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You know that awkward moment when your agent tells you to fake date your best friend’s sister so you can get the endorsement deal of your dreams? No?

Call me crazy for considering it, but why not? Daisy’s my friend, after all, and I’ve gotten quite close to her and her two awesome boys over the last few years since her douche-nozzle husband divorced her. She loves it when I flirt with her, so we could carry it off, couldn’t we?

An endorsement deal with Lock Performance has been my goal ever since I was little, and it would be one of the biggest accomplishments in my professional swimming career. Something I want desperately.

But what I didn’t expect from this fake start was to want something else—someone—just as desperately. How do I make sure I don’t lose both?

Fake Start is a fun, sweet, and sexy sports romance and the fourth book in The Kings Of The Water series. All books in this series can be read as standalones. Secret Plunge - Surprise Pregnancy/Age Gap Sports Romance
Fresh Meet - Single Dad/Nanny Sports Romance
Second Dive - Second Chance/Enemies to Lovers Sports Romance
Fake Start - Fake Dating/Single Parent Sports Romance

326 pages, Paperback

Published July 7, 2023

343 people are currently reading
3807 people want to read

About the author

Jasmin Miller

22 books1,478 followers
Sign up for my newsletter: www.jasminmiller.com/newsletter

Professional lover of books and writer. I love to read and eat cake (preferably together) and write kissing books. I never miss a chance to fangirl over swoon-worthy characters, so message me on social media, and we can fangirl together. I'm originally from Germany but live in the western US with my husband and three little humans that keep me busy day and night.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,037 reviews25.3k followers
June 21, 2021
RATING 4.5 STARS



Fake Start is book four in the Kings of the Water series by Jasmin Miller. This is a sexy, sweet, low angst, single mom romance. I’ve enjoyed this series so much from the first book. Each can be read as a stand alone but are interconnected. These four best friends, four professional swimmers have formed a sort of made family.



Hunter Kinney is a professional competitive swimmer. He is the only one still competing of his three best friends. But they all still live near each other, spend time together regularly and of course, the four friends still swim together. Hunter is surprised when he finds out he’s in the running for a sponsorship from Lock Performance, a family run company that he has dreamed of working with since he was a little boy dreaming of being a pro-swimmer. Getting this sponsorship means everything to him. But the owner is very family oriented and wants to meet Hunter and his “girl friend,” a woman he’s seen pictures of Hunter with on line. Only those pictures weren’t of a girl friend, but of he and his very good friend, Daisy and her two little boys.



Daisy is Hunter’s friend, Noah’s sister. Daisy never thought she’d be divorced. She thought she’d married her life long mate. But it didn’t turn out that way. Now she is raising her adorable six and eight year old sons, Mason and Alex mostly by herself. Daisy has been friends with Hunter for years and since the divorce, their friendship has deepened. He comes around often and helps her with the kids. They get along well together. So when Hunter asks her to be his fake date for a gala for Lock Performance, she doesn’t hesitate. She definitely could use a fancy night out. But every time they touch, especially when Hunter holds her close on the dance floor, things start to feel very real.



Hunter and Daisy’s fake relationship ends up having to be extended to another event. Both can’t deny the attraction to the other and it doesn’t take long for them to give in to it. But what happens once they are back in the real world? Can this continue? Or was it just the magic of the weekend?



This was just such an adorable book. The boys absolutely stole my heart. Hunter, oh Hunter. He was a dirty talking, swoony hero that I loved. He was so good with the boys and I loved the way he always thought of ways to make Daisy feel special. Once this man falls, he is all in. No one has ever made Daisy a priority in their lives and Hunter is determined to show her how special she is.

I enjoyed this series so much. I loved seeing all the updates on the other couples in this book. I especially loved how they were all so present in each other’s lives. The way they supported each other, played together, and always had each other’s backs . They truly formed their own little family.

“This woman is the other piece of my soul, the person my essence identifies as its own, and I don’t ever want to live without her.”

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

Profile Image for Christy.
4,547 reviews35.9k followers
June 25, 2021
4.5 stars

001(71)

I was so excited and a little sad to get to the final ‘Kings of The Water’ book. I’ve loved this series so much! This is a best friend’s sister and fake dating troupe and those two things combined really worked for me! Daisy and Hunter were amazing together and I would even call this a friends and lovers most of all.

Daisy has two boys and has been divorced for a few years. Since her divorce, her little brother and his group of friends have really stepped up and been there for her and her boys. Hunter is one of those guys, and through the years they’ve become friends as well. Right now, Hunter is the only single guy and he’s been spending more time with Daisy than ever before.

Hunter is up for an endorsement deal that could change is life. It’s what he’s always wanted. The only thing is, he needs a girlfriend to take to a gala with him. This guy who runs the company is a family man and a single guy isn’t good for his brand. Daisy goes with Hunter and sparks fly. What starts off as a friendship turns into a fake relationship with very real feelings.

I love the fake dating troupe when it’s done well, and this one was done very well. You could feel the chemistry between these two from the start. I was so happy with how the story went, and that ending was so perfect. I’ve loved this series so much and this was a great way to end it!

If you’re looking for a sweet and steamy friends to lovers story with fake dating, cute kids, amazing friendships, and lots of smiles, pick up Fake Start
Profile Image for Dora Koutsoukou .
2,260 reviews721 followers
July 25, 2021
3 💖💖💖⭐️s❣️

I liked it but was not thrilled.
The writing was very good, likeable characters, familiar yet interesting tropes, however the romance between the main characters was not totally convincing
Profile Image for Sophie's Reading Corner .
890 reviews411 followers
June 27, 2021
4.5 STARS

Hunter and Daisy. Daisy is a single mom of two boys and Hunter is her brother's best friend, younger, hot af and a big flirt. When the opportunity arrises for him to get a sponsorship he wanted since he was a kid, she's turning into his fake girlfriend in order to help him.

I just want to say that this book combined so many of my favorite romance tropes. Fake dating, brother's best friend, single parent. So, it wasn't hard for me to fall in love with it. It was promising and it achieved what I had been waiting for.

I loved their personalities and how they blossomed throughout the book. Their chemistry was palpable. Their scenes were always scorching and adorable at the same time. Especially when including the little ones.

Reading all of the previous characters and where they are now with their lives was also a sweet touch in this ending of series. Loved it and definitely recommend it!
Profile Image for Jeeves Reads Romance.
1,683 reviews799 followers
June 19, 2021
There was something missing for me with this fake relationship romance, but it's solid overall. It has the author's distinct vibe - sweet yet steamy, with likable characters and plenty of charm. Fans of the series will appreciate the peeks at past characters, while new readers will have no problem jumping right in. I liked the characters individually but struggled to feel the chemistry; I never felt emotionally invested in their relationship. Part of the issue may be that this is a classic fake relationship romance, and it's virtually indistinguishable from the hundred other ones that I've read. It's a favorite trope of mine that typically draws me right in, but that just wasn't the case here. That being said, I liked the sweetness and the hero is a great guy. If you like a kind, supportive hero, then this may very well be the book for you.

The story follows Hunter, a pro swimmer in need of a fake date. When a brand partnership hinges on him being in a relationship, Hunter enlists the help of his friend Daisy, a single mom he's gotten to know better since her divorce. Daisy has crushed on Hunter for awhile, but always in that distant, never-gonna-happen kind of way. But when they start getting closer in the name of their fake relationship, that begins to shift. That crush ignites into something stronger, and Hunter doesn't seem to be immune to the pull. But neither one is particularly good at being honest about their feelings, so it's tough to tell what's real and what's fake.

This was trending towards a 4-star rating from me for most of the book. I liked it, but I never really loved it. The characters are easy to like and the premise is good - Hunter is a great guy, and he had no trouble winning me over. If you've been reading the series from the start (not necessary but beneficial), then this is likely going to be an enjoyable read for you. The story just didn't feel that unique, and there were a couple of things that bugged me. The heroine's lack of self esteem and the constant miscommunication are what ultimately drag this down. These two never seem to discuss their feelings, and that was disappointing. But the foundation of a great book is here; with a few tweaks, I probably would've really liked it. I received an early copy and am voluntarily leaving a review of this fake relationship romance.
Profile Image for Amanda Adams.
484 reviews66 followers
June 13, 2021
ARC provided by the author. 4 and a half stars. Gah I felt this book in my soul so many times. Jas thank you for emailing me this. I needed this to remind me of a lot of things. Better review to come.
Profile Image for gretareadsromance.
1,090 reviews60 followers
July 3, 2021
Love this series!

Sports romances are one of my favorites and when they are about sports you don't hear often it is even better. These hot swimmers get better with each book. Daisy and Hunter have been friends forever and when you are that close hidden feelings are bound to come out. Daisy is a fabulous single Mom so she has to be careful with relationships but when a fake relationship with Hunter is needed she decides to go for it. These two were so sweet together and I loved the evolution of their relationship. Great read!
Profile Image for Janice  M .
Author 5 books359 followers
June 17, 2021
Jasmin Miller is ending this series with a bang! It’s a bittersweet moment for sure, saying goodbye to the whole gang, but it’s also the best seeing everyone finding their special someone’s.

I loved the back and forth between Hunter and Daisy. I loved that he was this kinda cocky, but totally endearing gentle hearted soul. He was the perfect match for Daisy and her boys.

This book was by far my favorite of Jasmins. While it’s heartwarming and low angsty, the steam is off the charts with the chemistry between these two.

You may need to purchase a fan, make sure you’re alone so you can properly swoon, make sure it’s not 2am when you’re laughing yourself silly, and give yourself enough time to binge read it. You won’t be sorry. I cannot say enough good things about this book, but I will say this. It’s a must read in 2021.

Fake start is a story about second chances at love, finding oneself, and learning to trust in a little good old fashioned fake dating. 😉
Profile Image for lowkeyreader.
5,569 reviews53 followers
June 28, 2021
I really loved this story. It's just so sweet and romantic. I loved Hunter and Daisy's story. I really admired their friendship and then as their relationship starts to shift and develop to something more.

Both Hunter and Daisy are easy-to-love characters. They have great chemistry, connection and banter. The side characters too, especially Daisy's sons. They're so cheeky and mischievous. I loved how Hunter is with the two of them he's just the sweetest and caring person. Hunter is definitely everything you could want in a man and more. He's definitely the man for Daisy and her two sons.

I flew through this book. I know I would miss these guys. But I also can't wait to see what Jasmin has in store next!
Profile Image for Isabella.
166 reviews6 followers
April 25, 2023
Dual pov. Fake dating. Single mom and brothers best friend. All the books in this series are very very similar just different tropes. I’d say read in order or you’ll be kind of confused on who everyone is. But this one was my definitely my favorite because it was a slightly different than the others.

Rate:3.8/5
Smut: 1.5/5
Profile Image for Jasna (JV_readinglist).
121 reviews16 followers
June 25, 2021
Fake Start is the grand finale of the Kings of Water series by Jasmin Miller and I must say that I am a bit sad that this series has come to an end. I really liked these handsome swimmers and how their lives and characters developed, how their friendship overcame everything and how their friendship bond is so strong. They always got each other's backs and their friendship actually developed into a family.

This last book in the series is a friends to lovers romance with fake dating and a single mom trope. And this is a story about Hunter, whose story I personally waited for. I liked this guy from the very mention of him in the previous books. There was just something about him that was intriguing. I must say that Hunter's character didn't disappoint in this book, he was all I pictured him to be.

When we meet him in this book he is the only one of his swimmer friends that is still competing and he is still trying to achieve his childish dream and get one special endorsement he has dreamed about, but there is a catch with this endorsement. They don't want a bachelor like Hunter is they actually want a family man. Hunter has nothing against relationships but he prefers his life as it is now.

While Hunter is thinking of finding someone to go on a fake date with him, we have Daisy on the other side, a single mother of two little boys, whose life is currently in chaos while she is trying to balance the life of a single mom, divorce, work, friends and life itself. We met Daisy in the previous book Second Dive, she is Noah's sister and a person very much present in her brother's life as well as he is in hers. After Daisy got divorced her brother Noah was actually the one who helped her with her sons by babysitting them very often. And that babysitting often included Hunter.

Daisy has known Hunter for a very long time since he is her brother's friend and she always felt some attraction to him, well he does have a body of a Greek god, so who would blame her. So when Hunter asks her to fake date him for the gala he has to attend she accepts and the rest is history.

You really need to read for yourself what happened after the gala and how their fake relationship developed into a real one, how her boys treated Hunter, how he treated them, how their friends reacted, how their life changed and how they loved each other.

I loved everything about this story, especially because we got to see all the other characters from previous books. How they are all still connected, how they are always there for each other. Hunter and Daisy will steel your heart especially him after you read how he treats her sons and her... He is just so swoonworthy!

I just loved this book!
Profile Image for Rosie.
820 reviews32 followers
June 28, 2021
3.5 stars!

Fake Start is a fun and heart-warming fake relationship romance between single mum Daisy and Olympic swimmer Hunter, her younger brother’s best friend. It’s a sweet story that shows love can be in front of you all along.

Hunter’s achieved many of his career dreams, but his biggest goal is getting an endorsement deal with Lock Performance. But the owner of the company is a family man, and when photos circulate of Hunter and his close friend Daisy, conclusions are drawn, and they are assumed to be a couple. Hunter asks Daisy if she’ll do him a favour, and she agrees; what’s one night faking a relationship with her attractive friend, a guy who has been there for her and her sons through her divorce. But when that one night is successful, they must continue their ruse to convince the CEO they are the real deal, and that Hunter deserves that endorsement. But when real feelings become mixed with fake ones, is this the fake start to a real relationship that neither of them expected?

Hunter and Daisy were a great couple, I loved their dynamic, especially how Hunter helped Daisy come out of her ‘mum’ shell and rediscover a different side to herself. Hunter felt like he could really open up to Daisy in a way he didn’t with others, even his closest friends, and that scene was the one that solidified them as a couple for me. Their friendship was solid at the start, and they just built on that, which meant it almost seamlessly turned into a real relationship without even of them knowing. I loved how Hunter was with Daisy’s boys, he was there for them whenever, and he loved her even more because of them. My only criticism is it all felt too easy, I could’ve done with a bit more conflict as everything fell into place really easily, I just needed a bit more drama!

Jasmin writes such great characters, it was nice to see the other couples further into their relationships, and how they boys are still as close, and how Daisy was already one of the girls. Another great book from Jasmin!

*I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily left a review.*
Profile Image for Sydney.
421 reviews29 followers
June 25, 2021
Fake Start was a cute romance that started fake and ended up more real than Daisy and Hunter ever imagined.

Daisy is a single-mom of two boys. She struggles to feel like she's special and enough for people. Her parents and her ex-husband made sure of that. So despite the attraction thats always been there for her sexy swimmer friend, Hunter, she never takes the leap into more. Hunter has always admired Daisy. When he needs a Daisy on his arm to impress someone important, the spark that's always been there between them ignites.

I really loved Hunter. He was sweet and sexy. He's been so dedicated to his career and fulfilling his lifelong dream and then he got a new dream: a family with Daisy and the boys. It was nice to see someone show Daisy how amazing she is. I also thought Daisy's friend, Vicky was amazing. She was such a great friend and that's really nice to see.

For those who have read the other Kings of The Water series, there's a ton of cameos from the previous couples and their children.

The epilogue and bonus chapter were crazy cute and is guaranteed to make a reader smile.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Terri.
370 reviews61 followers
June 26, 2021
This book legitimately gave me butterflies. I loved everything about it. Hunter and Daisy’s relationship was well done. They had already built a friendship over the years and both already had a crush on the other, which was so sweet. When they started their fake relationship, the transition to a real one after was seamless. Hunter made sure to show Daisy just how much he cared about her. (I need someone to gift me that amount of pink starburst please and thank you). He also cared so much for her two sons and genuinely loved spending time with them. Daisy was so supportive of Hunter his dream and was willing to anything to help him achieve it, hence the fake relationship.

Besides Hunter and Daisy’s relationship, I also really enjoyed the friendships in this book. Noah, Ryan, and Jase were great as was Daisy’s friend Vicky. Another thing I appreciated was when the inevitable drama came around it was resolved quickly. Finally, I adored the epilogue! It was everything I could’ve wanted. I’m sad this series is over but I can’t wait to see what comes next from Jasmin Miller!


*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
Profile Image for One Loves Reading .
1,171 reviews30 followers
June 25, 2021
Daisy is a single mam to Mason & Hunter. She has ner brother Noah and his best friend Hunter is her dream man. She is Hunter dream man and he loves her kids cause he helps out on the baby sitting with Noah.

Hunter ask Daisy to be his fake girlfriend at this gala and she accepts. Will this gala show them that they are meant to be...no spoilers 😍

To me this is a slow burn friends to lovers. I love that the kids are the center of their world too. That makes a true family, blood doesn't always matter it who you find. There are soo many sweet moments and funny ones

Here a sneak peek that made me laugh Hunter sent to her kindle loads of books that are based a fake relationship with some assistance of Chloe. I just really that the fake relationship in this story is the butt of the joke 😆 which makes this more fun to read.

💕 One of her bestie Vick best advice ever:
"Who cares about people? Is this your life or people's like?"

☆MUST READ ☆
Profile Image for Andrea.
Author 7 books109 followers
June 28, 2021
Oh my gaaaaaaawd! Fake Start was exactly what I needed. My heart y'all! All of my favorite tropes wrapped into one adorable book! Fake-relationship, friends-to-lovers, brother's-best-friend, single parent romance that was ridiculously sweet and oh-so-steamy. Daisy and Hunter literally gave me butterflies. Hunter is legit my newest book boyfriend. Give me a cocky-dirty-talking-stern-brunch-daddy hero with a heart of gold any day. When I wasn't smiling, I was swooning. I don't know how I haven't read the other books in this series before but I need to ASAP. Jasmin has got me hooked. I need to know more! But whether you've read the other books in the series or not, Fake Start is a must-read! Now excuse me while I get to one-clicking ...
Profile Image for Sharing My Book Boyfriends.
1,383 reviews17 followers
June 23, 2021
Swooning! Hunter is so swoon-worthy! Daisy is his friend's sister, and a single mother of two boys that Hunter adores. When his agent suggests he pretend that Daisy is his girlfriend to get a sponsor endorsement, Hunter is hesitant, but the more time he spends with Daisy he wonders if they have quite real chance. Daisy did not have a good marriage with her ex husband so she is wary about making her relationship with Hunter more real and permanent. Hunter knows about her past and knows she deserves to be happy. Can he be the one to make her, and her boys, happy? Is Daisy ready to trust her heart again? I loved this final book in the Kings of the Water series, just as I loved the previous books in the series, and can't wait to read more from Jasmin Miller!
Profile Image for Cassie.
1,559 reviews
June 29, 2021
What a GREAT addition to the Kings of the Water. I have enjoyed Daisy and her boys throughout the series and was thrilled to see that her story would be told. These guys are so loyal and amazing, their friendships are strong and the support is top notch. Hunter has always been dependable and who knew he had a secret crush himself. The easy friendship between Daisy and Hunter was the perfect lead-in for a pretend relationship, but the natural chemistry could not be denied. This one was HOT, fun and just made you feel good....well done Jasmin, well done!
76 reviews
June 30, 2021
Sweet, fake relationship, single mom romance. This is the fourth and final standalone addition to the Kings of the Water series. Hunter and Daisy have passion, connection, and chemistry. This is a beautiful, low angst story with friendship, family and romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Gladys Avilés.
357 reviews5 followers
July 6, 2021
Hunter and Daisy!!! ♥️♥️

This is the 4th book on the Kings of the water series and I am in love! 📚 📚

As usual, the cover is spectacular and the plot brilliant! I could not put this book down, it was amazing seeing the characters chemistry. This couple was perfection! 🥰🥰🥰🥰
Can’t recommend it enough 😍😍😍
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews360 followers
June 27, 2021
Hunter and Daisy's Story . . .

Hunter Kinney is a professional competitive swimmer. When an opportunity comes up for him to get an endorsement deal he has dreamed of for a long time, he needs a fake relationship. Lock Performance is a family-owned business that looks for family values in the people who represent them. So the owner asks to meet Hunter and his girlfriend. Hunter and Daisy are long-time friends, so she readily agrees. A follow-up weekend after the initial meeting makes it obvious that the two of them are not just faking these feelings. Will they give in to the love they are feeling? Will their relationship continue on after the endorsement deal is settled?

This is such a good story. Daisy, divorced for some time now, has two children and Hunter is wonderful with them. Will the two of them decide to accept the HEA that seems to be waiting for them and become the loving family they could easily be?
Profile Image for Dearna (Words of the Roses).
264 reviews26 followers
June 25, 2021
4.5*

For full review: https://wordsoftheroses.com/2021/06/2...

“How this went from a fake date to wanting to ravish her. I have no idea.”

I will start by saying that I was given an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much to Jasmin for sending a copy my way! ⁠⁠⁠

Finally! Daisy and Hunter's story is here! I’ve been waiting for this one! We follow Olympic swimmer, Hunter and single mother, Daisy. We have fake dating in here, which is one of my all-time favourite tropes.Hunter and Daisy have been flirting in the background of the other books. I was beyond thrilled to get my hands on this book.

Daisy does not hesitate to be Hunter’s fake date, in fact, she is looking forward to getting dressed up. I adored that Hunter does everything in this power to show Daisy just how much he appreciates her.

Fake Start is an amazing addition to this series and a wonderful conclusion. If you love sports romances and single parent trope this book needs to be added to your TBR. I have adored the Kings of the Water series and cannot wait to see what Jasmin Miller writes next.
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,344 reviews13 followers
June 25, 2021
Rating: 4.5*

Hunter is the last King of the Water standing...until now. When he needs a fake girlfriend for a possible endorsement deal, he turns to Daisy for help. Daisy is not only part of his friend group but his friend Noah's sister.

After going through a divorce and raising her two boys alone most of the time, she is definitely up for the chance to socialise. But as with all fake relationships, they take a turn into reality the more time they spend together.

I loved Hunter from the get go. He is so attentive, thoughtful and romantic and shows Daisy that he is paying attention with small and big gestures. He is genuine and so good with the boys, giving them his time and attention willingly. Daisy has struggled to get her ex to give her the time of day when they were married, so this is flattering, and is the confidence boost she needs. Can I please have a Hunter in real life? *Sigh* This was my favourite of the series and I seemed to have a smile from the beginning to the very end.

***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
Profile Image for Jess Anne.
669 reviews14 followers
June 25, 2021
Oh my gosh, this book was so good!! Jasmin Miller is one of my absolute favorite authors. I would honestly read anything she writes. She just has a way with her words that draw you in and keep you hooked. I read this book in one day, I just couldn’t put it down.

This is book four in the Kings of the Water series, but it can be read as a standalone. This is the final book in the series, and it ended with a bang. Hunter and Daisy may have been my favorite characters in the whole series. I loved the chemistry between the two characters, and how well done it was. Oh, and it’s super steamy! I love how Hunter was with Daisy’s two boys, and stepped into taking care of all of them perfectly. It was also fun seeing last characters make appearances in this book. If you’re a fan of faking dating, friends to lovers romance, and falling for your brothers best friend, you will love this book! I highly recommend checking it out!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews

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