What do you think?
Rate this book
The System #3
Fake Game
Jackson Lau does not want a girlfriend.
His family, however, has other plans.
Subjecting to him blind date after blind date, he doesn’t know how to make this hellish experience end.
Until the solution quite literally moves into his penthouse.
Deer is only supposed to be living with him temporarily, a fellow video game streamer escaping her online stalkers.
Offering to play the role of Jackson’s fake girlfriend is a small price to pay—even if the grump doesn’t seem that happy about the idea.
But as the threats around Deer start to turn more dangerous, Jackson must figure out how they are going to survive this fake game…
**
FAKE GAME is the third standalone romance in The System series, which follows three rich and famous video game streamers as they fall in love. Happily ever after is guaranteed & no cheating. You can read this book without reading the others in the series.
His family, however, has other plans.
Subjecting to him blind date after blind date, he doesn’t know how to make this hellish experience end.
Until the solution quite literally moves into his penthouse.
Deer is only supposed to be living with him temporarily, a fellow video game streamer escaping her online stalkers.
Offering to play the role of Jackson’s fake girlfriend is a small price to pay—even if the grump doesn’t seem that happy about the idea.
But as the threats around Deer start to turn more dangerous, Jackson must figure out how they are going to survive this fake game…
**
FAKE GAME is the third standalone romance in The System series, which follows three rich and famous video game streamers as they fall in love. Happily ever after is guaranteed & no cheating. You can read this book without reading the others in the series.
411 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2024
105 people are currently reading
2496 people want to read
About the author
Madison Fox
5 books648 followersMadison Fox was born and raised in Australia but has been living in the United States for the past decade. While she still watches Australian football every Sunday, she currently lives in Nevada as a cat mum to Zelda (yes, based on the video game).
When Madison isn’t reading or writing a new book, she can be found drowning in one of her other obsessions, such as k-dramas, manga, anime, video games, and espresso martinis.
GOOD GAME is her debut romance novel.
When Madison isn’t reading or writing a new book, she can be found drowning in one of her other obsessions, such as k-dramas, manga, anime, video games, and espresso martinis.
GOOD GAME is her debut romance novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
August 9, 2025
"Sometimes you have to let people in so you can take a break for fresh air."
Jackson Lau.
One of the most famous video game streamers in the world.
Also known as "Shield" - the green mask of "The System".
That's who he is online.
But offline he can't seem to get off his family's radar.
Especially when it comes to him getting a girlfriend.
But Jackson doesn't want one.
That's when the solution conveniently finds its way into his penthouse.
Deer. Also a streamer offers to play the role of his fake girlfriend.
But the fake game is about to become a whole lot more dangerous.
"It's becoming something more than that. She sucks me into her orbit without even trying."
I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review 💚🎮
"This woman is going to kill my sanity."
I have had the amazing pleasure of ARC reading the full series and I legit cannot get this world out of my head.
This world is literally the definition of fun - I mean masked video gamers - already signed up and in line and this book was no different.
"She acts like a princess who doesn't need the knight to keep her safe, but that doesn't stop me from wanting to stand guard."
Jackson legit being broody and possessive while Deer taking no shit and she knows it. Their relationship and their banter was so much fun to read and their spice was just (*insert me fanning myself with my kindle here*). The mystery of the plot really added (imo) and takes dangerous turns that honestly shows Jackson's possessiveness and I am all here for it. Also Deer is amazing - fell in love with both of them so quickly 💚
"Even when she tries to tamp down her shine, she still sparkles like no one else I've met."
Playlist is giving video game vibes (and of course I added Madison Fox's amazing playlist) but these are the songs that I added 💚💋🎮
(Link - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/31O... )
🎶 "RE-IGNITION" - VALORANT, ARB4, Jazz Alonso, Emei
🎶 "Can You Feel My Heart" - MOTHICA
🎶 "Panic Room - Nightcore" - Au/Ra
🎶 "Control" - Zoe Wees
🎶 "play pretend" - margo
🎶 "Attention" - NIGHTBREAKERS
🎶 "Fake Fiction" - Picturesque
🎶 "Not OK" - Robert Grace
🎶 "Shackles" - Steven Rodriguez
🎶 "Beauty" - Layto
🎶 "R U Mine?" - Arctic Monkeys
🎶 "Take Me Away - Cover" - Meet Me @ The Altar
🎶 "Fake Happy" - Paramore
🎶 "F.I.N.E." - Too Close To Touch
🎶 "BRAT" - Chrissy Chlapecka
🎶 "She's So Nice" - Pink Guy
🎶 "Wonder" - Shawn Mendes
🎶 "Cologne" - SM6
🎶 "Rush" - Troye Sivan
🎶 "Body" - Rosenfeld
🎶 "6 Underground" - Sneaker Pimps
🎶 "WOW - Remix" - Zara Larsson, Sabrina Carpenter
🎶 "On My Mind" - Ellie Goulding
🎶 "Espresso - Double Shot Version" - Sabrina Carpenter
🎶 "Taste" - Ari Abdul
🎶 "BABYDOLL" - Ari Abdul
🎶 "FU In My Head" - Cloudy June
🎶 "Nightmare" - UNDREAM, Neoni
🎶 "Chills - Dark Version" - Mickey Valen, Joey Myron
🎶 "Rude Boy" - Rihanna
🎶 "Enter Sandman" - Alessia Cara, The Warning
🎶 "Suffocate City" - The Funeral Portrait, Ice Nine Kills
🎶 "Lonely" - Noah Cyrus
🎶 "Smells Like Sex" - Sizzy Rocket
🎶 "Lose Control" - Teddy Swims
🎶 "Guess" - Charli xcx, Billie Eilish
🎶 "Like Real People Do" - Hozier
🎶 "Dandelions - slowed + reverb" - Ruth B.
🎶 "Nails" - Call Me Karizma
🎶 "dancing in the kitchen" - LANY
🎶 "HEARTBEAT" - Isabel LaRosa
🎶 "butterflies" - GAYLE
🎶 "Addicted" - Saving Abel
🎶 "Do It For Me" - Rosenfeld
🎶 "Paint The Town Blue" - Ashnikko
🎶 "Playground" - Baby Tate, Bea Miller
🎶 "eyes don't lie sped up" - Isabel LaRosa
🎶 "HONEY (ARE U COMING?)" - Maneskin
🎶 "Too Sweet" - Hozier
🎶 "Lipstick" - Charlie Puth
🎶 "Touch" - Little Mix
🎶 "Harder To Breathe" - Letdown.
🎶 "I JUST REMEMBERED I HATE YOU" - lil aaron
🎶 "Human" - Rag'n'Bone Man
🎶 "Final Nail" - Taylor Acorn, Charlotte Sands
🎶 "Overnight x Le Monde" - surround., ((((())))
🎶 "BLURRY" - Neoni
🎶 "KNIVES" - Neoni, Savage Ga$p
🎶 "Good Enough" - Little Mix
🎶 "Play" - K-391, Alan Walker, Tungevaag, Mangoo
🎶 "Dazed & Confused" - Ruel
🎶 "Collide (Sped Up Remix)" - Justine Skye, Tyga
🎶 "crushcrushcrush" - Paramore
🎶 "Fade In / Fade Out" - NOTHING MORE
🎶 "The Color Violet" - Tory Lanez
🎶 "Toxic Pony" - ALTEGO, Britney Spears, Ginuwine
🎶 "Devil in Her Eyes" - Bryce Savage
🎶 "Fantasise" - Ariana Grande
🎶 "S&M - Nightcore Version" - Rain Paris
🎶 "No Mercy" - Austin Giorgio
🎶 "Eat Your Young" - Hozier
🎶 "Dirtier Thoughts" - Nation Haven
🎶 "You Put a Spell on Me" - Austin Giorgio
🎶 "Dirrty" - Christina Aguilera, Redman
🎶 "Soaked - Sped Up" - Shy Smith
🎶 "greedy" - Tate McRae
🎶 "Desire" - MEG MYERS
🎶 "Just My Type" - The Vamps
🎶 "Unwritten" - Natasha Bedingfield
🎶 "nameless" - Stevie Howie
🎶 "Drinking with Cupid" - VOILA
🎶 "To My Knees" - Two Feet
🎶 "Drop Dead Gorgeous" - VOILA
🎶 "Like A God" - Lia Marie Johnson
🎶 "I Was Made For Lovin' You" - YUNGBLUD
🎶 "BREATHING UNDERWATER" - Hot Milk
🎶 "Hear Seeker" - DREAMERS, grandson
🎶 "LET THE WORLD BURN - Sped Up" - Chris Grey
🎶 "Hesitate" - Jonas Brothers
🎶 "Afterlife" - Hailee Steinfeld
🎶 "Going Ghost" - Jeris Johnson
🎶 "Mine" - Sleep Token
🎶 "Chokehold" - Austin Giorgio
🎶 "Style (Taylor's Version)" - Taylor Swift
🎶 "Dangerous Woman" - Halocene
🎶 "Juno" - Sabrina Carpenter
🎶 "Natural" - THE DRIVER ERA
🎶 "Friday Night Big Screen" - girli
🎶 "Chokehold" - Sleep Token
🎶 "Candy - sped-up" - Doja Cat
🎶 "…Ready For It?" - Taylor Swift
🎶 "needy" - Ariana Grande
🎶 "I Want It All" - Bonnie McKee
🎶 "Like That" - Doja Cat, Gucci Mane
🎶 "My Only Dream Is To Be Loved" - Chrissy Chlapecka
🎶 "I'm yours sped up" - Isabel LaRosa
🎶 "imagine" - Ben Platt
🎶 "Whatever" - Alex Coles
🎶 "Moon" - Austin Giorgio
And you know The System serves with the spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
"Just think how pretty this mouth would look with a gag in it."
"Such a dirty girl. I wonder if you’ll make that same face when you’re full of my cock."
"That's it, baby. Scream for me. Show me how eager my little slut it."
💚 Tropes 💚
🎮 Fake Dating (Reluctantly)
🎮 Grumpy x Sunshine
🎮 Height Difference
🎮 Spicy Rope Play
🎮 Video Gamers
🎮 Protective MMC
Book Edit - https://www.instagram.com/p/DB_8FASg-...
Jackson Lau.
One of the most famous video game streamers in the world.
Also known as "Shield" - the green mask of "The System".
That's who he is online.
But offline he can't seem to get off his family's radar.
Especially when it comes to him getting a girlfriend.
But Jackson doesn't want one.
That's when the solution conveniently finds its way into his penthouse.
Deer. Also a streamer offers to play the role of his fake girlfriend.
But the fake game is about to become a whole lot more dangerous.
"It's becoming something more than that. She sucks me into her orbit without even trying."
I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review 💚🎮
"This woman is going to kill my sanity."
I have had the amazing pleasure of ARC reading the full series and I legit cannot get this world out of my head.
This world is literally the definition of fun - I mean masked video gamers - already signed up and in line and this book was no different.
"She acts like a princess who doesn't need the knight to keep her safe, but that doesn't stop me from wanting to stand guard."
Jackson legit being broody and possessive while Deer taking no shit and she knows it. Their relationship and their banter was so much fun to read and their spice was just (*insert me fanning myself with my kindle here*). The mystery of the plot really added (imo) and takes dangerous turns that honestly shows Jackson's possessiveness and I am all here for it. Also Deer is amazing - fell in love with both of them so quickly 💚
"Even when she tries to tamp down her shine, she still sparkles like no one else I've met."
Playlist is giving video game vibes (and of course I added Madison Fox's amazing playlist) but these are the songs that I added 💚💋🎮
(Link - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/31O... )
🎶 "RE-IGNITION" - VALORANT, ARB4, Jazz Alonso, Emei
🎶 "Can You Feel My Heart" - MOTHICA
🎶 "Panic Room - Nightcore" - Au/Ra
🎶 "Control" - Zoe Wees
🎶 "play pretend" - margo
🎶 "Attention" - NIGHTBREAKERS
🎶 "Fake Fiction" - Picturesque
🎶 "Not OK" - Robert Grace
🎶 "Shackles" - Steven Rodriguez
🎶 "Beauty" - Layto
🎶 "R U Mine?" - Arctic Monkeys
🎶 "Take Me Away - Cover" - Meet Me @ The Altar
🎶 "Fake Happy" - Paramore
🎶 "F.I.N.E." - Too Close To Touch
🎶 "BRAT" - Chrissy Chlapecka
🎶 "She's So Nice" - Pink Guy
🎶 "Wonder" - Shawn Mendes
🎶 "Cologne" - SM6
🎶 "Rush" - Troye Sivan
🎶 "Body" - Rosenfeld
🎶 "6 Underground" - Sneaker Pimps
🎶 "WOW - Remix" - Zara Larsson, Sabrina Carpenter
🎶 "On My Mind" - Ellie Goulding
🎶 "Espresso - Double Shot Version" - Sabrina Carpenter
🎶 "Taste" - Ari Abdul
🎶 "BABYDOLL" - Ari Abdul
🎶 "FU In My Head" - Cloudy June
🎶 "Nightmare" - UNDREAM, Neoni
🎶 "Chills - Dark Version" - Mickey Valen, Joey Myron
🎶 "Rude Boy" - Rihanna
🎶 "Enter Sandman" - Alessia Cara, The Warning
🎶 "Suffocate City" - The Funeral Portrait, Ice Nine Kills
🎶 "Lonely" - Noah Cyrus
🎶 "Smells Like Sex" - Sizzy Rocket
🎶 "Lose Control" - Teddy Swims
🎶 "Guess" - Charli xcx, Billie Eilish
🎶 "Like Real People Do" - Hozier
🎶 "Dandelions - slowed + reverb" - Ruth B.
🎶 "Nails" - Call Me Karizma
🎶 "dancing in the kitchen" - LANY
🎶 "HEARTBEAT" - Isabel LaRosa
🎶 "butterflies" - GAYLE
🎶 "Addicted" - Saving Abel
🎶 "Do It For Me" - Rosenfeld
🎶 "Paint The Town Blue" - Ashnikko
🎶 "Playground" - Baby Tate, Bea Miller
🎶 "eyes don't lie sped up" - Isabel LaRosa
🎶 "HONEY (ARE U COMING?)" - Maneskin
🎶 "Too Sweet" - Hozier
🎶 "Lipstick" - Charlie Puth
🎶 "Touch" - Little Mix
🎶 "Harder To Breathe" - Letdown.
🎶 "I JUST REMEMBERED I HATE YOU" - lil aaron
🎶 "Human" - Rag'n'Bone Man
🎶 "Final Nail" - Taylor Acorn, Charlotte Sands
🎶 "Overnight x Le Monde" - surround., ((((())))
🎶 "BLURRY" - Neoni
🎶 "KNIVES" - Neoni, Savage Ga$p
🎶 "Good Enough" - Little Mix
🎶 "Play" - K-391, Alan Walker, Tungevaag, Mangoo
🎶 "Dazed & Confused" - Ruel
🎶 "Collide (Sped Up Remix)" - Justine Skye, Tyga
🎶 "crushcrushcrush" - Paramore
🎶 "Fade In / Fade Out" - NOTHING MORE
🎶 "The Color Violet" - Tory Lanez
🎶 "Toxic Pony" - ALTEGO, Britney Spears, Ginuwine
🎶 "Devil in Her Eyes" - Bryce Savage
🎶 "Fantasise" - Ariana Grande
🎶 "S&M - Nightcore Version" - Rain Paris
🎶 "No Mercy" - Austin Giorgio
🎶 "Eat Your Young" - Hozier
🎶 "Dirtier Thoughts" - Nation Haven
🎶 "You Put a Spell on Me" - Austin Giorgio
🎶 "Dirrty" - Christina Aguilera, Redman
🎶 "Soaked - Sped Up" - Shy Smith
🎶 "greedy" - Tate McRae
🎶 "Desire" - MEG MYERS
🎶 "Just My Type" - The Vamps
🎶 "Unwritten" - Natasha Bedingfield
🎶 "nameless" - Stevie Howie
🎶 "Drinking with Cupid" - VOILA
🎶 "To My Knees" - Two Feet
🎶 "Drop Dead Gorgeous" - VOILA
🎶 "Like A God" - Lia Marie Johnson
🎶 "I Was Made For Lovin' You" - YUNGBLUD
🎶 "BREATHING UNDERWATER" - Hot Milk
🎶 "Hear Seeker" - DREAMERS, grandson
🎶 "LET THE WORLD BURN - Sped Up" - Chris Grey
🎶 "Hesitate" - Jonas Brothers
🎶 "Afterlife" - Hailee Steinfeld
🎶 "Going Ghost" - Jeris Johnson
🎶 "Mine" - Sleep Token
🎶 "Chokehold" - Austin Giorgio
🎶 "Style (Taylor's Version)" - Taylor Swift
🎶 "Dangerous Woman" - Halocene
🎶 "Juno" - Sabrina Carpenter
🎶 "Natural" - THE DRIVER ERA
🎶 "Friday Night Big Screen" - girli
🎶 "Chokehold" - Sleep Token
🎶 "Candy - sped-up" - Doja Cat
🎶 "…Ready For It?" - Taylor Swift
🎶 "needy" - Ariana Grande
🎶 "I Want It All" - Bonnie McKee
🎶 "Like That" - Doja Cat, Gucci Mane
🎶 "My Only Dream Is To Be Loved" - Chrissy Chlapecka
🎶 "I'm yours sped up" - Isabel LaRosa
🎶 "imagine" - Ben Platt
🎶 "Whatever" - Alex Coles
🎶 "Moon" - Austin Giorgio
And you know The System serves with the spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
"Just think how pretty this mouth would look with a gag in it."
"Such a dirty girl. I wonder if you’ll make that same face when you’re full of my cock."
"That's it, baby. Scream for me. Show me how eager my little slut it."
💚 Tropes 💚
🎮 Fake Dating (Reluctantly)
🎮 Grumpy x Sunshine
🎮 Height Difference
🎮 Spicy Rope Play
🎮 Video Gamers
🎮 Protective MMC
Book Edit - https://www.instagram.com/p/DB_8FASg-...
Read
January 20, 2025Dnfing at 14%
Don't need to see MMC go on dates because his family forcing him.
Also didn't need to know he sneaks around at a club even after knowing the fmc to sleep around..even if he knows he has some unknown feelings for the fmc. And chapter 6 he just got done doing a session with a rope bunny.. don't wanna read more down the road. With "ow"
Don't need to see MMC go on dates because his family forcing him.
Also didn't need to know he sneaks around at a club even after knowing the fmc to sleep around..even if he knows he has some unknown feelings for the fmc. And chapter 6 he just got done doing a session with a rope bunny.. don't wanna read more down the road. With "ow"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2024
We finally get Jackson & Deer's story! Ahhhh! Ya'll are going to love it so much.
I don't have a super coherent review for this because I am a big fan and I also Beta Read this book. But it is my favorite one in the series, for sure! Not only because Madison has improved her storytelling so much, but also because I just care about these characters so much.
This one also felt like it had the highest stakes of the series. There is a real suspense element to this one. Deer is being stalked and this book actually begins with her being swatted while on a live stream. It is traumatic and it leads to some PTSD for her that is completely understandable.
Jackson has been our most mysterious member and I didn't know what to expect but I was excited. He was such an interesting pairing with Deer. They just clicked so well! I loved all the time they spent playing cozy games together and getting to know one another. I was kicking my feet multiple times.
Jackson also has a few secret kinks in his private time. Those were very fun to explore with the both of them. Just a dash of a thrill.
Again, I don't have any critiques of this and so you'll have to make up your own mind but I truly have enjoyed The System and I hope you'll give it a try.
5 Stars
3 on the spice scale
CW: Stalking, swatting, light bondage
*I Beta read a copy of this for the author.*
I don't have a super coherent review for this because I am a big fan and I also Beta Read this book. But it is my favorite one in the series, for sure! Not only because Madison has improved her storytelling so much, but also because I just care about these characters so much.
This one also felt like it had the highest stakes of the series. There is a real suspense element to this one. Deer is being stalked and this book actually begins with her being swatted while on a live stream. It is traumatic and it leads to some PTSD for her that is completely understandable.
Jackson has been our most mysterious member and I didn't know what to expect but I was excited. He was such an interesting pairing with Deer. They just clicked so well! I loved all the time they spent playing cozy games together and getting to know one another. I was kicking my feet multiple times.
Jackson also has a few secret kinks in his private time. Those were very fun to explore with the both of them. Just a dash of a thrill.
Again, I don't have any critiques of this and so you'll have to make up your own mind but I truly have enjoyed The System and I hope you'll give it a try.
