Fake Dating the Footballer

For the Love of Rom-Coms #3

by Marion De Ré

𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴.
𝗜𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗜’𝗺 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮.𝗸.𝗮 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱’𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿.
Oops. 𝘍𝘢𝘬𝘦 dating.
Long story short, my longtime crush, Karl, came back from a mission abroad with a fiancée at his arm when I thought he was about to declare his love to me.
Humiliating, right?
Well, that's why I grabbed the first guy in the airport and introduced him as my boyfriend.
Surprisingly, he went along with the charade.
Even more so, he showed up at my door days later asking me to keep it going.
Dating a footballer, even if its fake, is the last thing I want to do while I'm nursing a broken heart. But when he said I could use this relationship to make Karl jealous, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 win the feature contest at work, I signed on the three dotted lines and scored myself a fake boyfriend.
𝗔 𝗳𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘀, 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁?

Fake Dating The Footballer is the third book in the For The Love of Rom-coms series. All books are standalones and can be read in any order.

Perfect for fans of:
✔️fake dating
✔️sports romance
✔️cinnamon roll heroes
✔️forced proximity
✔️body positivity
✔️funny banter
✔️closed door/fade to black

𝙒𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜: 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙮 𝙨𝙬𝙤𝙤𝙣𝙮 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙗𝙤𝙮𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙. 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙠𝙨.

Genres: Romance, Fake Dating, Sports, Sports Romance, Clean Romance, Soccer, Football

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 5, 2024

About the author

Marion De Ré is a closed-door romantic comedy author. She lives in the French countryside with her husband and adorable cat. You can expect all your beloved tropes in her writing as well as a good dose of humor and all the feels. When she's not reading or writing, you can find her on a plane to a far-away destination.

Get a free story: http://www.subscribepage.io/bYvJRP

Find Marion on Instagram : www.instagram.com/marionderewrites

Reviews

[Dom Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading “Fake Dating The Footballer” by Marion Debbie Ré was like falling into a warm bubble bath with a glass of bubbly—pure indulgence! I raced through it in just a few hours. At just over 200 pages, it's the perfect pick-me-up read—light and fluffy with a satisfying crunch.

We meet Roxy, a whip-smart, plus-size woman who's just gotten her heartbroken at the airport. Enter Wade, the golden boy of football (soccer, for you Americans), who's embroiled in some bad press. A fake-dating scheme throws them together after he saves her at the airport. And guess what? Sparks fly!

This book truly shines in how it tackles her body issues along with body positivity. Wade isn't just some cardboard cutout hero; he's a dreamboat who champions Roxy against the judgmental world. Their connection feels genuine, and I loved how they both realised they were falling for each other at the same time (although neither would admit it!). Of course, true love never runs smoothly, and a potential move to Spain and some ‘lies’ make for a third-act breakup. But fear not; the resolution is heartwarming and leaves you with a smile.

As someone who devours American sports romances, this London-based story with actual football (not soccer this time!) was a refreshing change. The only thing that left me wanting a bit more was the Karl subplot. It started strong but fizzled out. Maybe a touch of friendly rivalry or a more fleshed-out storyline for Karl could have kicked things up a notch.

Overall, “Fake Dating the Footballer” was a delightful read with its endearing characters and feel-good plot that stole my heart. Four stars, with a tiny nudge for the Karl storyline. I would have loved to see how this story could have evolved with that obstacle.

📚ARC review - I was kindly given this advance review copy by Victory Editing by NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review 📚

Release date 12th April ♥️

[Haley Huckabay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Roxy & Wade are so cute! I love how their relationship started and they didn’t shy away from the fact for very long that they had feelings for each other. Typically with fake dating they act like it’s not happening and this was refreshing!

Wade taking her to all of the places she joked about going to was completely adorable - like the top of the Eiffel Tower.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes fake dating and sports romance.

[Panagiotaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute story 🤌🏻🥹😍

Wade is such a green flag 💚 he is the whole forest lmao!!!!

I devoured this book!!! It was so funny, easygoing and cute! AND we got to see a fmc that was struggling with her weight and insecurities... it was so well written that she wasn't at all annoying or boring. The opposite! This book was so realistic and show us that every body is different and beautiful!!!! Wade the man you are!!! Always supportive 🫶🏻

I liked that there wasn't that many drama! Karl didn't made me that much mad and thank god we didn't have to read a lot about him! Roxy knew what she wanted and that was amazing!

