The Plays We Fake

Braysen U #2

by Brooke O'Brien

I've heard the rumors about the football players in our small town. Trouble always has a way of finding them, and the girls can't get enough of their wild ways.

Hayes Carver has the bad-boy reputation down to go with his scoring records and good looks.

Everything changes after the game that destroyed his image and painted him as a dirty player. From the press and social media to his coach and teammates, the pressure is building, and he can't seem to escape the constant scrutiny.

When his limits are tested, Hayes turns to me for a way out.

He proposes that I play along as his fake girlfriend in hopes it changes the narrative and takes the pressure off him.

The rules are set in stone. Faking a relationship with him won't be easy, and falling for him is out of the question.

Yet the more time we spend together, the more the lines between what's real and fake begin to blur.

Hayes needs me to help save his reputation, but to do it, I'll have to risk my heart.

The Plays We Fake features the following tropes: fake dating, sports/football, opposites attract, a cinnamon roll hero with a bad reputation, and a virgin spicy romance reader/aspiring author heroine.

Genres: Sports, Sports Romance, College, Romance, Audiobook, Fake Dating, Football

325 pages, Paperback

First published March 29, 2024

About the author

Click the FOLLOW AUTHOR button to be notified of Brooke's new releases!

USA Today Bestselling author Brooke O'Brien writes steamy and swoon-worthy new adult romances. She's best known for her sports and rock star romances.

Brooke believes a love worth having is worth fighting for, and she brings this into her stories where her characters risk it all for love.

When she isn't writing or falling in love with a new book boyfriend, you can find her spending time with her family, cheering on her favorite sports teams, listening to ASMR, or binge-watching the latest true crime documentary. She loves rockin' a comfy hoodie with leggings and believes the best days include a good nap.

If you're new to Brooke and are wondering where to start, visit authorbrookeobrien.com/booksbybrooke and download the reading order guide.

Brooke loves connecting with readers and hopes you'll join her on her social pages or reader group to stay in touch.

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Reviews

[Noa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Even I know there will be no stopping me from falling in love with Sunny."

Hayes Carver can't seem to catch a break.
Ever since that play last season, he has been labelled a hazard.
His reputation needs help.
The person that can help?
Everly Winthrop.
The one person who isn't falling at his feet.
But maybe they can come to some sort of mutual arrangement…

"Will you be my fake girlfriend, Sunny?"

Everly Winthrop has never been in love.
The only love she has ever had are the ones in movies or books.
Or the ones she writes about.
She has never experienced it for herself.
In comes Hayes Carver who offers her exactly that.
Well the "fake" version anyway.
But what will she do when the lines start to blur?
And why can't she stop herself?

"Playing the role of his fake girlfriend will blur the lines, and the risk outweighs the reward."

I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

"You never know. Maybe you'll end up falling for me without even trying."

THE ONE TREE HILL VIBES ARE ONE TREE HILLING PEOPLE!!!
Ok, ever since "The Rivals We Hate" I have been waiting for another book in this series because it feeds my small town college contemporary romance heart and this books ATE AND LEFT NO CRUMBS!

"Why do you always insist on driving me crazy?"

We have Everly Winthrop. Our sassy black cat FMC. I love her vibes. Legit she said at one point "there are too many people, it's annoying" and I was screaming at my kindle - THIS IS ME!! She is my introverted extroverted and I love that for me. Another thing - SHE WRITES ROMANCE BOOKS PEOPLE - already a plus in my book. She's sassy and she's not afraid to show it and she's not falling at Hayes Carver's feet when let's be real I would fold like a paper plate in the wind ngl to you. The way she has a back bone and legit stands for what she wants. I love that!

"You fit perfectly in my arms, don't you think, Sunny?"

And we have Hayes Carver. Now Beckham was a high bar to reach ngl (IYKYK). But Hayes matches it and I don't know if it's a twin thing but omg this man. This college football star man. I told you I would fold like a paper plate and I meant it. He is giving me strong Nathan Scott vibes and as my all-time favorite tv boyfriend he passes the test thank you very much. And he calls her SUNSHINE I mean you cannot do better (Siri, play "You Can't Do Better" by Kim Petras because it is AMAZING). Loved the protective energy. Loved the "To All The Boys I've Loved Before" energy. I am here for it.

"She's nothing like the girls I've been interested in, and honestly, it's what I like most about her."

"Sunny, you already know you're the only woman I'll ever get on my knees for."

Now the playlist is very romantic and very "that book" you know what I mean? If you don't you'll understand from this playlist all good😘😘

(Link - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5WR... )

🎶 "I Don't Want to Be" - Gavin DeGraw
🎶 "Fake Happy" - Paramore
🎶 "GOSSIP" - Maneskin, Tom Morello
🎶 "Sweet Dreams" - Besomorph, Bolshiee
🎶 "Cupid's Chokehold / Breakfast in America" - Gym Class Heroes
🎶 "Just Say Yes" - Snow Patrol
🎶 "Here" - Alessia Cara
🎶 "Teach Me How To Love" - Shawn Mendes
🎶 "OWN MY MIND" - Maneskin
🎶 "Nervous" - The Neighbourhood
🎶 "Fictional" - Khloe Rose
🎶 "dancing in the kitchen" - LANY
🎶 "Library Card" - J. Maya
🎶 "The Archer" - Taylor Swift
🎶 "BUTTERFLIES" - MAX, Ali Gatie
🎶 "None Of My Business" - Cher Lloyd
🎶 "Something About The Sunshine" - Anna Margaret, Christopher Wilde
🎶 "Play With Fire" - Sam Tinnesz, Yacht Money
🎶 "First Fuck" - 6LACK, Jhene Aiko
🎶 "Shatter Me" - Lindsey Stirling, Lzzy Hale
🎶 "Shatter" - Maggie Rogers
🎶 "Cloud 9" - Beach Bunny
🎶 "Flawless" - The Neighbourhood
🎶 "Champagne & Sunshine" - PLCTINUM, Tarro
🎶 "Trust Fund Baby" - Why Don't We
🎶 "She Looks So Perfect" - 5 Seconds of Summer
🎶 "Skin and Bones" - David Kushner
🎶 "Hoodie" - Hey Violet
🎶 "Nonsense" - Sabrina Carpenter
🎶 "If I Were You" - Nothing But Thieves
🎶 "I Like Me Better" - Lauv
🎶 "Hold Me While You Wait" - Lewis Capaldi
🎶 "Fallin' (Adrenaline)" - Why Don't We
🎶 "Bad Liar" - Imagine Dragons
🎶 "Kiss It Better" - Rihanna
🎶 "Paris" - Sabrina Carpenter
🎶 "Tongue Ties" - Lauren Sanderson
🎶 "Ruin My Life" - Zara Larsson
🎶 "I Want you to Want Me" - Chase Holfelder
🎶 "Taste (Speed)" - Ari Abdul
🎶 "Desire" - MEG MYERS
🎶 "Break The Rules" - Charli XCX
🎶 "Lavender Haze" - Taylor Swift
🎶 "Looking At Me" - Sabrina Carpenter
🎶 "WICKED" - AViVA
🎶 "Constellations" - Jade LeMac
🎶 "WOW - Remix" - Zara Larsson, Sabrina Carpenter
🎶 "prison for life - unreleased" - Olivia Rodrigo
🎶 "Lipstick" - Charlie Puth
🎶 "I'm yours" - Isabel LaRosa
🎶 "Back To You" - Selena Gomez
🎶 "greedy" - Tate McRae
🎶 "Painkiller" - Ruel
🎶 "That Part" - Lauren Spencer Smith

And don't worry because the mouth on this man *fans myself with my kindle one more time for good measure*

"God, Sunny, fuckin' look at you. I can see how wet you are."

"You can take it, Sunny. Relax, baby."

"I'm on my knees for you, Sunny. Now I want you to use me and ride my face."

🏈 Tropes 🏈

📚 Sports Romance (Football)
📚 Jock x Black Cat
📚 Grumpy x Sunshine
📚 Fake Dating
📚 Small College Town
📚 Opposites Attract

Book Edit - https://www.instagram.com/p/C4tBZb4Le...

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been excited for Hayes’s story since reading book one and it’s was so good. This one hooked me right from the beginning. I loved Hayes and Everly together. The chemistry was there from their very first interaction. I love the fake dating trope, these two had me swooning.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎧🎧AUDIOBOOK REVIEW🎧🎧

There are not enough hours in the day! A couple of years ago I read my very first Brooke O’Brien book and after it blew me away, I swore to myself I would read a lot more of her work. Ask me if I accomplished that before today. Yeah, no. Ask me if I have 2 of her series already purchased and in my kindle library ready to be read. Yeah, I do. Ask me if either one of those is this series. Spoiler alert, it is not! Okay, enough chit-chat, let’s talk about this story.

First, I don’t know what Lee Samuels is putting in his water lately, but every time I pick up a narration by him it seems to get better. Stefanie Kay and Lee did an outstanding job bringing this story to life for me and their versatility with the different characters and voices was great as well. Eight hours passed like nothing. That’s how easy the listening process was. #winning

Second, from the very beginning I knew I was going to enjoy the heck out of this story because Hayes & Everly were written as adults and acted like adults from the get-go. Yeah, there were moments here and there where I may have rolled my eyes a few times, but then I remembered how old they were, and it all clicked back into place as fast as it hadn’t. I liked everything from the building relationship to the unfolding of the storyline. I liked that, even for their age, they knew what they wanted and went after it. I liked that their chemistry was fiery and they sparked off the page. Honestly, I really liked them!

[kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

at face value, this series is fun, the plot is overall good, some plot holes or fallout of plot but im here for a good time and that's what im getting :D

[Kayla | Kayla Reads Smut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most fake dating tropes are predictable but I did NOT expect the suspenseful twist!

The Plays We Fake by Brooke O'Brien is the second book in the Braysen U Series which is an interconnected standalone college football romance series and follows Hayes and Everly. Hayes is the hot shot tight end for the Brayden U Bulldogs who has a bad-boy reputation. But everything changes after a game that destroys his image which leads to vicious rumors that he can't seem to escape. Everly is a black cat who isn't impressed with Hayes. She thinks he's just a jock until he realizes there is more to him that what most people see. Hayes proposes that he and Everly fake date in hopes of changing his reputation and take some of the pressure off him in the media. They set rules but the problem with rules, they are made to be broken.

📚 Book Tropes:
- College Football Romance
- Hot Jock x Black Cat
- Cinnamon Roll MMC with a Bad Rep
- Aspiring Romance Author FMC
- Opposites Attract
- Fake Dating
- Close Proximity
- Small Town College

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶

💭 My Thoughts: If there is one thing you should know about me... I like the fake dating trope. Is it 100% predicable? Of course but it's the build of the tension for me. And yes, of course this plot is predictable up until about the last 40% when I realized things were going to smoothly for so much of the book left. And then BAM 💥 Brooke hits us with a suspenseful plot twist that I didn't expect or really see coming. I'm not going to talk about what the plot twist it but let's just say Hayes's bad reputation is coming to bit him in the butt and he has to make some really difficult choices. But at the end of the day his choice was simple.

The one piece of criticism I have with this book is I wish I got more of the story regarding the plot twist and suspense. I felt like we just got the tip of what was going on and then it was never fully written on how it played out. I felt like it just went to a new chapter and forgotten about. And this may just be selfish of me wanting more. But overall I did enjoy this book. It is a quick read and since I did not read the first book, it's been added to the TBR and I can't wait for the third one!

*I would like to thank Brooke O'Brien and Grey's Promo for the opportunity to read The Plays We Fake as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Plays We Fake is book 2 in the Braysen U series. It's a great book to follow the first since this MMC is Beckham's twin brother. This book has football, friends/teammates, fake dating, some suspense and a HFN. The book is so well written with such an interesting plot that it keeps you turning those pages and when the end is near you just don't want it to end at all.


Hayes Carved is famous on and off the football field. He's known on the field for being a dirty player and a player off the field. Because of his bad boy reputation he doesn't like media so, when a petite, spitfire with a camera calls him out he can't help but give her a nickname that is opposite of her disposition.

Everly Winthrop is known to be an outspoken grump who has never had a relationship but is aspiring to be a romance writer. She doesn't give a fig about football or the players but she does her roommate and best friend a favor by helping her take pictures of the players she interviews.

Hayes and Everly are assigned to be partners on a marketing project and when they are seen together it draws lots of attention. Hayes comes up with the idea to fake date, after all it will help the both of them. They place rules and boundaries and decide this fake relationship will only last until the season ends.

Surprisingly, they become friends who can only rely on each other. But when Hayes is attacked and Everly threatened he must decide what's more important, plays on the field or playing to get the girl for real.

[Bookjunkie_Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝙏𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙢𝙚 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧... 𝙏𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙢𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙗𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨.”


Brooke O'Brien was a new author for me and apart from this, I've only ever read Beckham's book. I signed up for this because I immensely enjoyed the first book.

Hayes and Everly were an unlikely pair but it works. Their chemistry from the outset was palpable. I was so giddy for these two!

I always enjoy reading sports romance especially when it's new adult/college. Of course the storyline isn't something I haven't read before but I was riveted from start to finish. I wanted more...

This book was more swoon-worthy than the first one—at least for me. Love how Hayes showed his vulnerable side the from the start... love how protective he is... and love how these two were honest with each other and did not play games... there was just the right amount of angst.

I can't wait for the next book!

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hayes & Everly’s story was perfect. Right from the start I loved Everly. She was a sassy little spitfire that had me laughing at how she called Hayes on his behavior in the beginning. She may have been the complete opposite of the kind of girls he’d normally date, but she was exactly what he needed & came into his life at the perfect time. Watching these two go f/friends having a fake relationship to an actual relationship was the best thing. Hayes was the perfect gentleman & how he treated Everly was so incredibly sweet! These two had intense chemistry right f/the start & were perfect together!
This was a great read that had me f/the start. I can’t wait for Reed’s story next!

[BookishRaquel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐
Heat Rating: 3/5 🌶️
Audiobook 5/5 🎧

What to Expect:
- Sports Romance (College Football)
- Fake Dating
- Opposites Attract
- Close Proximity
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Cinnamon Roll MMC
- Aspiring Romance Author FMC
- Suspense
- Secrets Revealed

The Plays We Fake is book two in the Braysen U series. After reading book one, I had some questions. I was so happy to return to Braysen U and get some answers.

This book follows Hayes and Everly. Hayes is an all-star college football player with a bad boy image. Due to an unfortunate play that injured another player, he was labeled a dirty player. No matter what he does, he can't shake being portrayed negatively by the media. Enter Everly. She marches to the beat of her own drum, a black cat of sorts, and wants nothing to do with Hayes. Hayes needs to turn his reputation around, so he proposes a fake dating plan. Everly decides the plan will be mutually beneficial and agrees. Neither of them expected their fake dating to turn into something real.

I love how Brooke gives us the best romance tropes with an added element of suspense. I generally can figure out plot twists, but I did not expect this one. I adored Hayes and Everly. Hayes is a man all the women want, but once he spends time with Everly, she is the only woman with his attention. Hayes calls Everly Sunshine, but she is far from it. They are an unlikely match, but they fit well together. Hayes and Everly have amazing chemistry, their banter is fun, and they build a solid connection. The push and pull, their desire to protect each other, and the opposites attract vibes kept me interested. I loved how they learned to trust each other and be vulnerable. I enjoyed the progression of their relationships, and I rooted for them!

The Plays We Fake is a well-written read that had me locked in from the start. I will always be a fan of great friend groups. I loved getting more of Beckham and Hallyn. I definitely want more of Reed, so I can't wait for the next book in this series.

NARRATION:
The narrators, Lee Samuels and Stefanie Kay, did an outstanding job. I could listen to Lee Samuels read just about anything. He did a wonderful job voicing Hayes. I was able to picture a tough, protective, vulnerable, popular college football player. Stefanie was the perfect voice for Everly. She did a wonderful job portraying Everly's black cat vibes. Lee and Stefanie's performance brought the characters to life and kept me engaged while listening.

[Maggie | MagReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Brooke O'Brien writes it, I'm going to read it! 4.5 stars for The Plays We Fake, and it packed so many of my favorite things in one cute little package!

What You Get:
💙grumpy/sunshine
🏈 fake dating
💙 reformed bad boy
🏈 small college town
💙 sports/football romance
🏈 interconnected standalone

Brooke did so much right in this book, especially with the progression of Hayes and Everly's relationship. I liked how the relationship progressed and didn't linger too long in the unknown/unsure phase. These two fell for each other and owned it without that strange vibe that fake dating can bring. I really liked the flow and how time passed easily.

I also really like the friend group going on here. I love how they stand up for each other and support each other through the crazy twists and turns Brooke puts them through. And the twists here kept me guessing and on my toes until the very end!

I really, really enjoyed this book and will most definitely be reading more of Brooke O'Brien in the future!

[Alicia M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

****ARC****

P.S. No trigger warnings are listed but there are mentions of grooming. NOT! strongly. Be aware and remember that your mental health matters.

- 8% in and already a fan of Everly.
- strong FMC and MMC.
- great background stories for each character.
- the push and pull was thrilling.
- flirting was top notch.
- slow burn steam.
- the longing.
- fake dating, total opposites attract, kind of enemies to lovers
- heartbreaking
- protective/possessive MMC despite fake relationship
- they both fell HARD!
- fake where?!?! Lol.
- Holy Moly!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Like I mean HOLY. MOLY! 😏💋
- Reed is a smart one!

What I can say about this book is that it has surprised me. Its started out slow for me and I dont know I didnt feel a connection but as I kept reading on and on, I fell as hard as they did for each other.

I loved the way that they were protective of each other and as much as they both were going through past trauma and present issues, they pushed the other to keep going. They stood their ground and they were themselves from start to end. They had times where they didn't want to but they still did...for each other. They showed up for each other each time without apology.

Now I'm not saying I didnt like the characters from the beginning but something was holding me back and then BOOM! something ignited within the book and I just fell.

I'm intrigued by Reed and cannot wait for his book. I thought his love interest would be someone different but I see the direction this is all going and let's just say I'm REALLY excited. I cant wait for ALL the future projects from this author. It's been an honor reading this book and I love what is being stood up for. Very much!

The overral rating for this book is ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 And I wont say much but trust me when I say you wont be disappointed in the area of🌶🌶🌶🌶🔥🔥🔥🔥. IYKYK!!!! 😏😏😏😏😏

P.S. Make sure to read EVERYTHING! Trust me.

Thanks to Grey's Promotion for selecting me for this ARC and to the author for an amazing book.

[Devonne Hahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC Review *

I started this book yesterday morning and literally read through to the end and had to finish the epilogue this morning because my phone died forcing me to go to bed lol

Everly was epitome of black cat energy with her "don't give a f—k" attitude. Absolutely loved everything about her personality. The way she went for Hayes for the interview was hilarious, grating on his nerves when she could and he couldn't get away with avoiding her. Hayes, oh sweet boy Hayes with the dirty mouth. I loved how he fell for Everly and all the sweet moments that happened between them. You could just feel the chemistry between these two through the book <3 Also, I'm a sucker when a hot guy calls his girl sunshine and the pet name throughout this book was just swoony! Even I was feeling a certain way when he called her sunshine or Sunny.

My only take is the mistaken identity moment in the beginning, I feel like that would be more hurtful to a girl who was mistaken for the wrong girl. I mean I felt the sting of that but then again, Everly isn't your typical girl.

Overall, loved this story as much as I loved first book in the series. If you love college football romance with Virgin FMC & the MMC falls first, then this book is for you :)

Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️

[Father Lib · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Small Town + College Football Romance + Fake Dating = YES YES YES !

Everly Winthrop is the shy, quiet, overlooked girl who has never had a boyfriend and lives life on the sidelines . While Hayes Carver is the outgoing, star football player, loved by all and the ultimate ladies man . That is until the media spins a play that leaves Hayes coming out as the bad guy . The two of them end up as partners for a project in their marketing class where they come to the conclusion that fake dating could solve both of their problems . But it’s not long before there is nothing fake about what’s happening between them .

This was my first book by Brooke O’Brien but it certainly won’t be my last ! I absolutely loved the smalltown, one tree hill, vibes that came with this read - plus this is one of the best opposites attract that I have read this year . Not to mention there is an element of romantic suspense woven throughout the plot that was fantastic and kept you guessing up until the end . The two of them have such fiery chemistry and the best banter together that you can’t help but love them from the very start . I need to read book one immediately and can’t wait for book three !

This is book two in the Braysen U series and it can be read as a complete stand alone .

This audiobook was given to me for honest review from The Author Agency .

[Maggie's Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Format: Audiobook

Performance: 4.5 ★
Story: 4.75 ★
Overall: 4.5 ★

Another new author for me to love! I was definitely entertained by Ms. O'Brien's writing and characters. The Plays we Fake is a college sports romance with humor and tinge of suspense.

Both Hayes and Everly were easy to like and relate to. However, it was Reed who captured my attention towards the end. His skill was a surprise and something I rarely read on a sports romance novel. It made me more excited for his own book.

Also, the narrators did an awesome job in giving a voice to the main characters. Overall, whether you read the book or listen to the audiobook, it's a novel easily enjoyed

Thank you for the digital alc. Everything in this review has been written willing fully.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Instagram/tiktok @maggies.nook

𝘐𝘧 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘵! 𝘔𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯. 𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥.🥰

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

[XxLaVampiresaAlexisxX · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Plays We Fake is the second book in the Braysen U series. This can be read as a standalone. But each book is interconnected.

You have:
*Sports Romance (Football)
*Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine
*Opposites Attract
*Cinnamon Roll MMC
* Introverted FMC
*Fake Dating
*Sensitive content--mentioned only
*HEA

Story:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
This is actually my introduction to this series. I am such a sucker for these fake dating books, with a cinnamon roll MMC. OmG, Hayes is so adorable, yet very 🥵. From the very beginning, I knew I was going to fall for him. Him and Everly and Hayes together, legit fireworks. This story had grabbed me from the very beginning. Can't wait to read/listen more from this series.

Narration:
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Lee Samuels and Stefanie Kay did a brilliant job of bringing these characters to life. I did feel that at times it felt a bit monotone, but overall I enjoyed it and will listen again!

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fake dating, college football book will have you swooning and being on the edge of your seat at the same time. The fake dating trope may be predictable but the sub plot drama that is happening makes it anything but a regular fake dating book.

This is the second book the in Braysen U series, but can be read as a standalone. He’s the jock with a bad reputation, she’s the aspiring author who sees beyond the stories about him. When he proposes that they fake date in the hope of changing his reputation and take some of the pressure off him in the media, she reluctantly agrees. But they have to have rules. But of course, rules are made to be broken.

“I’m trying to be sweet and take my time, but I meant what I said, Sunny. I f—kin’ need you right now, and I’m trying not to ruin what we have.”

Thank you @authorbrookeobrien for the advanced e-ARC to review. I’m so hooked on this series and am patiently awaiting the next is the series.

4 stars

[Hayley Gallant · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5 (rounded up)

Wow. This book was so so so good!

I am such a huge sports romance fan and this one definitely didn't disappoint.

I was a big fan of the FMC Everly and found her so relatable and refreshing. She was timid and easy going, but was great at putting the MMC in his place.

This story kills it with the fake dating trope that turns into a real relationship ... and also adds a dash of suspense that I loved!

You get:
• Sports Romance (Football)
• Fake Dating
• Spicy
• Dual POV
• Virgin FMC
• Opposites Attract
• Cinnamon Roll MMC - With A Bad Reputation

I can't wait to go back and read the prequel novella and book one of this series! You should check out this series too on Amazon.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Sometimes the one is right in front of you, and had you been paying attention, you would’ve seen them there all along.”

Brooke O’Brien always captures my attention with her amazing storytelling and incredible characters. The Plays We Fake is no different!! If you’re looking for a college sports romance that features a black cat FMC, a cinnamon roll jock, and lots of fake dating, check out this book!

Everly is the epitome of a black cat heroine. She doesn’t care what anyone says and will tell people exactly what comes to her mind. Despite her tough exterior, she goes through some inner struggles. I found myself resonating deeply with her character. Throughout the book, she is able to open up to Hayes and share her emotions with others. Hayes is absolutely adorable! He has an extremely interesting storyline which leads him to meet the love of his life. He’s depicted as a football player with a bad reputation, but in reality he’s such a sweetheart that cares deeply.

The romance in this book is so good. Everly and Hayes embark in a fake relationship which eventually leads to friendship and something more. Readers will be blushing and swooning as they read! I definitely recommend reading this book!

[Janiyah :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ 3.25 🌶️

I liked this book, and I liked Everly and Hayes! It’s another great addition to the series.

Everly is a very private person and is an introvert, Hayes is the complete opposite in a sense but is currently facing some troubles of his own. This causes the pair to come up with a plan to help each other.

Their relationship was cute! While everything started as fake you could tell how much they both were starting to care and bond with one another! They both were there for each other no matter what and this helped their love grow!💙

[Chealsey (Grace_lynn_reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so happy that we got Hayes and Everly's story. I really enjoyed reading it and was not expecting it to go the way that it did. I was hooked from the beginning and could not stop. Hayes and Everly were so adorable and even though their relationship was fake at first, we got to see how much they really cared for each other.

This is a small town, fake dating, football romance with some spice and I really liked it. I would definitely recommend this whole series. Thank you, Brooke O'Brien, for sending me an ARC of The Plays We Fake.

[Mandy’s Spicy Book Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Plays We Fake is second in stand alone series of Brayson University. This book is Hayes and Everly story. She’s the girl hidden from the in crowd, never had a relationship and always guarded. Well that’s until Hayes works his way into her world.

Hayes is the star football player, everyone’s friend and loves to party. He unfortunately suffers backlash from the media for a play he was involved in. It didn’t end well for the other player. He can’t seem to catch a break when his girlfriend who doesn’t want a commitment only hookups.

Everly and Hayes are paired for a marketing class project. To help each other’s predicament they agree to fake date. The fake dating lines get blurred and both find themselves wanting more. He tells her: “Sunny, you already know you’re the only woman I’ll ever get on my knees for.” Swooning!!!

If you are looking for small town college sports romance book, then this is definitely a must read! Looking forward to what she brings in the next book.

[Cyndie Tomkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in this collage football series and is Hayes and Everlys book. I did not read book 1, but this did not in any way take anything from this book. This is a smalltown collage romance with fake dating added to the mix.
Brooke O'brien has done a great job with this book, the twists she adds are fantastic and totally unexpected, and made the book a great page turner!! I am not going to say anymore except you will not be disappointed.
I highly recommend this author, she has never disappointed me yet.
I received an ARC copy from the author and freely give my review

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hayes has a bad reputation as a dirty player. He asks Everly to be his fake girlfriend so he can look better to fans of the sport. Hayes seems like a terrible guy at first but there is more going on with him. Everly agrees to help him . The two end up having a real relationship. Will they make it work or end up with broken hearts?

[Clara Martinez Turco · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm excited to return to Braysen U, especially since we are getting Hayes Carver's story. Despite being in the middle of a media storm after being blamed for a rival team player's injury, he has swagger and charm for days.

Brooke O'Brien's choice to pair Hayes with Everly is a stroke of brilliance. Everly, unapologetic, and outspoken, couldn't care less about Hayes' campus royalty status. She's a force to be reckoned with, a refreshing dark cloud in Hayes' life, which makes it all the more amusing when he starts calling her "Sunshine" and "Sunny."

They strike a fake dating arrangement, hoping to get everyone off Hayes's back. But their set rules are quickly thrown to the wind. The best part is how naturally they strike a friendship and get to know each other, allowing each other to see their vulnerable sides and fears. Everly becomes Hayes' sunshine while she becomes very protective of him. It's adorable!

The story gets even better with the suspense surrounding mysterious texts and rumors. Did I see that twist coming? Not at all. Trust me when I say this college sports romance series is addictive, and so, so good.

[Gwen Melton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read The Plays We Fake after listening to the first book in the series! I dare say I loved this one even more! I adored Hayes' character and his growth throughout this book. And oh Everly, I loved her sassiness in the beginning and then how supportive she was of Hayes. This book just absolutely made me swoon! I also listened to the audio version, and again Lee Samuels and Stephanie Kay did an amazing job narrating the book! I can't wait to read Reed's story!

[Katja ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a sports romance with lots of spice 🔥🥵 this is it!!! This audio book was really good. The narrators Stephanie Kay and Lee Samuels were amazing, they really matched Hayes and Everly’s personalities. The story was captivating, keeping the focus on the MC’s while also introducing side characters that made the story whole.
There’s smexy time, all the drama, and hurt but also funny scenes, amazing friendships and all the feels.
Hayes and Ev are adorable, I’ve enjoyed seeing their friendship develop. The nickname Hayes gives Everly is super adorbs 🥰

[bookspaced · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Plays we Fake is the first book I have read by author Brooke O'Brien and it for sure will not be my last!
I listened to an audiobook of this story and omg! When I tell you I was in my feels I certrainly was!

Hayes and Everly are two characters I thoroughly enjoyed. Their fake relationship was one I loved to read about!

5 Stars!

[Kaity · Rating 5 out of 5]

They were so damn cute

[veraagoti · Rating 4 out of 5]

i would do this review later, but i love it!

[Halle Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars ⭐️