5 Stars
3 on the spice scale
CW: Stalking, swatting, light bondage
*I Beta read a copy of this for the author.*
November 6, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
•ARC review•
Release date: November 14th
Madison is here once again to deliver an amazing gamer romance. I’ve been on a fantasy/dark romance quick lately and I was eager to read Fake Game, because it’s a nice break from those genres and I know that The System series delivers oh so well.
Deer being stalked and traumatized, trying to ignore all of what’s wrong in this situation and Jackson barging in to help her out, like a knight in shining mask. Their differences of character was fun to watch; bubbly and sparkly gamer girl vs stoic and disciplined hot famous gamer. The trope of fake relationship was present, not at the forefront. The smut was also present, not a regular occurence (my greedy self was a little disappointed by that in all honesty, gimme more! I wanted that g*g scene so bad). I was glad to meet again The System and their girls, it warmed my heart to witness their casuality all together. A solid 4 stars for me!
Thanks so much to Madison for the arc, I could never get enough of your books, they broach sensitive subjects and yet they still are a balm to my little black heart 🖤
🎮Gamers romance
🎮Fake dating
🎮St@lker (not the fun kind)
🎮Trauma
🎮Family expectations
🎮Grumpy/sunshine
🌶️🌶️/5
•ARC review•
Release date: November 14th
Madison is here once again to deliver an amazing gamer romance. I’ve been on a fantasy/dark romance quick lately and I was eager to read Fake Game, because it’s a nice break from those genres and I know that The System series delivers oh so well.
Deer being stalked and traumatized, trying to ignore all of what’s wrong in this situation and Jackson barging in to help her out, like a knight in shining mask. Their differences of character was fun to watch; bubbly and sparkly gamer girl vs stoic and disciplined hot famous gamer. The trope of fake relationship was present, not at the forefront. The smut was also present, not a regular occurence (my greedy self was a little disappointed by that in all honesty, gimme more! I wanted that g*g scene so bad). I was glad to meet again The System and their girls, it warmed my heart to witness their casuality all together. A solid 4 stars for me!
Thanks so much to Madison for the arc, I could never get enough of your books, they broach sensitive subjects and yet they still are a balm to my little black heart 🖤
🎮Gamers romance
🎮Fake dating
🎮St@lker (not the fun kind)
🎮Trauma
🎮Family expectations
🎮Grumpy/sunshine
April 9, 2025
Extra Stars for the Stardew Valley references 😍💖💚
November 29, 2024
Gamers: the most oppressed marginalized group. For years, we were mocked in schools, called nerds and dweebs and losers, maybe even had our heads flushed in toilets. Now, of course, times have changed. The humble gamer can rise about their station and actually make a living out of their hobby. No, not by making video games (those are the real nerds), but by playing them. Get Gud isn’t just a funny catchphrase you say to your friend who still thinks Samus is from Halo, but there are thousands of people who make an honest living out of bodying other people. Video games have never been more popular, and the industry shows no signs of stopping.
So when people like Madison Fox decide to appropriate our culture for their own kind of profit, I, of course, have to take a look.
(Also, upon further research, it seems she’s besties with Tate James and Sophie Lark, another crime those two will pay for someday.)
For the record, I don’t think Fox is a fake gamer because she plays the sims. I fully respect my gamer girlie friends who spend 3k on a set up just to make their little guys in HD. I’m calling Fox a fake gamer because she thinks the only types of cozy games that exist are farming sims. Games like A Short Hike, Season, Mika and the Witch’s Tower, Abzu, and more don’t revolve at all around farming, and it would have been nice to at least feel like the author cares about gaming. The “cozy genre” has exploded in the past few years, and I’m even MORE shocked that someone like her didn’t take the CLEAR path and let Jackson and Deer play cozy horror games. Graveyard keeper, a space for the unbound, Birth, Dredge (one of my personal picks), What Remains of Edith Finch, Suicide of Rachel Foster…I could go on and on. Take some inspiration there!!!
I’m not letting this one slide, Fox, your knockoff league of legends game (it’s called god's league come on) is a MOBA, not an MMO. Christ. If you’re going to rip off video games (even though The Sims is mentioned???) at least try to get the genre right.
Even then, the gender essentialism is an ick too. Of course the cutesy tiny petite girl wears all pink and only plays cozy games (funny enough I do know a streamer with that aesthetic but they’re tall + frequently play shooters) and the bighugelarge muscular man who wears all black plays horror games. It’s so stereotypical, which is funny because I’m also in a grumpy/sunshine relationship where I’m the former (currently wearing all black as I type this) but I adore cozy games, along with platformers, action/adventure games (particularly hack and slash), and really anything that isn't an FPS that catches my eye. ADDING ON, it seems like every single woman in this book is 5’ even and all the men are bighugelarge with 24 packs. I think if I showed Madison Fox my 5’6 buff girlfriend she might have a conniption.
The plot itself is pretty bare bones and mostly there to be used as a launchpad to get Deer and Jackson to live together. Which I’ll get back to. The main plot was that Deer is being stalked by a group called Deer Hunters, which…I’ll also get back to that, but it was so bare bones and forgot it affected the plot. Jackson’s plotline revolved around his strict family. I will not comment on this because I'm not sure how accurate it is to other strict Chinese families, so I’ll let someone with more expertise say if this is done well or not. I will say, the back half of the novel is certainly better than the first half, but even then.
Deer is our FMC, and I have…very little to say about her. She’s fine for what she is, honestly. I wish she ate something in the book other than junk food because women Can Eat (and, of course, she’s also somehow super skinny), but honestly, that is a nitpick. Also, there’s just a random one-off mention that she’s bi, or at least bi-curious. This is never explored in any detail and only brought up as a throwaway line when she talked about past sexual experiences.
The one thing I REALLY liked was how Deer’s anxiety was handled. Streaming is already a gamble when it comes to whether or not you’ll be successful, but add on harassment and the threat of being doxxed just because some chucklefuck is bored, someday is terrifying. Her anxiety is treated with the severity it deserves, and a lot of passages where she struggles are well done. I honestly wish this book was just all about the healing process with less of a focus on romance but we can’t always have what we want.
Jackson…oh, jackson. With the exaggerated swagger of a store brand Corpse Husband, he's officially in the running for worst male love interest of the year. I’m not even gonna go into why I hate him. In fact, I’ll just drop the whole list of red flags that he never apologizes for, nevermind grows out of. Ready?:
-the entirety of chapter 6
-calling her sparkles like she's some kind of 12 year old (throughout the book, personal ick)
-refusing to let her go back to her apartment which she still pays for (that's kidnapping, babes!) (chapter 7)
-adding onto that, forcing her to stay in the same apartment building as the system and not giving her a discounted rate (chapter 7) ((if you're gonna force a woman to stay away from her apartment at the very least you can give it to her at a discounted rate ONE OF YOUR FRIENDS IS A BILLIONARE. MAKE HIM PAY FOR IT)
-“Let me get one thing straight,” Jackson uses the controller to punctuate his words, “I could date any of those women if I wanted to. I just don’t.” (chapter eight) (ew ew ew )
-It’s been three days, and I’m seriously starting to question my decision to bring her here. She is everywhere, even when she isn’t. Pieces of her linger around the apartment, and my bedroom is starting to take on her brown sugar scent. (chapter 9) (DUDE YOU LITERALLY DID THIS. YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO COMPLAIN WHEN YOU KIDNAPPED HER YOU LIMP DICK TROGLODYTE)
-“Don’t deflect.” Jackson reaches out and grips my chin between this thumb and forefinger, turning my head toward him. (chapter 10) (ew ew ew don't touch her GET A JOB YOU BROKE ASS TWITCH SLUT)
-“Or you can just let it eat you alive, up to you.” (chapter 10) (THAT'S NOT WHAT YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHOS TRAUMATIZED)
-forcing himself to go with her to the nail salon ("her body goes slack with submission) (chapter 13) (EWWWWW)
-getting angry/insecure that deer even SAYS the name of another man (gross over possessiveness! Ew) (ch 13)
-straight up not being interested/being dismissive of her interests (yes i know he plays one of her otome games but considering how much she plays his horror games…dude) (ch 13)
-Jackson straight up kidnapping Deer again and refusing to give her more information despite her wanting to know what's going on after some stranger finds out her real name and subtly threatens her (ch 23)
The fact that this man is continually so overbearing throughout the novel is a massive ick. It’s not cute or romantic, it’s suffocating. Especially towards the end where I was honestly screaming at him to just LEAVE HER THE FUCK ALONE FOR ONCE. GOD
This makes the romance feel so unbelievable. Even in the back half of the book where Jackson actually starts acting like a man, I still can’t forgive the litany of red flags this man displayed. But no, because for some reason, modern authors think it’s super sexy when men use their strength to make women do whatever they want and be constantly dismissive. And even then, it feels constantly reinforced that Deer, our sassy and spunky fmc, needed a man to pull her out of her trauma hole.
The sex scenes…yawn, whatever. Boring heterosexual nonsense. Nothing I haven’t seen before and nothing is treading new ground. Same old bighugelarge man dominating an itty bitty tiny woman. At least here Jackson understands consent!
I know I shouldn’t expect peak fiction from women who clearly can’t write romance, and yet I somehow keep going back. Maybe it’s my fault for expecting more from other women. Ladies, stand up. Love yourselves. Overprotective and dominating men aren’t going to ever be hot and sexy to any woman with a brain cell or two. And to y’all saying I’m just a hater, well, I think you are nitpicking and biased, I win, bye bye, shut the goodreads website down.
So when people like Madison Fox decide to appropriate our culture for their own kind of profit, I, of course, have to take a look.
(Also, upon further research, it seems she’s besties with Tate James and Sophie Lark, another crime those two will pay for someday.)
For the record, I don’t think Fox is a fake gamer because she plays the sims. I fully respect my gamer girlie friends who spend 3k on a set up just to make their little guys in HD. I’m calling Fox a fake gamer because she thinks the only types of cozy games that exist are farming sims. Games like A Short Hike, Season, Mika and the Witch’s Tower, Abzu, and more don’t revolve at all around farming, and it would have been nice to at least feel like the author cares about gaming. The “cozy genre” has exploded in the past few years, and I’m even MORE shocked that someone like her didn’t take the CLEAR path and let Jackson and Deer play cozy horror games. Graveyard keeper, a space for the unbound, Birth, Dredge (one of my personal picks), What Remains of Edith Finch, Suicide of Rachel Foster…I could go on and on. Take some inspiration there!!!
I’m not letting this one slide, Fox, your knockoff league of legends game (it’s called god's league come on) is a MOBA, not an MMO. Christ. If you’re going to rip off video games (even though The Sims is mentioned???) at least try to get the genre right.
Even then, the gender essentialism is an ick too. Of course the cutesy tiny petite girl wears all pink and only plays cozy games (funny enough I do know a streamer with that aesthetic but they’re tall + frequently play shooters) and the bighugelarge muscular man who wears all black plays horror games. It’s so stereotypical, which is funny because I’m also in a grumpy/sunshine relationship where I’m the former (currently wearing all black as I type this) but I adore cozy games, along with platformers, action/adventure games (particularly hack and slash), and really anything that isn't an FPS that catches my eye. ADDING ON, it seems like every single woman in this book is 5’ even and all the men are bighugelarge with 24 packs. I think if I showed Madison Fox my 5’6 buff girlfriend she might have a conniption.
The plot itself is pretty bare bones and mostly there to be used as a launchpad to get Deer and Jackson to live together. Which I’ll get back to. The main plot was that Deer is being stalked by a group called Deer Hunters, which…I’ll also get back to that, but it was so bare bones and forgot it affected the plot. Jackson’s plotline revolved around his strict family. I will not comment on this because I'm not sure how accurate it is to other strict Chinese families, so I’ll let someone with more expertise say if this is done well or not. I will say, the back half of the novel is certainly better than the first half, but even then.
Deer is our FMC, and I have…very little to say about her. She’s fine for what she is, honestly. I wish she ate something in the book other than junk food because women Can Eat (and, of course, she’s also somehow super skinny), but honestly, that is a nitpick. Also, there’s just a random one-off mention that she’s bi, or at least bi-curious. This is never explored in any detail and only brought up as a throwaway line when she talked about past sexual experiences.
The one thing I REALLY liked was how Deer’s anxiety was handled. Streaming is already a gamble when it comes to whether or not you’ll be successful, but add on harassment and the threat of being doxxed just because some chucklefuck is bored, someday is terrifying. Her anxiety is treated with the severity it deserves, and a lot of passages where she struggles are well done. I honestly wish this book was just all about the healing process with less of a focus on romance but we can’t always have what we want.
Jackson…oh, jackson. With the exaggerated swagger of a store brand Corpse Husband, he's officially in the running for worst male love interest of the year. I’m not even gonna go into why I hate him. In fact, I’ll just drop the whole list of red flags that he never apologizes for, nevermind grows out of. Ready?:
-the entirety of chapter 6
-calling her sparkles like she's some kind of 12 year old (throughout the book, personal ick)
-refusing to let her go back to her apartment which she still pays for (that's kidnapping, babes!) (chapter 7)
-adding onto that, forcing her to stay in the same apartment building as the system and not giving her a discounted rate (chapter 7) ((if you're gonna force a woman to stay away from her apartment at the very least you can give it to her at a discounted rate ONE OF YOUR FRIENDS IS A BILLIONARE. MAKE HIM PAY FOR IT)
-“Let me get one thing straight,” Jackson uses the controller to punctuate his words, “I could date any of those women if I wanted to. I just don’t.” (chapter eight) (ew ew ew )
-It’s been three days, and I’m seriously starting to question my decision to bring her here. She is everywhere, even when she isn’t. Pieces of her linger around the apartment, and my bedroom is starting to take on her brown sugar scent. (chapter 9) (DUDE YOU LITERALLY DID THIS. YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO COMPLAIN WHEN YOU KIDNAPPED HER YOU LIMP DICK TROGLODYTE)
-“Don’t deflect.” Jackson reaches out and grips my chin between this thumb and forefinger, turning my head toward him. (chapter 10) (ew ew ew don't touch her GET A JOB YOU BROKE ASS TWITCH SLUT)
-“Or you can just let it eat you alive, up to you.” (chapter 10) (THAT'S NOT WHAT YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHOS TRAUMATIZED)
-forcing himself to go with her to the nail salon ("her body goes slack with submission) (chapter 13) (EWWWWW)
-getting angry/insecure that deer even SAYS the name of another man (gross over possessiveness! Ew) (ch 13)
-straight up not being interested/being dismissive of her interests (yes i know he plays one of her otome games but considering how much she plays his horror games…dude) (ch 13)
-Jackson straight up kidnapping Deer again and refusing to give her more information despite her wanting to know what's going on after some stranger finds out her real name and subtly threatens her (ch 23)
The fact that this man is continually so overbearing throughout the novel is a massive ick. It’s not cute or romantic, it’s suffocating. Especially towards the end where I was honestly screaming at him to just LEAVE HER THE FUCK ALONE FOR ONCE. GOD
This makes the romance feel so unbelievable. Even in the back half of the book where Jackson actually starts acting like a man, I still can’t forgive the litany of red flags this man displayed. But no, because for some reason, modern authors think it’s super sexy when men use their strength to make women do whatever they want and be constantly dismissive. And even then, it feels constantly reinforced that Deer, our sassy and spunky fmc, needed a man to pull her out of her trauma hole.
The sex scenes…yawn, whatever. Boring heterosexual nonsense. Nothing I haven’t seen before and nothing is treading new ground. Same old bighugelarge man dominating an itty bitty tiny woman. At least here Jackson understands consent!
I know I shouldn’t expect peak fiction from women who clearly can’t write romance, and yet I somehow keep going back. Maybe it’s my fault for expecting more from other women. Ladies, stand up. Love yourselves. Overprotective and dominating men aren’t going to ever be hot and sexy to any woman with a brain cell or two. And to y’all saying I’m just a hater, well, I think you are nitpicking and biased, I win, bye bye, shut the goodreads website down.
February 12, 2025
The finale of The System, a gamer romance series, and we have Jackson and Deer. I really like Deer's character and have done throughout the series. I thought her storyline was really interesting in this book too and was invested in the mystery and resolution.
Unfortunately where this book fell flat was with Jackson. I had enjoyed his presence in the first two books but his character seemed very different in this one and I didn't find him very likeable at all, which really impacted my enjoyment of this book. I needed him to open up more, as particularly at the beginning I needed more warmth and care from him towards Deer.
I would still recommend this series to a romance reader, particularly if you enjoy the gaming aspect as this plays a significantly large part in these books. Although I didn't love this book as much as book one, Good Game, I think for a debut romance series Madison Fox has delivered quality writing and a great trilogy.
2.5 stars (rounded down to 2 on Goodreads)
Unfortunately where this book fell flat was with Jackson. I had enjoyed his presence in the first two books but his character seemed very different in this one and I didn't find him very likeable at all, which really impacted my enjoyment of this book. I needed him to open up more, as particularly at the beginning I needed more warmth and care from him towards Deer.
I would still recommend this series to a romance reader, particularly if you enjoy the gaming aspect as this plays a significantly large part in these books. Although I didn't love this book as much as book one, Good Game, I think for a debut romance series Madison Fox has delivered quality writing and a great trilogy.
2.5 stars (rounded down to 2 on Goodreads)
February 15, 2025
This was such a fun, easy read while still exploring some deeper topics. These characters are ones that were featured in the other books and I was excited to get to their story.
I really liked both Deer and Jackson, and they definitely had good chemistry. I'm a sucker for a grumpy, overprotective MMC and that's exactly what Jackson is. Deer shares a lot of similar traits with me, which helped me to feel more connected to her character. I'm also a huge fan of found family, and this series definitely has that.
My main issue was that I feel like there were too many plotlines, and none of them felt fully explored. We had Jackson's issues with his family, Deer's stalker, and then Jackson's kinks (which isn't really a plotline, to be fair, but it felt like it should have been a much bigger topic than it ended up being). I also found like the ending was a bit rushed and we didn't get proper resolutions to some of the conflicts.
Overall though, I really did enjoy this book because of how easy it was to read, the entertainment, and how much I loved the characters.
I really liked both Deer and Jackson, and they definitely had good chemistry. I'm a sucker for a grumpy, overprotective MMC and that's exactly what Jackson is. Deer shares a lot of similar traits with me, which helped me to feel more connected to her character. I'm also a huge fan of found family, and this series definitely has that.
My main issue was that I feel like there were too many plotlines, and none of them felt fully explored. We had Jackson's issues with his family, Deer's stalker, and then Jackson's kinks (which isn't really a plotline, to be fair, but it felt like it should have been a much bigger topic than it ended up being). I also found like the ending was a bit rushed and we didn't get proper resolutions to some of the conflicts.
Overall though, I really did enjoy this book because of how easy it was to read, the entertainment, and how much I loved the characters.
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 The System series review
As a long time lover of video games and reading I truly had no idea that what I was missing in my life was in fact a spicy romance featuring bad boy masked man gamers. Along with spice, romance, and tons of great video game references these books all also have tiny bits of mystery that while semi predictable were fun and enjoyable to follow along. As a gamer myself I really enjoyed the inclusion of gamer terms through out each book and that a glossary is included for any readers who may not as be familiar with these terms. Each book features one of the 3 gamer boys famously known as “The System”. And while the trio may have fame and success they still prefer to keep their identities concealed opting to wear their own purge style LED masks for any live streams, gamer awards, and promotional events.To add to the things I enjoyed in each of these books they also have character art of each couple and some awesome Spotify playlists to go with each books vibes.
•Good Game: Book 1 features The System’s founder and leader Aleksander and artist Stevie (Stephanie). I mean it’s a gamer romance with a bad boy biker and the FMC has my name so of course I was sold. Not to mention that their immediate attraction to one another was a palpable spicy treat with tons of praise kink energy.
•Forbidden Game: Book 2 has us following the charismatic British member of The System, Parker and the teams publicist Sydney. This one’s got all the golden retriever and black cat energy. Their chemistry with the will they won’t they was so addictive and delicious.
•Fake Game: The final and third installment features the last bachelor in The System trio with broody and reserved on the outside Jackson with cozy bubblegum pink gamer girl Deer. Jackson may seem to be the most reserved of the bunch when out in public but behind closed doors he has a particular appetite. Now this one was by far my favorite because we got an FMC who could hold her own against the gamer boys. The stakes with this one are also a bit higher and have good PTSD representation as well. And the spice with its light bondage was definitely the spiciest of the bunch. 🎮🩷💚
As a long time lover of video games and reading I truly had no idea that what I was missing in my life was in fact a spicy romance featuring bad boy masked man gamers. Along with spice, romance, and tons of great video game references these books all also have tiny bits of mystery that while semi predictable were fun and enjoyable to follow along. As a gamer myself I really enjoyed the inclusion of gamer terms through out each book and that a glossary is included for any readers who may not as be familiar with these terms. Each book features one of the 3 gamer boys famously known as “The System”. And while the trio may have fame and success they still prefer to keep their identities concealed opting to wear their own purge style LED masks for any live streams, gamer awards, and promotional events.To add to the things I enjoyed in each of these books they also have character art of each couple and some awesome Spotify playlists to go with each books vibes.
