face quite a few challenges, from their own children to meddling peers and superiors… Not Faking It With the Colonel is hard to put down, and a real feel-good read! Looking forward to going back to read the others in the series!
November 8, 2023
Graham has taken over the 3rd group as Commander. His predecessor slept with the team's wives while they were on a mission. There is some trust issues between the highups and the team. Grahams wife died recently and his boss wants him to remarry, to hopefully head off another issue. Erin is recently divorced and is attempting to make a dream come true. She is writing a screenplay for a movie. Her idea was picked up by a director that wants to do a series instead. She needs to observe some special ops guys to get a feel for how they operate. Graham comes up with a plan to help both of them. Will it work? Must read to find out. A great story.
November 9, 2023
This is a sweet (but a bit spicy) military romance. I loved all of the true life military lingo and maneuvers. It was a great showcasing of the family camaraderie of a team. I also liked the humor involved and these characters hearts. I caught myself just smiling more than once at so many scenes and moments. I liked the connections to the previous books in this series as well. Having a couple of side lines of story was interesting with our characters families. This was a closed door romance that had some definite spice on page.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
October 31, 2023
Very nice second chance, older couple romance between Erin and Graham. They are both are single for different reasons. Erin is fresh out of a divorce coming into to her own sense of independence and Graham is a widower. They both have grown children they are close to. Neither have dated in awhile nor are interested in starting a relationship with someone. The progression of what was supposed to be a “fake” relationship into something more was complicated, but very sweet because they are mature adults. I liked the military background. I recommend to those who like romance.
November 11, 2023
A beautiful story about new beginnings and believing in yourself. Graham was widowed and not ready to find a new partner but was put in an impossible position by his boss. Erin was finding her feet and chasing her dreams after her divorce. Right person but wrong timing but with compromise anything is possible. Loved it. I received an early copy from the author and I am leaving a voluntary review.
October 26, 2024
Great Book!
Really enjoyed Erin and Graham's story! All the characters were interesting and the storyline kept the readers interest till the very end of the book. So neat to see the main characters were a little older than what is portrayed in many books, and even thru death of a spouse ( Graham) and divorce (Erin), you can find new love at any age! Looking forward to reading more books by Tracy Brody!
Really enjoyed Erin and Graham's story! All the characters were interesting and the storyline kept the readers interest till the very end of the book. So neat to see the main characters were a little older than what is portrayed in many books, and even thru death of a spouse ( Graham) and divorce (Erin), you can find new love at any age! Looking forward to reading more books by Tracy Brody!
November 16, 2023
Good storyline and interesting characters. Graham a widower who is Special Ops and Erin a screen writer who is divorced. This book can be read as a standalone even though it’s the third installment in the series. I enjoyed the book which kept me entertained and I appreciated how the characters dealt with issues like adults.
October 27, 2023
This charming awkward start definitely turned out to be sweet & funny. I enjoyed the banter & the feel good moments. Family both blood & non portrayed beautifully. Entertaining indeed! True review of my ARC.
January 2, 2025
Sweet read
I enjoyed reading this book as a way to start out the New Year. Interesting story with Erin and Graham as they meet and plan their fake relationship that becomes real. Great character development of them, their friends and family,
I enjoyed reading this book as a way to start out the New Year. Interesting story with Erin and Graham as they meet and plan their fake relationship that becomes real. Great character development of them, their friends and family,
November 6, 2023
This is a awesome book. I enjoyed it so much. The characters are relatable and likeable. You'll find yourself rooting for the characters to stay together through out the book.
November 8, 2023
This was a really fun book! It has heart & humor & I thoroughly enjoyed it.
December 15, 2023
3.5 stars…just not as engaging as the first two “faking it” books.
December 29, 2023
Such a great story!
I loved the story of Erin and Graham. They are so sweet together and will fight for each other. Graham makes me swoon!!
I loved the story of Erin and Graham. They are so sweet together and will fight for each other. Graham makes me swoon!!
November 10, 2023
The characters in this story are so real! I laughed out loud at points. Had a few tears. Great story! This book has made me want to read everything by Tracy Brody!
November 13, 2023
I do love Tracy Brody read, and this one ticked all the boxes for me. Later in life, military, unexpected second chances, and great supporting characters, and to round it out a jealousy antagonist.
She portrayed how blessed die hard and self-serving some senior military members and their wives are, and nicely stuck it to one in particular with the outcome of Graham and Erin’s do we don’t we give into pressure romance.
It’s not a suspense read, but if you’ve read any of Tracy’s other “Faking It” stories this is a nice addition.
I received a review reader’s copy of the book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
She portrayed how blessed die hard and self-serving some senior military members and their wives are, and nicely stuck it to one in particular with the outcome of Graham and Erin’s do we don’t we give into pressure romance.
It’s not a suspense read, but if you’ve read any of Tracy’s other “Faking It” stories this is a nice addition.
I received a review reader’s copy of the book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews