Faker

by L.A. Wayward

I’m f*cked. What can you give the man who supposedly has everything? There is only one option—me.

Fake it till you make it, right?

That’s why I find myself sitting at a poker table in the middle of Seoul, South Korea, selling myself to the King of the underworld.

Ruthless and straight out of a mafia movie, heads roll whenever he walks into a room.

He’s the shadow people fear in the dark.

I’m the light he didn’t expect to find.

And maybe he’s the scarred monster I longed for all along. Six rule this town, and he’s one of them. He won me fair and square.I’m now his. And maybe after this month is over, every broken part of him is going to be mine.

And I’ll be his forever.

Faker is a dark romance containing themes that may be triggering to some. Please check the warnings inside the book. All characters are 18+

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Forced Proximity, Mafia Romance, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2024

About the author

L.A. Wayward is a lover of dark romance, with an even darker edge of smut and taboo.

She loves her stories with a whole lot of action, romance and lots of steam.

She writes pull at your heartstrings books filled with scorching brooding Alpha men and badass women in search of a HEA.

Because let's face it—who doesn't like to spend their time fantasizing about hot guys?

Reviews

[Kursed Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC

[kaavi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not like this book at all. There. I said it.

The book could have had a better flow of events, because every chapter of the book, albeit, not that many, felt like they were snippets from a longer book. And while I understand that the book’s intention was supposed to be spice, there was nothing connecting the scenes, and everything felt extremely abrupt. There was either too much happening at once, or there was nothing at all happening. It felt like the author connected the main plot points she had directly, without anything in between. There was no build up of the characters, or the tension between them. It started, stretched out too long, and then ended.

The characters were confusing. In places where it seemed like they were having a normal conversation, they suddenly started screaming at each other. And honestly, the sex drive that the two had was way too much, that it was starting to make me feel nauseous. It felt like the characters themselves were confused about what they wanted or what emotions they had.

Overall, the book felt like a big inside joke that I was not a part of.

[❋Rushna❋ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5

From the summary and how it was pitched, this book had a lot of potential. But most of it was spice and it became annoying. I liked both the MMC and FMC - Minki’s background was really interesting. I liked his relationships with his brothers! It started off strong, but the book did lack later on with the substance and pacing of the plot. It felt like it was all over the place and I also wasn’t expecting it to be pretty short! I think the writing style has a lot of potential too in the author’s future works. But there were some plot holes throughout and things still felt unresolved by the end. I would definitely be interested in a story about Jay 👀

[Katie Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

First book by this author, and yeah it was an enjoyable read.

This book is dark, short and smutty🖤

Book follows Storm, where she lands herself in a pretty bad situation in which she is in massive debt and attempts to count cards in order to win money to clear the debt.. of course this is where she catches the eye of Summer.

Summer is instantly intrigued with Storm and long story short Storms debt turns out to be with Summer and thus he decides she can pay the debt that she owns in the form of her becoming his for a month.

I did like that Storm fought back against Summer, the tension and spice between the MC’s was also great😮‍💨

Thank you to the author for providing this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭

[NinaInkdawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books that seem to be made just for you, books that you couldn't wait to read and when you start you keep saying... I found my writer....
You are my lightning, the storm I was chasing but could never find. I am yours.And you are mine.
Well after this quote I don't know about you but I feel a mix of possession but also extreme sweetness... While I was reading the book I kept thinking... This is how all dark romances should be with the right dose of smutty, spicy but how sweet and an incredible chemistry between the two protagonists Summer and Storm that you can't get tired of. This story never disappoints... And now sorry but I have to go and get all the books written by Weyward. Are you asking me for my vote? Obviously without a shadow of a doubt.... 5⭐

[𝔰𝔞𝔯𝔞𝔥 ♡︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Arc Read*

Read this book in one day! 🤣 if you’re looking for a spicy story that moves at a quick pace, then you should definitely check this one out! I would love to get to know these characters even more, and gain some more background! But, the spice was doing its thanggg! A fun lil read & easy to follow! 🖤

[Nicole Polson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had huge potential for me in the beginning. All of the tropes were there. I had a lot of trouble with the chaotic writing style personally. I’ve seen others not have the same experience with similar writing styles. That being said…

Summer /Minki is the MMC
Storm - is the FMC

Storm is in Summer’s club/casino counting cards. Summer beats her at a hand (it took me a while to figure out what had happened. It wasn’t explained well) and Storm loses a large sum of money. The solution is for Storm to pay the debt with herself. She agrees to spend a month with this scary man at his sexual beck and call. The whole situation was strange.

I found the two to have an instant attraction type of situation. Their dialogue was strange and it seemed like thoughts were left unfinished often. I felt like the book fell apart at about 70% of the way through, completely.

There was a lot of spice, but the plot was lacking. There are a lot of holes in the story and unfinished plot lines. I will likely not pursue other books by this author due to it just not being my style of writing and I didn’t find it immensely enjoyable.

I hope you find this helpful and happy reading!

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book didn’t do it for me. The conversations didn’t flow well, Storms internal dialogue after every line of dialogue was distracting and annoying. There was a lot of repetition. Storm and Summer’s relationship was hot and cold with no reasoning and things were left unfinished in the story. The story line could have been great, I just wish the writing was better with more detail and more fluidity.

[Carlee Penrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh. The S P I C E. I couldn’t put this down today. Read it all today and thoroughly enjoyed it. Well written & worth the hype. I need a physical copy as a trophy 🤌🏻 I’ll keep this spoiler free but definitely worth it!!

[Literary Dystopia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good. It gave me Hades x Persephone vibes but with more gambling and lots and lots of spice. Nothing I've ever read before that's for sure. I enjoyed it a lot.

[Emily Kurosawa · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Don’t defy me, kitten, I won you, remember? You’re mine. You made a deal to do what I want”

A short, fast-paced insta lust (and love) dark mafia romance read. A struggling artist and a mafia boss who looks like a K-drama actor.  Because of her idiot ex-boyfriend, Storm (FMC) is in a lot of debt, and she needs money fast. Not a great idea, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Hoping to get enough money to pay off her debts, Storm and her friend head to an "underground" poker club. At the same poker table, Storm meets Summer/Minki (MMC). Summer is one of the six powerful mafia bosses; they control everything. Storm was already in trouble, now she is way over her head. To save her life, Storm offered the only thing she had left: herself.

Storm has no filter and a witty, smart mouth. I did enjoy some of her internal dialogues, however, it got a bit repetitive, and the same can be said for Summer's. As I was reading, I came across a few inconsistencies/plot holes, nevertheless, it didn't affect with my reading experience. I also enjoyed the relationship dynamics/dialogues between Summer and his brothers/friends.

Even though Storm can be seen as feisty personally, she gave in too easily; there wasn't much of a fight, and I would liked to see her stand her ground a little more. Summer/Minki might be a"scary mob/mafia boss", but he's a big softie, especially for Storm. Summer has a bad temper, and his favourite weapon of choice: a pencil 😅


Storm and Summer were instantly attracted to each other. Storm stated numerous times that she's not of afraid Summer (she said it to his face), but deep down she is. And Storm can't understand why she likes the fear. For the first time in his life, Summer doesn't just want meanless sex, he wants to connect with someone on a deeper level. And that someone is Storm. But he leads a dangerous life, and Summer cannot afford any weaknesses. If you are craving for a quick dark romance read, you might enjoy this one.

*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review


What to expect:

- Dark romance
- Mafia
- Revenge
- Possessive Alpha MMC
- Artist FMC
- Set in Korea
- Forced proximity
- Who hurt you?
- A hero with K drama/K - pop vibes
- Bet
- Insta lust/love

TWs/CWs
- Mentions of SA/rape
- Dub con
- Violence

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I received an ARC for this book)

Trigger Warnings include:
CNC, dubcon, references to rape, violence described on page including torture, assault, and attempted murder
Storm is given the opportunity to pay off the debt she racks up playing at one of Minki’s tables, and the only thing she has to offer him is herself. She just needs to give up one month of her time. This man is a mess the moment he sees her, but he has no issue remaining in full control. Control and power oozes from him. It made me giggle every time Mr. In Control loses his cool. He’s very set in this only being for one month. But everything is different with her. He wants her, needs her, craves her. He wants her approval, her acceptance. He becomes uncharacteristically vulnerable. And I LOVED every second of it! Doubts creep in, and it hurt to ‘witness’ them both question everything. I loved her defiance. Especially when it creates a battle in the sheets…something that set off my bi-panic.

kitten: 80

My Favorite Quotes:
• “You have no idea what I want to do to you. How hard I want to make you scream. How bad I want to hurt you, all the ways I want you to hurt me.”
• “Wrong? No, it’s right. I’m going to f!ck you like this, watching your tight p!ssy wrap around my d!ck while I make you scream.”
• “Such a brave little kitten.”
• “That’s it, baby, break for me.”
• “I felt your c!nt clench around me, so I guess you like it like this. Me taking what I want from you.”
• “It hurts me not to be inside of you all the time.”
• “I like the way you laugh, then again, I like it when you scream my name more.”
• “I like the way you come all over my fingers while you struggle to breathe.”
• “Open your eyes when I’m f!cking you.”
• “You know how bad I want to be inside you? When I need to leave you for a job, I’m counting down the seconds until I’m inside you again.”
• “You like it, don’t pretend otherwise. Take it all like a good girl.”

8/10 Dirty Birdy
5/10 Dark Romance
6/10 Forced Proximity
5/10 "Mafia"
6/10 Second Chance

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Faker" by L.A. Wayward is a gripping romance set in the gritty underworld of Seoul, South Korea. The story follows Summer, who finds herself in a dangerous situation, selling herself to the notorious King of the underworld, Storm, in a high-stakes poker game.

What makes "Faker" stand out is its fast-paced plot and intense romance. The chemistry between Summer and Storm is electric, keeping readers hooked from beginning to end. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into a world of danger, desire, and deceit.

Wayward's storytelling is captivating, with suspenseful twists and turns that keep readers guessing. While the romance is steamy, it's also laced with danger, adding an extra layer of excitement to the story.

At its heart, "Faker" explores themes of power, desire, and redemption. It's a story about two people from different worlds who find themselves drawn to each other despite the risks. As they navigate the treacherous underworld, they must confront their own demons and make difficult choices about who they can trust.

Overall, "Faker" is a thrilling read that will appeal to fans of dark romance. With its compelling characters and pulse-pounding plot, it's a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Plus, it's the spiciest read of the year so far, delivering an extra layer of excitement and intensity that will leave readers eagerly anticipating more from this talented author.

[The Devon Book Dragon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

✨“What the hell is this 'fifty shades of I'm about to get fucked and not in a good way?”✨

So if you are after a read that is heavy spice and lighter on plot then this is for you.

✨”He is everything I always tried so hard to stay away from, black and morally grey.
Dangerous, dark, cold, and so addictive.”✨

Definitely check the TWs before jumping in if you aren’t into dubcon, forced proximity, revenge, touch her and die kinda vibes.

Big high five for the scenes in which Summer gives over control to Storm knowing that it’s something she needed, regardless of his history and triggers! This was definitely a winner for me with his character 👏

As much as I enjoy a good spicy read I do tend to lean more towards reads that have a little more plot content, I really want to know more about Summer and Storm! They have an intense chemistry and I would happily read a follow up of them and how they fit into each other’s lives after this. I also feel like the relationship with them both with the brothers could make a really interesting story, I liked the siblings annoying each other vibe they had going on with Summer, regardless of their scary mafia man personalities.

If I had a little more plot this would definitely have been up at 4 stars 😃 but works as a good book between heavier reads!

Read as an ARC, these are purely my opinions.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much L.A. Wayward and The Author Agency for the opportunity to read this ARC! Faker follows Summer and Storm through a deal that turns into .. more .. This book did not disappoint! It was my first mafia romance and it lived up to the hype. The struggles and troubles that Storm had through this really make her human, Summer on the other hand is just larger than life to me, but the biggest baby when the time calls for it. One of my favorite things about Wayward and her writing is that it gets you right into the story and doesn’t beat around the bush when developing the characters. This book was perfectly paced to keep me interested and engaged, the spice was just a major plus.

[Mellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faker by L.A. Wayward
"I've watched enough mafia movies and read enough dark romance novels to know what happens to people who don't pay their debt. They get a one-way ticket to concrete ville."
Or, do they make a deal with the hot, scarred, suited-up mafia king?

I am SO thrilled that I got to read this ARC!
For starters, just look at that cover.

I loved this book! Easy 4⭐️
It checks so many boxes for me.
Smart mouthed, feisty Canadian FMC ✔️
FMC with curves ✔️
Mafia ✔️
"Who did this to you?" ✔️
"Mine" ✔️
Touch/look at her and d1€ ✔️
Broken hero ✔️
DubCon ✔️
Forced proximity ✔️
Delicious spice ✔️

If you're into K-pop and K-Dramas you will love this!

[Hollylovesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rated this 4.5 ⭐️s

“ How hard I want to make you scream. How bad I want hurt you, all the ways I want you to hurt me.”

• Let me just start by saying one thing, this book is DELECTABLE. I absolutely devoured this. The fact I almost read it in one sitting should say it all.

• Storm and Summer are both excellent MCs. I just want to read more and more about them. I was bummed when it ended. What starts as a debt becomes so much more.

• Think about this combo K-pop/k-drama, mixed with mafia, add lots of spice.

[Pana · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐦 𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐭? 𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐞. 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐞 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐞.

Like same, girl. I love men who look like I should just absolutely run away and not towards…🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

The first scene is actually extremely easy to imagine. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall for that poker game in the middle of Seoul. Getting daggers from “that man” yeeaaaa.

They both come from detrimental pasts and it’s sad to see and hear about them both. But with them together, they’re a very strong force to be reckoned with. I genuinely enjoyed Storm’s character.

This is my first book from L.A. Wayward, I slightly struggled with the writing, she definitely had some strong points in the writing and lacked in other areas, in my opinion.

This book has triggers, please investigate before reading!

Tropes:
♣️ Dark romance
♣️ Who hurt you?
♣️ Possessive Alpha hero
♣️ Dubious Consent
♣️ Touch her & 🔫
♣️ Revenge
♣️ Forced Proximity

[Felicia's Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was Fast-paced and had a very spicy scene. Storm lands herself in hot water when she loses a poker game as has to give herself as payment to Summer. Summer has been interested in this woman all night. This book was enjoyable and was easily read in one day.

[Paperback Princess]

DNF@56%

I think I gave this book more than a chance before I couldn’t take anymore …sigh!!! I was really looking forward to reading Faker but the dialogue was so immature and beyond repetitive. At the point where I stopped felt like this story was going absolutely nowhere. Faker is a no for me.

[Sharon Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc read, this is definitely a fast paced dark mafia story. Spicy scenes were there and all. Minki was giving K Pop vibes but with a twist. Overall enjoyed this book!

[Katherine M · Rating 3 out of 5]

It started off shaky and even though the FMC is supposed to be 29, she comes off like she’s 18. The story has potential but I felt like it needed a little bit more. It got better around chapter 5. It was a shorter book that is easily read with plenty of spice, which I love. Overall it was good but could I struggled with the characters and storyline.

[cuore__di__carta · Rating 5 out of 5]

ITA/ENG REVIEW

ITA
Se cercate un mafia romance breve, molto spicy, intrigante e con l'innovativo background di Seoul, questo fa al caso vostro!

TRAMA
Storm è pronta a tutto pur di salvare la sua casa e la sua vita dopo che il suo ex l'ha derubata. Perciò si trova in una bisca nel centro di Seoul, cercando di vincere il più possibile. Ed è qui che incontra Summer, pericoloso proprietario e criminale dal volto sfregiato. Quando Storm perde e offre se stessa a Summer, lui decide di tenerla per un mese affinché lei estingua il suo debito. Ma quello che inizia come un accordo, si trasforma presto in una cocente passione e la possibilità di lasciar andare Storm diventa per Summer impensabile, nonostante il suo passato e i suoi pericolosi nemici.

Una storia molto carina, senza pretese, con mooolte scene hot. Ho apprezzato davvero tanto l'ambientazione di Seoul, innovativa e bellissima.

Summer è membro di un'associazione criminale coreana insieme ai suoi fratelli. È un personaggio cupo che nasconde fragilità e abbandono ed è stato bello vederlo gradualmente aprirsi a Storm, pittrice libera e caparbia, e scoprire di non poter fare a meno di lei.

Quest'autrice rivela sempre sorprese e belle storie. Attendo sicuramente quelle sui fratelli di Summer.

VOTO: 5/5

--

ENG
Highly addictive, extremely spicy, dark and sweet, this mafia romance will win your heart with its passion and the incredible background of Seoul.

BLURB
Storm is desperately looking for money after her ex boyfriend stole them. That's how she finds herself in a poker joint in Itaewon, Seoul, looking straight into the scarred face of a dangerous criminal. Soon enough he wins her: he'll have her for one month, doing all the filthy, dark, consuming things he's planning for his little kitten.

I found myself entangled in this story, with its setting full of lights and promises, with a love story that starts as a simple deal and soon become something more. More scorching, more passionate and romantic.

Storm is a badass FMC, a painter who knows what she wants, while Summer is full of scars, especially inside. It was incredible to read how he uncovers his ugly sides just for Storm to heal them all.

Can't wait for the other brothers' stories!

RATE: 5/5

[Biha · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was giving sensationalized/fetishized Korean "gangster" who looks like a K-pop idol (ofc he does) falls in insta-love with the blond haired, blue eyed white girl who can impart humanity onto this man of color. It also leverages the 'strange foreign man' kidnaps the helpless "pure" white girl narrative which is BIG FUCKING ICK. Also ick was the "white girl finally tames the manwhore" when he would only use other Asian women for his pleasure and "fuck them facedown" barbarically.

Also, I'm so confuseddddd. Everything was just random from the tone, the casual anti-asian racism, the plot, we jump from one scene to the next, and then it's all happening against the larger plotline of a y/n K-pop wattpad romance which seems to be the point I guess.

It's just so fucking short (10 chapters) but I honestly couldn't tell you one interesting thing that happened which sucks because I was anticipating this "banter" from the "fiesty badass" FMC we were supposed to enjoy but tonally, she just read like a 14 year old girl who just discovered reddit snark pages.💀

Also the casual racism in this statement about how this yt author conceptualizes how E.Asian women, particularly the stigma around cosmetic culture around Korean women adopting European beauty standards is quite frankly disgusting.

She’s beautiful, not in the ‘I went to Gangnam and rearranged my face kind of way’, she’s real.

This would be an intra-community critique but coming from a yt woman its extremely offensive and just in extremely poor taste.

Also Korean mafia??? BYE.✋🏾Asian international criminal organizations (mainly E. Asian) are referred to as syndicates both domestically and internationally by ILEO because the nature of their hierarchies are largely DYNASTIC (and rely heavily on blood quantum) and bound by structures that are completely UNLIKE western criminal organizations. Which just boils down to lazy writing and a lack of research on the author's part.

0/5🌟 Please take away her computer forever. In other words ABSOLUTELY NOT.

[Cigi cini · Rating 4 out of 5]

🖤 Dark Romance
🔥 Dark Mafia Romance
🖤 Possessive Alpha Hero
🔥 Touch her and you die
🖤 Revenge
🔥 Forced Proximity
🖤 Dubious Consent
🔥 Who hurt you

Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️

"Faker" by L.A. Wayward is a riveting and intense romantic thriller that takes readers on a wild journey through the underworld of Seoul, South Korea. The novel follows the Storm as she finds herself entangled with the enigmatic and dangerous King of the underworld, a man who exudes power and commands fear wherever he goes.

From the very first page, L.A. Wayward plunges readers into a world of intrigue, deception, and desire, setting the stage for a gripping tale of love and redemption. Storm's decision to sell herself to the King of the underworld sets off a chain of events that will change both their lives forever.

The chemistry between Storm and the King is electric, crackling with tension and heat as they navigate the dangerous waters of their forbidden attraction. L.A. Wayward masterfully builds the tension between them, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they root for the unlikely couple to find their way to each other.

The backdrop of Seoul adds an extra layer of richness to the story, with vivid descriptions bringing the city to life and immersing readers in its vibrant streets and shadowy alleys. The underworld elements of the plot add an air of danger and excitement, keeping readers guessing until the very end.

At its core, "Faker" is a story about love, redemption, and the power of acceptance. As Storm and the King confront their pasts and their demons, they discover that they may be exactly what the other needs to heal and find happiness.

In conclusion, "Faker" is a thrilling and captivating read that will leave readers breathless. L.A. Wayward has crafted a story that is as emotionally resonant as it is pulse-pounding, making it a must-read for fans of romantic suspense.

[Danielle Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

As much as I wanted to love this book, I really struggled with it in parts. I read a lot, but I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a book so chaotic that gave me such whiplash from a character's behaviour. Summer, the male lead, goes from kind to cruel and back again repeatedly, making it hard to get a feel for the real him rather than the persona he is known as. It’s clear he has some issues regarding letting people into his life, but that again just highlights his questionable actions when it comes to Storm. I would have loved to have a bit more of an in-depth look at his past and his issues so we could understand who he is.
 
There was a moment early on in the book where Storm explains she’s only had sex once and she was too drunk to consent and doesn’t remember it hinting at SA; it was later confirmed she was indeed SA'd. However, even with that knowledge, there are some moments between Summer and Storm that tend to be on the dubious side, with the author using phrases like “I might not know how to analyze emotions the way others do. I usually stay far away from people and their problems. But the way her nipples pebble under my gaze tells me she likes the games we’re playing.” Now I’m a fan of reading dub-con and even CNC, but the explanation that a physiological response to stimulation means consent wasn’t really it for me.  This opinion is based purely on the characters and interactions within this book.
 
When they were being kind and open to each other and acting like smitten kittens I really enjoyed them and I’d have loved more moments
 
 
of them from that viewpoint.
 
My favourite thing about this book is probably the side characters, like Chris. I loved the gentle teasing and the support that came from them, even though their involvement was at a minimum.
 
I’d give the book 3.5 stars in total. It had the potential to achieve more.

[BookSpice_and_EverythingNice | Malika · Rating 4 out of 5]

An MMC who looks like a sexy K-Drama villain and likes giving hand necklaces! IMMINENTLY Yes.

Storm moved to Seoul to pursue her dreams and honor her grandfather. But trusting the wrong guy lands her knee-deep in debt she can't fathom how she can pay off before losing the home her grandfather left her. So, she risks it all to win money fast by counting cards at a secret poker club. She's sure she's going to leave with enough money to fix all her problems until she glances across the table and comes face to face with the most intimidating and gorgeous man she's ever seen.

Minki has given his blood sweat and tears to creating the empire he runs with his "brothers." His scarred body is proof of that. But recently he's felt bored with his life. Until he catches Storm in his poker club and is instantly captivated by her. She looks out of place, she dares to count cards at his table, and when she loses she admits she doesn't have the money to pay him. He never lets women affect him, he's a one-night-stand kind of guy. But with Storm, he feels a pull and it equally intrigues and irritates him.

MINKI (aka Summer) was the MMC I've been
WAITING FOR! If you're a K-pop/K-Drama girlie like me then
this read is a MUST.

But, even if you're not, Minki will still check all the morally grey, dirty talking, traumatic past, brooding, BDE vibes, ready to unalive anyone who looks at you, boxes we all love in a book boyfriend.

The story is pretty fast-paced and high-heat which I loveddd. These two fit each other so well and their romance was very hot and believable. Storm was also a spitfire and didn't take Minki's BS without a fight.

[Casey Smailles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes:
🖤Who Hurt You.
🥀Dubious Content.
🖤Forced Proximity.
🥀Revenge/Debt.
🖤Touch Her And Die.
🥀Possessive Alpha Hero.
🖤Dark Mafia Romance
🥀Dark Romance.
🖤Bet.
🥀Broken Hero.

I would like to thank the wonderful L.A Wayward for the wonderful chance to read faker. From the moment I saw her reels and posts I knew I needed this book and boy was I correct. I have loved every minute. And towards the end I even found myself with tears in my eyes but that ending made it all better 🤭

Faker is a dark mafia romance that follows Summer and Storm. Two amazing characters that have been through some dark shit in their lives. One night they are destined to meet it doesn't start smoothly for them but over that month feelings brew and things begin to change between them.

This book was a wonderful quick read, it was intense, there was banter and the spice, ohh boy it was spicy 🥵
If you enjoy dark mafia romance, with touch her and die vibes, and a quick weekend read look no further this is the one for you add it to your TBR.

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

“Why do people call you Summer?” she asks, raising a brow like a dare. I chuckle. “Because I stabbed a kid with a yellow pencil when I was in kindergarten for bullying one of the guys.”

He holds his head a little to the side and groans. “Don’t stop on my account.” My cheeks flush as he runs his eyes down my body, making me shiver.

“Because I know I love you. I have loved you ever since you glanced up from your cards and looked right through me. You see me, kitten, all my parts, and you’re not afraid of the man I am. I now know it was always love between us. I may have tried to fake or convince myself I didn’t need you, but I do,”

[Raquel (BookishRaquel) · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Star Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐
My Spice Rating: 5/5 🌶️

What you’ll find:
- Dark Romance
- Mafia Romance
- Forced Proximity
- Possessive Alpha Hero
- Broken Hero
- Who hurt you
- Touch her and you 💀

Faker is dark and smutty. Is there a well-developed plot? Sort of. Does the smut steal the show? Yes.

The FMC Storm is in a bad situation; she has few options and is in debt. In an attempt to better her situation, she finds herself at a table playing high-stakes poker, trying to cheat the game. Things don't work out as she planned, and she catches the eyes of the MMC Summer, a dangerous mafia leader and one of six leaders of Seoul, South Korea. Summer not only wins the game, but he wins Storm for a month. Summer falls for Storm and wants her to be his forever.

Storm and Summer's relationship was explosive and toxic, but it worked for them. Summer is very controlling and possessive, but Storm mostly holds her ground with him. They had great chemistry, and although things began under unfavorable terms, they developed something real. There was some good banter, but I wanted more character development.

I had higher hopes for this story. I was drawn to it due to the setting and the tropes, but I felt the plot was lacking. I am a fan of smutty stories, but there was too much of it. This story is short and moves very fast. There are some twists and turns, but I don't feel any of the plot elements were fully developed. The last two chapters were the best part of the book, but I wanted more.

Thank you, L.A. Wayward and The Author Agency, for the e-ARC. Opinions expressed are my own.

[Nasi · Rating 4 out of 5]

]|I{•------»»------•{I|]
ᏒᏗᏖᎥᏁᎶ: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
ᏕᎮᎥፈᏋ: 🌶️🌶️🌶️,5

]|I{•------»»------•{I|]
♠️Ruthless and straight out of a mafia movie, heads roll whenever he walks into a room.♠️ Jepp, and I imagined so many great korean actors as Summer while reading this book. Sorry not sorry 🤣😎

]|I{•------»»------•{I|]
"Faker" follows the story about Storm and Minki (Summer).

𝖂𝖍𝖊𝖓 𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖗𝖞𝖙𝖍𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖘𝖙𝖆𝖗𝖙𝖘 𝖜𝖎𝖙𝖍....
To pay the dept which was left from her Ex and not to lose her apartment, Strom is (FMC) sitting on a poker table and what should i say, wrong time to go for a poker game cuz she catches the attention of Summer (King of the underworld).

She loses and when she thinks it's all over, she offers herself to pay off. Only ONE MONTH what should go wrong its just Business arrangement to pay off the depts, what should go wrong.. ♠️♥️♦️♣️

Their story is a fast paced, dark and spicy. The chemistry between Minki/Summer and Storm is indisputable from the moment they see each other. They're like missing piece of the puzzle, not searched but found and the spice was spicy. I liked and enjoyed their story.

]|I{•------»»------•{I|]
𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖊𝖓𝖉 𝖜𝖎𝖙𝖍
♣️𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒅....... 𝑰’𝒎 𝒘𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒖𝒑 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒊𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒑𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒆 𝒈𝒍𝒖𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓.♠️

♣️𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔, 𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉.♣️

]|I{•------»»------•{I|]
L. A. Wayward thank you for the opportunity i appreciate it. I just wonder will Summer's "brothers" have their own stories too, cuz i would like to read about Chris, Han, Teamin, Jay and Jin-yeong. 😏😊