•Good Game: Book 1 features The System’s founder and leader Aleksander and artist Stevie (Stephanie). I mean it’s a gamer romance with a bad boy biker and the FMC has my name so of course I was sold. Not to mention that their immediate attraction to one another was a palpable spicy treat with tons of praise kink energy.
•Forbidden Game: Book 2 has us following the charismatic British member of The System, Parker and the teams publicist Sydney. This one’s got all the golden retriever and black cat energy. Their chemistry with the will they won’t they was so addictive and delicious.
•Fake Game: The final and third installment features the last bachelor in The System trio with broody and reserved on the outside Jackson with cozy bubblegum pink gamer girl Deer. Jackson may seem to be the most reserved of the bunch when out in public but behind closed doors he has a particular appetite. Now this one was by far my favorite because we got an FMC who could hold her own against the gamer boys. The stakes with this one are also a bit higher and have good PTSD representation as well. And the spice with its light bondage was definitely the spiciest of the bunch. 🎮🩷💚
December 14, 2025
I loved it. The way Deer found her spark again and the way Jackson was there to help her find that spark. I kind of figured out who the Deer Hunter was as of page 285, but it was still nervewrecking to see what would happen to that person and how long it would take. The book was an amazing ending to this trilogy.
5 ⭐
5 ⭐
November 16, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️.75
🌶️.75
November 17, 2024
Best book in the series! I've never related to a character as much as I did with deer. This was my favorite book of the year
November 19, 2024
lowkey this ate!!! I was so entertained the whole time it was rlly good and fast paced. I rlly enjoyed it :D Inspired me to pick up my switch to start playing a cozy game for fall!
November 20, 2024
Okay I need a new book by Madison like yesterday! Her books are so fun and this was a great end to her first series!
November 25, 2024
such an underrated series, i'm so sad it's over :,)
November 25, 2024
3/5 ⚡️
c’était bien, mais pas foufou non plus,
j’ai préféré les deux premier tomes de la saga
c’était bien, mais pas foufou non plus,
j’ai préféré les deux premier tomes de la saga
December 5, 2024
I've enjoyed this series, as a *puts on hat* fellow gamer it's a fun mix between cringe and super relatable (let's be honest pals, games are just kinda cringe and we love it). I really felt for Deer in this one.
January 21, 2025
Podría decir que ha sido mi favorito de los tres… pero los he amado TODOS tantísimo. Muy feliz de que estas hayan sido mis primeras lecturas del año 🩷
June 1, 2025
3.5
I loved this book the most in the series. The chemistry between the characters was there and I felt it. I also liked how the anxiety the FMC lives with was presented: I felt seen ♡
I loved this book the most in the series. The chemistry between the characters was there and I felt it. I also liked how the anxiety the FMC lives with was presented: I felt seen ♡
June 27, 2025
only took off a star because i predicted the plot twist but this was GOOD i was fully giggling and kicking my feet
November 22, 2024
Once again I have DEVOURED a Madison Fox book 💚
4.5 ✨ 2.5 🌶️
4.5 ✨ 2.5 🌶️
May 29, 2025
4.5 stars ✨
December 1, 2024
ARC REVIEW
And just like that it’s all over. I loved this series so much. One of the best I have ever read, and for once I enjoyed all the books in it. Most of the time I don’t like one or more of the series but although Parker and Sydney will forever be my favourite I still dearly love Stephanie, Aleksander, Deer and Jackson. I don’t know what Madison Fox put in her writing but its like crack. I have the inability to put the books down. Am I complaining no, just simply a word of warning before you read. Make sure you’re not busy because you will do nothing else.
Jackson 1/3 of The System. A man who is currently been forced to go on blind dates by his family who so desperately want him to find a girlfriend. Deer, a gamer with a problem. She has a stalker. So, she temporarily moves in with the boys, a little crush it let slip as she agrees to fake date Jackson.
This is fake dating done so incredibly right. Great communication, great tension and chemistry. They go from friends to fake dating so naturally and then the seamless transition to real dating is impeccable. Jackson is so protective of Deer, but so grumpy, I love it. Grumpier to everyone else but her, he lets up a bit for her. Deer, I want to protect her heart at all costs. Although she has her trauma, she does she the good in people and I love that. Her teasing behaviour toward Jackson is so good, helps build the tension and keeps the story going.
It always has been and always will be the little thing that the men remember that make my heart melt. His baking, the jacket, the cinema, Ireland. He is so perfect for her its untrue. I love them so much.
And just like that it’s all over. I loved this series so much. One of the best I have ever read, and for once I enjoyed all the books in it. Most of the time I don’t like one or more of the series but although Parker and Sydney will forever be my favourite I still dearly love Stephanie, Aleksander, Deer and Jackson. I don’t know what Madison Fox put in her writing but its like crack. I have the inability to put the books down. Am I complaining no, just simply a word of warning before you read. Make sure you’re not busy because you will do nothing else.
Jackson 1/3 of The System. A man who is currently been forced to go on blind dates by his family who so desperately want him to find a girlfriend. Deer, a gamer with a problem. She has a stalker. So, she temporarily moves in with the boys, a little crush it let slip as she agrees to fake date Jackson.
This is fake dating done so incredibly right. Great communication, great tension and chemistry. They go from friends to fake dating so naturally and then the seamless transition to real dating is impeccable. Jackson is so protective of Deer, but so grumpy, I love it. Grumpier to everyone else but her, he lets up a bit for her. Deer, I want to protect her heart at all costs. Although she has her trauma, she does she the good in people and I love that. Her teasing behaviour toward Jackson is so good, helps build the tension and keeps the story going.
It always has been and always will be the little thing that the men remember that make my heart melt. His baking, the jacket, the cinema, Ireland. He is so perfect for her its untrue. I love them so much.
April 8, 2025
The upping in stars as I progress through each book, is completely viable in the fact that author has gotten better, for me atleast in every book. But also I felt as if there was more dept and backstory behind the main leads in this book.
**spoilers ahead**
Deer and Jackson were without a doubt my favourite couple in 'The System' series, purely because of how the jumping of perspectives give a really good insight into who they were as people, and how they helped each other as people.
Reading the trauma and paranoia poor Deer had to go through with the 'Deer hunter group' and being swatted was insane. It gave an insight to what alot of streamers will go through at least once or even more times in their career :/ But the consistency in how many times it happened to Deer was so scary to read, I was consistently worried for her and I'm so glad Jackon grew some balls and helped her out of that situation as much as he could.
Deer's friends were also so lovely and supportive asf even if they weren't always written into the scene their loyalty to her was admireable, I hope if the author chooses to write a spinoff, that we get to read about Lee's story as she's the last standing single in the group!!