Well, I really enjoyed it and Wade made my standards even more higher! 🫤😍 Because we all want a man that actually listens to us and do such romantic gestures 🥹🤌🏻

I totally recommend it if you like a good romance that actually focus on the couple and isn't full of smut and desperation! Not that I protest but you know what I mean...🫶🏻

Enjoy it, because I sure did!! 💞
The perfect break from heart breaking books...!

( I can't believe I read it THAT fast and actually enjoyed it!! 🤩)

[Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG. I LOVED this book! It's a must read.
I've had a lot of book boyfriends is my life but Wade is my favorite!
He's nice, swoony, caring and as the body of a Greek god!
I had never read a soccer romance before and I really liked it. Makes me want to read more! I REALLY hope there will be a sequel series with the rest of the Regents team!

Grab it now, you won't regret it! It'll make you swoon like no other book!

Thank you to the author for my advanced copy. I left this honest review voluntarily.

[Yvette Jarrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake Dating the Footballer: A Fake Dating Soccer Romantic Comedy has lived up to my expectations and has become one of my favorite books by Marion De Re. I instantly fell in love with Wade! Roxy brings every bit of the sass that sends sparks flying between these two. Roxy is a fashion journalist, and when her love interest and best friend Karl returns home with a surprise fiance, Roxy makes a desperate play and scores big when she chooses Wade. The airport paparazzi snap pictures of Roxy and Wade, so they agree to go along with fake dating. Roxy hopes to make Karl jealous in the meantime; what could possibly go wrong?

Wade and Roxy may have started a fake dating relationship, but after spending more time together attending, there’s no hiding their chemistry. I like how their friendship and relationship grow over time, and Wade helps Roxy see that football can be fun. I adored the moment Roxy admitted she was excited to go to a football game. I knew then that Wade had stolen her heart. He brings the “swoon” every girl longs for. This story sent my heart a puttering. I loved how well they fit together; you truly believe they were meant for each other. And don’t worry, Karl got his happily ever after too.

I flew through this book in one sitting. It was the perfect weekday escape. I know you will enjoy it as much as I did. The book releases on April 12, 2024. I received an advanced copy, but the review is my honest opinion.

[Abby G · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTFUL
I loved this book so so much! Wade is the perfect book boyfriend, caring, empowering, nice, loves his family and is a freaking star soccer player! What else?
I had so much feels for Roxy and her struggles with her weight. I was really rooting for her and I couldn't wait for her to see her true value and that it doesn't matter what your body looks like, everyone is beautiful.
The author did a great job with this and it's nice to see a different kind of characters, and sport!
I also liked that Kim (her crush's fiancé at the beginning of the book) wasn't trashed. When you're sad and basking in self-loathing, it's easy to be mean to the person who stole your man, but Roxy never had an ill word toward Kim, they even become friends in the end.

Overall, this was the perfect read for the perfet night (Binged it with no regrets!)
It's both funny and swoony and the pacing is fantastic! I can't wait for Colton's book!

[LESLIE J (mrsj_readsbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks to Marion De Re for my complimentary copy of Fake Dating the Footballer. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I absolutely adore Marion’s books. They are very low in drama and high in swoon worthy romance. Closed door romcoms are my guilty pleaser and I can always depend on Marion to present me with a new book boyfriend! I’m going to go out on a limb and declare this one my favorite.

This is the 3rd installment in the For The Love of Rom-Coms series, but it may be read as a stand alone.

Roxy and Wade’s meet cute at the airport was so adorable! Without missing a beat, Wade steps up and pretends to be Roxy’s boyfriend when he sees her shock and devastation upon seeing Karl with some woman on his arm.

As Roxy and Wade continue with their fake dating charade, both begin to develop to real feelings. Their romance and tender moments made my heart so happy. London and Paris play prominently in this story so that just makes it extra special for me.


Perfect if you love:
fake dating
sports romance
cinnamon roll heroes
body positivity
funny banter
closed door
London and Paris

[Shona · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun rom com with fake dating. Roxy hates football with a passion - almost as much as her Dad and brother love it. She’s not worried though as she’s looking forward to welcoming Kyle home after he’s been working abroad for 10 months. She’s shocked, however, when he comes through the arrival gate with a fiancée on his arm. Roxy does the one thing any sensible girl would do and grabs the nearest man and kisses him.
Wad, a professional footballer, is surprised by the attractive lady and enjoys their kiss. When he’s told by his agent he needs to clean up his image, she tells him the kiss he shared at the airport has been photographed. Why not start up a romance with her.
This is the start of a great romcom which has plenty of sizzle and laughs. It also touches on body image which was dealt with brilliantly. Another fab rom com from this author. I was given this arc by the author and all views are my own.

[EVANGELIA MARAGKOPOULOU · Rating 5 out of 5]

An other amazing book from Marion De Re . Roxy is waiting her best guy friend Karl to return from his one year away from England so they can continue what happen the last night before he left . As she waits him at the airport he arrives with a beautiful fiancee so she grab the guy who is waiting next to her and telling them he is her boyfriend . Her boyfriend ends up been the famous footballer Wade Hunter . Wade who was there to pick up his brother keeps the charade and because there were some paparazzi at the airport that took photos of them together he asks her to be his fake girlfriend for a couple of months so he can't lose some contracts after a fight he had . He will also help her with making Karl jealous and with her work . She agrees even though she hates football but dating Wade is making her happy and she realises that she is falling for him . What will happen when he has the opportunity to play in a Spanish team which is his dream what will he choose ? His love for Roxy or the football ?
I received this book from the author and the publisher as an ARC . Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own .

[Katie Iman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marion De Ré has done it again with Fake Dating The Footballer!

Wade and Roxy’s chemistry leap off the pages in this romantic comedy. While Wade does seem too good to be true he is impossible not to fall in love with. He is not like the footballers portrayed on Ted Lasso that’s for sure!!

This book was thoroughly enjoyable from the first page to the last. It’s an easy read that I finished in an evening. It is not necessary to read the first books in this series to enjoy this book (but you should because they’re great too!).

[Laramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this sweet sports romcom! The humor and character dynamic was fantastic! Can't wait to read more stories by Marion!

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake Dating the Footballer is the 3rd book in Marion De Ré’s For the Love of RomComs series and it is absolutely the best to date! This lovely gem can be read as a stand-alone.

Roxy is a curvy, sassy fashion journalist. She is about to meet her long time bestie, one time hook-up at the airport after being away for 10 months. She has always had a thing for Karl but because of a miscommunication, thinks they are finally going to start the relationship that she has always dreamed of. Instead he comes off the airplane with a fiance. To save face, Roxy grabs the closest guy and introduces him as her boyfriend. He isn’t just any guy either, he is Wade Hunter, gorgeous, famous, football player!

Wade has had some bad press and is on the verge of losing sponsorships. Possibly his place on the team. The Paparazzi get a photo of Wade kissing Roxy. His image instantly gets a boost which leads to the plan of fake dating. Roxy agrees in hopes to win the cover contest at the work but to also make Karl jealous. And it works…she just wasn’t expecting the outcome!

Roxy is my favorite character of this series. She is so relatable! We learn that she has struggled with her weight and her body dysphoria has flared again with dating this famous hunk. Wade is just perfection! From rags to riches, he doesn’t let fame change him. I love how he is always making her feel special no matter what her size is. He is so protective and really treats her like the queen that she is. The witty banter/chemistry are really off the charts in this book!

While my love for this book is strong, there are a few things that I really didn’t care for the nickname that her brother gave her. Especially knowing what she had gone through growing up being bullied (and again now with the mean girlfriends/wives). Bonus points for Wade sticking up for her the way he did too!

I honestly, just cannot get enough of this series! I am so excited for the next book!

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐡𝐚𝐬
Curvy FMC
Airport Meet Cute
Fake Romance
Sports Romance
Dual POV

Thank you to @marionderewrites for the gifted copy of this book for my honest review. I am honored to be part of your team!

[Brittany Landrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake Dating the Footballer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

An adorable romcom.

Roxy hates football (aka soccer in the US) and doesn’t understand why anyone would want to watch it. It’s so boring! Which is ironic considering she is dating Wade Hunter, England’s most eligible player. Well fake dating that is. You see when her friend (whom she thought was in love with her) came back from his work trip with a fiancée, she panicked and grabbed the first guy that was nearby to introduce as her boyfriend. Surprisingly, he went along with it. After learning what they both can gain from this fake relationship, they decide to keep it up. But how long can it really last before feelings start to get in the way?

I loved this book! Both characters are amazing and I love the sassiness of Roxy. Wade is such a lovable cinnamon roll. I loved the body positivity of this book and also the dual point of view. It had all the great tropes and laugh out loud moments. It was so easy to binge!

While this book is part 3 of the series, it can be read as a standalone. It will publish on April, 5 2024. Be sure to add it to your TBR list!! Thank you Marion De Re for my advanced readers copy. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.

[Nattyclibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fake Dating the Footballer by
Book 3 of For the Love of Rom-Coms (these are technically stand alones with interconnected characters)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*thank you Netgalley and author for a chance to review this arc*

I love applying for ARCS based on the covers. I saw this one and immediately applied.

This is a sweet romance and the perfect palate cleanser. Wade is a Profesional footballer and Roxy is a writer for a Fashion Magazine. She is applying for a contest that would allow her article on the front of the Magazine she works for. Their relationship starts as a fake dating/contract type of relationship but quickly becomes so much more.

The characters were well written and I loved everything about Wade. Roxy is a curvy girl and has a lot of insecurities about herself. When she starts fake dating Wade and gets pictured more, her confidence falls when reading what others have to say online about her body. Wade is quick to jump in and make her feel like a million bucks. He loves her body, tells her how beautiful she is and it was beautiful to read her confidence change.

This is a clean romance but the tension and the innuendo are perfection. If you're looking for something quick and something that'll make you smile, I highly suggest this book!

[Jennifer Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley, the Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op, and Marion De Ré for a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I've never been a soccer girl, but maybe I am now...😉 This was such a charming read from Marion De Ré. I had my husband cracking up because I asked him about so many soccer terms and rules as I read. The story takes place in London so I also loved all the British details. I love reading books set in European countries.

Roxy...I absolutely love that Marion made her a plus-size girl. Being a bigger girl myself, I always love reading about one of these FMCs landing the "hot guy." And why shouldn't we?! We all have things that make us beautiful and I really appreciated that being celebrated! I also enjoyed reading about Roxy's experiences as a journalist and all the nods to the fashion world.

Wade...I really didn't know what to expect from a soccer star. I honestly didn't have high expectations, but Wade turned out to be a top-notch book boyfriend. He saw Roxy's inner beauty and also loved and celebrated her actual curves...swoon! It was also neat to see him realize that soccer didn't have to be his whole world, that he could have it in addition to a great love and family.

Things I loved...Lina's super cool bestie vibes, Andrew and his family (every single one of them is so sweet), and Roxy and Wade traveling to really cool places. This is my first Marion De Ré book so I'm obviously not reading them in order, but I'm still excited to explore more of her backlog in the future!

⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Fake Dating the Footballer" is a fantastic emotional rollercoaster experience, complete with unexpected airport encounters and fake dating. After Roxy and Wade are photographed by airport paparazzi, they decide to go along with the fake dating. Even though Wade and Roxy initially pretended to be dating, their chemistry became obvious as they spent more time together at events. I enjoy how their bond and friendship develop over time and how Wade shows Roxy that playing football can be enjoyable. I loved Roxy's acceptance that she was looking forward to seeing a football game. That's when I realized Wade had won her heart.

All things considered, this endearing romantic comedy won my heart with its endearing plot and lighthearted tone. I can't wait to read more from the series as I'm a first-time reader of this author. This book is excellent, and it deserves every star! I highly recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Melissa (honeybee.reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake Dating The Footballer is my new favorite of the For The Love Of Rom Coms series. I am literally obsessed with this one. From the start I knew Marion was going to knock it out of the park. With the airport meet cute, to the amazing body positivity rep, everything was chef kiss 👌.

Roxy has become my favorite FMC of the series. She's such a confident and strong woman. She doesn't take crap from anyone. Wade this man.. always has the perfect words, sticks up for his woman, always tells her how gorgeous and stunning she is, encourages her, is there for her in every way, TOP TIER book boyfriend. Both of them together were just the perfect match.

As a plus size woman, I felt so seen by the author. The feelings we feel when trying on clothes, the way we see ourselves, the way we try to hide our curves, our love handles, everything is represented perfectly.

I am just honestly OBSESSED… this is my new favorite by this author and you'll want to go ahead and grab yourself a copy!

✨️Thank you to @mariondere for my gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Patty Baumeister · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Book Review
Fake Dating The Footballer
A Novel Written By Marion De Re’
Fiction - Romance
Published April 5, 2024
295 Page
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the third book in the author’s For The Love of Rom-Coms Series. It can be read as a standalone. I recommend reading all three books in the series. They are so good!

The author has once again created two main characters who are easy to fall in love with. Roxy Grant and Wade Hunter have a cute first encounter which leads to a fake dating situation between the two. Wade is a soccer player on a team based in London who needs to improve his image. Roxy is a writer for a fashion magazine in London who is looking to snag the cover story for the magazine. The star soccer player would make a great cover story. Fake dating helps both of them.

I loved the friendly banter between Roxy and Wade. They quickly became comfortable with each other. The positive body image messages were an added bonus.

“I don’t want to wait to start living my dream life. I want to start now.”

[Devika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake Dating the Footballer is yet again a romantic comedy by Marion de Ré. As the title suggests this book is all about fake dating a football player. This book is part of a series with standalones called For the love of rom-coms, however I would recommend reading them in order. During this series I fell in love with Marion de Ré her books and I was really looking forward to reading her newest book. Will this book be one to adore also?

Marion de Ré has done it again! This book is full of amazing romance tropes such as fake dating, celeberties and a sports romance. In addition she added the theme of body shaming and insecurities about being plus sized.
I am a big fan of Marion de Ré and think this book is one of her best so far. Since it is part of a series standalones you don’t have to read the other books first, but for this book I would recommend to read Resisting my Boss first before diving into Roxy and Wades story.

Check out my full review on my blog Boekensteeg

[liz 🪄]

⭐️⭐️

I was given a chance to read this early thanks to NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!

This book masquerades itself as body positive when it really just kind of tears down other body types? As a plus sized girlie, it was a bit of a tough read, in all honesty, and the fact that Roxy is able to ~overcome her negative thoughts on her body image by Wade confessing his feelings for her is...hm. Just not it for me.

I did find the actual romance itself very cute, though, and enjoyed the fake dating aspect. Overall a pretty quick read and mildly entertaining.

[Eris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book. The two main characters are Roxy and Wade. Roxy is a writer. Wade is footballer. They meet at the airport, Roxy is waiting for her boyfriend at the airport. When he arrives he has a fiance. Roxy grabs Wade’s arm and says he is her boyfriend, he goes along with it. Days later he ask her to fake date him to Improve his image, she says yes. They start dating, soon it becomes real. They fall in love.

[Holly Dimitrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so I am gonna start my review by saying this is the very first book to read from this author and I loved it. Her writing style and how she described things were great and gave me an amazing picture to see in my head. I am now a fan of this author and can't wait to read what else she has written.

So now my review of the book. This book was sooo good, I couldn't put it down. I didn't want to go to sleep til I was done with it. And the ending was perfect.
The characters were lovely. I was a huge fan of the main guy character (Wade Hunter) he was soooo special and so perfect. Hello amazing book boyfriend here. Roxy was such a fun character also, I loved how she "hated" football and we are talking about soccer if you live in the states. There were a few fun moments in te book about that also. I liked the backstory with her family. Her dad and brother loved football and were kinda obsessed with it, or at least in my opinion. And then we have Karl, her best friend and maybe more guy-friend. There is sooo much going on with this and that was some fun adventure to watch it all happen. There were so many other background characters that were perfect in this book and made it so good.
This book had me laughing out loud, grinning and also shaking my head.

This book is part of a series, Its called For the Love of Rom-Coms and this is Book#3 so I am super excited to go back and read those first 2 books. :)
Good and read this book if you are a fan of Rom-Coms (and fake dating tropes) you will not be disappointed.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher (and also the author) for the opportunity to read this book. It was amazing!!!! The above is my own honest review and it is voluntary.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. Every page. Sports romances, plus fake dating. Its a total dream.

If you like football, but soccer because I live in the US, nice guys, Europe, cameos from previous books, swoony romances and good people, check this one out!

CW: fade to black, language

[Lexi Rain Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored the characters in this whirlwind romance. I also appreciated how they came together as a couple! The first half of the book is perfect pace and you can easily see how it all unfolds. The only problem I had was the second half of the book felt rushed. Everything between our main characters happens really fast.

[Eliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my sports romance era

[Marilena ⚓ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Η γραφή τελείως άνευρη οπως και στα προηγούμενα δύο βιβλία της. Η ιστορία ήταν ωραία αλλα η εκτέλεση μιεχ, τουλάχιστον ολοκλήρωσα την τριλογία...

[Taanya loves books · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was sooooo cute!!! WADE IS SUCH A SWEETHEART AND OMG IT WAS A FUN READ! It defo felt a little rushed in the middle specifically speaking the hospital scene but still cute!

LIKE EVERY BOOK IN THIS SERIES IS JUST SOOOO GOOD!

The second one is still MY FAVOURITE but this was a VERY GOOD BOOK! UGH THIS SERIES IS CRIMINALLY UNDERRATED!!!

[Laura Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adorable rom-com from Marion De Re! This is my second book by the author and I am so glad I discovered her books because they are pure joy! Fake Dating the Footballer pulled me right into the story and I knew I was going to fall in love with this book from the start.

Roxy is a fashion journalist who hates football with every ounce of her being. As she is at the airport waiting for her longtime crush Karl to return from a mission abroad she sets eyes on an attractive man also waiting at the airport, he looks athletic but she has no idea who he is. Turns out he is Football star Wade Hunter. When her crush shows up with a fiance on his arm she grabs Wade, who happens to be nearby and introduces him as her boyfriend. Surprisingly he plays along with her charade. At a turn of events Wade shows up at her door asking her to fake date him. If it means making Karl jealous and winning her feature contest at work, how can she say no?

I love the fake dating trope and this one was just chef's kiss! It was light, fun to read and just so easy to binge. Trust me, you will want to once you start this book. I fell in love with Wade right away. The way he played along with Roxy’s charade at the airport without missing a bit just to save her from humiliation. He is the perfect cinnamon roll book boyfriend. Swoony, sweet, protective. An absolute dream! And Roxy is sassy and fun! She had me laughing and smiling throughout the book. I love that Roxy is a curvy MC. The book tackles body issues and has a message of body positivity and learning to love yourself throughout that is just beautiful. I adored Wade's passion for his sport. The way he described the beauty of it and the way it made him feel to play it made Roxy see that he was so much more than she originally thought. The two of them had such a real and genuine connection. The story takes place in London so football is actually soccer and I was there for every minute of it! This book made my heart melt in every way possible and left me with a smile on my face.

Content Awareness: This is a clean read with one fade to black scene between a non married couple and a mild swear word.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Natalie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this is a HUGE DNF for me at 66%. And for good reason.
This is littered with SO many ‘American-isms’ despite being set in England with British characters:
1. Phrases such as ‘I’ll take,’ are used, where as in Britain, we say ‘I’ll have.’
2. We say ‘Changing rooms’ not ‘locker rooms.’
3. We say ‘car park,’ not ‘parking garage.’
4. In England, a ‘purse’ is a small thing that you keep inside your handbag with money in it.
5. We wouldn’t drink from a ‘faucet,’ it’s a ‘tap.’

I’m aware this is likely written for a US audience, but this felt like such lazy research by the author and as this book is clearly accessible outside of the US, I think more attention should have been given to using the correct language. It was really starting to get on my nerves.

Scones would never be added to a full English breakfast by any Brit. Ever.

This book claims to be ‘body positive,’ and hypes up a curvier body whilst demeaning another (thinner) body type. It doesn’t work that way. Body positivity should be celebrating
of all body types, and shouldn’t hate on a ‘norm.’ You can build one up without tearing another down and it felt like an icky choice from the author.

And as a side note, the national anthem or any other anthem isn’t played in champions league. Again, lazy researching.

The story felt lacking and there wasn’t enough going on (due to above) to keep me interested.

Don’t waste your time with this one. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[julia pluhar · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh. my. god?! this book was phenomenal, especially for my first time reading a sports romance! marion de ré did a fantastic job with writing an easy-to-read, can’t-put-it-down, binge-worthy book that i simply could not get enough of. i was fully invested in this book from the jump, reading it every spare chance i had! i even went as far as sobbing because the book ended and running to read the extended epilogue when i found out there was one! roxanne (roxy) grant and wade hunter are just some of the sweetest characters i have ever read about! i really related to roxy throughout the book, especially when she discussed her body image issues. god bless for books where the fmc is NOT skinny!!! another note i made is that even though i’m typically a spicy romance type of girl, this book was a great change of pace and i found myself enjoying the closed door scenes. one last thing: all hail the cinnamon roll hero trope.

thank you to netgalley, marion de ré, and victory editing netgalley co-op for granting me access to this ARC in exchange for my honest review!