Although the random reveal of Deer's real full name and her parents strong presence could feel cliche at parts, it wasn't made the main focus of the book which I was glad for.
Overall ⭐⭐⭐⭐!!
**spoilers ahead**
Deer and Jackson were without a doubt my favourite couple in 'The System' series, purely because of how the jumping of perspectives give a really good insight into who they were as people, and how they helped each other as people.
Reading the trauma and paranoia poor Deer had to go through with the 'Deer hunter group' and being swatted was insane. It gave an insight to what alot of streamers will go through at least once or even more times in their career :/ But the consistency in how many times it happened to Deer was so scary to read, I was consistently worried for her and I'm so glad Jackon grew some balls and helped her out of that situation as much as he could.
Deer's friends were also so lovely and supportive asf even if they weren't always written into the scene their loyalty to her was admireable, I hope if the author chooses to write a spinoff, that we get to read about Lee's story as she's the last standing single in the group!!
Although the random reveal of Deer's real full name and her parents strong presence could feel cliche at parts, it wasn't made the main focus of the book which I was glad for.
Overall ⭐⭐⭐⭐!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2024
I had such high hopes....
RTC
RTC
January 2, 2025
Why do I read books about gamers? For the sweet, sweet taste of cringe. I’ve never come across a “gamer book” without a high level of cringe, but this was just kinda bad.
First, there’s the main character. As usual, she’s a small, pink-loving girl who eats like crap but is magically hot and skinny. Nothing new or groundbreaking. It’s like the author typed “gamer girl” into Pinterest and used the first few images for reference. And, of course, I’m going to judge her gaming choices: farming sims, dating sims, and The Sims (which is one of the only games mentioned by name). Nothing against those games—I’ve spent hours on them too—but could the author not research cozy horror games or big story-driven ones like RDR2? It’s sad that a book about gamers focuses entirely on the aesthetic instead of actual gaming.
Then there’s Jackson. Ugh. As always, he’s the hot, grumpy, giant love interest, but he didn’t grow on me at all. He just felt like every other cookie-cutter guy in books like this.
The plot? Easily the worst fake dating book I’ve ever read. Everything that makes fake dating fun—like lying, awkward moments, setting rules they struggle not to break, slowly falling for each other, and the dramatic betrayal—was missing. It gave me nothing, not even scraps.
And the stalking subplot? Predictable. The second Rick was mentioned, I knew it was him. I was hoping for something more creative, like a hate group targeting her because she’s the daughter of a famous developer (which the author also did nothing with), but no—it was just her mod. He had zero character development, so he came off as lame, weak, and stupid.
Then there’s the whole “pleasing my family” storyline, which just fizzled out. Where was the satisfying conclusion? Not even the aunt realizing her mistake? Give me something! Have Deer go to dinner again, make the lawyer son a fanboy, and the family finally give her respect. I needed revenge, a little justice—but nope, just a random loose end.
So yeah, I came for the cringe and to laugh at people using nicknames like “kitten,” but instead, I got a bad fake dating book with the worst nickname I’ve ever read: Sparkles.
First, there’s the main character. As usual, she’s a small, pink-loving girl who eats like crap but is magically hot and skinny. Nothing new or groundbreaking. It’s like the author typed “gamer girl” into Pinterest and used the first few images for reference. And, of course, I’m going to judge her gaming choices: farming sims, dating sims, and The Sims (which is one of the only games mentioned by name). Nothing against those games—I’ve spent hours on them too—but could the author not research cozy horror games or big story-driven ones like RDR2? It’s sad that a book about gamers focuses entirely on the aesthetic instead of actual gaming.
Then there’s Jackson. Ugh. As always, he’s the hot, grumpy, giant love interest, but he didn’t grow on me at all. He just felt like every other cookie-cutter guy in books like this.
The plot? Easily the worst fake dating book I’ve ever read. Everything that makes fake dating fun—like lying, awkward moments, setting rules they struggle not to break, slowly falling for each other, and the dramatic betrayal—was missing. It gave me nothing, not even scraps.
And the stalking subplot? Predictable. The second Rick was mentioned, I knew it was him. I was hoping for something more creative, like a hate group targeting her because she’s the daughter of a famous developer (which the author also did nothing with), but no—it was just her mod. He had zero character development, so he came off as lame, weak, and stupid.
Then there’s the whole “pleasing my family” storyline, which just fizzled out. Where was the satisfying conclusion? Not even the aunt realizing her mistake? Give me something! Have Deer go to dinner again, make the lawyer son a fanboy, and the family finally give her respect. I needed revenge, a little justice—but nope, just a random loose end.
So yeah, I came for the cringe and to laugh at people using nicknames like “kitten,” but instead, I got a bad fake dating book with the worst nickname I’ve ever read: Sparkles.
March 18, 2025
“She is the spark that makes my heart beat, and I would be lifeless without her.”
This whole series was a fun read, I do have to admit. Again, 3 stars but for different reasons this time. I feel like the author finally understood the characters and it didn’t feel rushed or forced this time at all. I did have trouble with the “chapter 6” aspect, only because it felt a little, off? I don’t really wanna get into it but not the best.
I also hated the dating for the family plot line. That also felt weird.
On a plus side, I LOVED deer and how she was written. Granted, the pink persona was a bit, obvious, the anxieties and the fear from the gaming world and people knowing her true self was really lovely to read.
This whole series was a fun read, I do have to admit. Again, 3 stars but for different reasons this time. I feel like the author finally understood the characters and it didn’t feel rushed or forced this time at all. I did have trouble with the “chapter 6” aspect, only because it felt a little, off? I don’t really wanna get into it but not the best.
I also hated the dating for the family plot line. That also felt weird.
On a plus side, I LOVED deer and how she was written. Granted, the pink persona was a bit, obvious, the anxieties and the fear from the gaming world and people knowing her true self was really lovely to read.
November 22, 2024
This book started off as a lighthearted, grumpy x sunshine gamer-themed fluffy romance but quickly spiraled into a creepy, cringey, and overly dramatic attempt at dark romance. While I genuinely enjoyed Jackson as a character, the FMC, Deer, was a major letdown. She came across as painfully gullible, overly helpless, and constantly in denial, which made it hard to root for her.
I initially picked this up during my first days at the hospital, and I only finished it because I had nothing else to do after starting it. Unfortunately, I can’t say it was worth the effort, and I wouldn’t recommend it to others.
I initially picked this up during my first days at the hospital, and I only finished it because I had nothing else to do after starting it. Unfortunately, I can’t say it was worth the effort, and I wouldn’t recommend it to others.
November 26, 2024
I enjoyed my time reading the first two books but not this one unfortunately.
There were some inconsistencies, many plot points were quickly abandoned and never talked about. Like Jackson’s family (the reason for the « fake dating » trope), the story became really intense and dramatic, full of clichés
It felt like the MMC has been switched with someone else at some point during the book
There were some inconsistencies, many plot points were quickly abandoned and never talked about. Like Jackson’s family (the reason for the « fake dating » trope), the story became really intense and dramatic, full of clichés
It felt like the MMC has been switched with someone else at some point during the book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews