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Vancouver Tridents #2
Fake The Game
I’m the bad boy of baseball. And she’s the good girl who’s meant to repair my image. Falling in love with my pretend girlfriend is not part of the plan…
My life is a mess. My career is in serious jeopardy because of one stupid decision that had disastrous results. I’m stuck on the injured list, for who knows how long, and losing endorsements because of my reckless behaviour.
It’s only a matter of time before my team decides I’m too much trouble to keep around
The last thing I should be doing is swooping in to rescue a perfect stranger from some jerk at a bar - because of course a photo gets taken of her in my arms.
Now the last shot I have at holding onto everything that matters, is a curvy redhead who has no idea who I am and isn’t all that impressed by the mess I’ve thrown her into.
For some reason Sadie agrees to help me, and now I’m forced to spend time with a woman who might be the only person to see the real me. A lot of time. Even more so when she moves into my apartment.
With every fake date we go on, her warmth and smiles start to chip away at the ice around my heart. But what can I offer a woman like her? I’m nothing but a reckless asshole and a cocky baseball player with a past I’d rather no one knew about. I don’t let people get close to me, I don’t do relationships.
But when our arrangement comes to an end, I can’t bring myself to walk away.
How can I convince my fake girlfriend to give me a real chance when the secrets from my past won’t stay hidden?
My life is a mess. My career is in serious jeopardy because of one stupid decision that had disastrous results. I’m stuck on the injured list, for who knows how long, and losing endorsements because of my reckless behaviour.
It’s only a matter of time before my team decides I’m too much trouble to keep around
The last thing I should be doing is swooping in to rescue a perfect stranger from some jerk at a bar - because of course a photo gets taken of her in my arms.
Now the last shot I have at holding onto everything that matters, is a curvy redhead who has no idea who I am and isn’t all that impressed by the mess I’ve thrown her into.
For some reason Sadie agrees to help me, and now I’m forced to spend time with a woman who might be the only person to see the real me. A lot of time. Even more so when she moves into my apartment.
With every fake date we go on, her warmth and smiles start to chip away at the ice around my heart. But what can I offer a woman like her? I’m nothing but a reckless asshole and a cocky baseball player with a past I’d rather no one knew about. I don’t let people get close to me, I don’t do relationships.
But when our arrangement comes to an end, I can’t bring myself to walk away.
How can I convince my fake girlfriend to give me a real chance when the secrets from my past won’t stay hidden?
320 pages, Paperback
First published July 17, 2024
369 people are currently reading
2056 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
March 1, 2025
4.5 stars⭐️
I didn't expect this book to be this emotional, especially by the end.🥹 I loved both of the characters and how you could really connect with them. This started off as fake dating, but as time passed, they realized that real feelings were involved there. There were just the right amount of spicy scenes, and they were good.
I loved how he multiple times showed her ex how much he lost and what a cheating loser he is.😂
“It’s Dirk. And Maverick fucking King. Gotta say, this is a surprise.” Dirk sticks out his hand, completely ignoring me.
But Maverick ignores his hand in return. “Why would it be a surprise? I’m pretty sure everyone in the city knows I’m the luckiest bastard around to be dating this amazing woman.” Maverick’s voice is hard, but his words still manage to worm their way inside of me, sparking something warm deep within.
Dirk’s eyes narrow, then widen, and it’s almost comical to see him trying to make sense of the situation. Then Maverick’s hand is on my chin, tipping my face up so he can press a gentle
kiss to my lips.
Even tho I don't really like 3rd act breakups, I didn't mind it here because I understood the characters and why they were acting like that. This is my second book by this author but I will be definitely reading more in the future.🙏
He pulls back, keeping it soft and short, and his eyes are still glistening with tears. “Sadie, I love you. I’ve been falling in love with you for weeks. Hell, probably for as long as I’ve known you. Everything about you is all I could possibly need. I never knew someone like you existed, much less could be with a guy like me. But I swear to you, I’ll never let another day go by without telling you just how much I love you.” ❤️🫠
✨️fake dating
✨️sports romance (he is a baseball player)
✨️grumpy MMC
✨️dual pov, written in first person
✨️spicy:🌶🌶.5
✨️the second book in the series, can be read as a standalone
I didn't expect this book to be this emotional, especially by the end.🥹 I loved both of the characters and how you could really connect with them. This started off as fake dating, but as time passed, they realized that real feelings were involved there. There were just the right amount of spicy scenes, and they were good.
I loved how he multiple times showed her ex how much he lost and what a cheating loser he is.😂
“It’s Dirk. And Maverick fucking King. Gotta say, this is a surprise.” Dirk sticks out his hand, completely ignoring me.
But Maverick ignores his hand in return. “Why would it be a surprise? I’m pretty sure everyone in the city knows I’m the luckiest bastard around to be dating this amazing woman.” Maverick’s voice is hard, but his words still manage to worm their way inside of me, sparking something warm deep within.
Dirk’s eyes narrow, then widen, and it’s almost comical to see him trying to make sense of the situation. Then Maverick’s hand is on my chin, tipping my face up so he can press a gentle
kiss to my lips.
Even tho I don't really like 3rd act breakups, I didn't mind it here because I understood the characters and why they were acting like that. This is my second book by this author but I will be definitely reading more in the future.🙏
He pulls back, keeping it soft and short, and his eyes are still glistening with tears. “Sadie, I love you. I’ve been falling in love with you for weeks. Hell, probably for as long as I’ve known you. Everything about you is all I could possibly need. I never knew someone like you existed, much less could be with a guy like me. But I swear to you, I’ll never let another day go by without telling you just how much I love you.” ❤️🫠
✨️fake dating
✨️sports romance (he is a baseball player)
✨️grumpy MMC
✨️dual pov, written in first person
✨️spicy:🌶🌶.5
✨️the second book in the series, can be read as a standalone
August 1, 2024
He’s a cat dad and makes her feel confident in who she is? OBSESSED
One of my fav Julia Jarrett books to this date🙌🏻
Loved everything about Mav & Sadie🫶🏼🫶🏼
One of my fav Julia Jarrett books to this date🙌🏻
Loved everything about Mav & Sadie🫶🏼🫶🏼
March 11, 2025
I almost dnf'd this book because the words goody two shoes, Specs (as a nickname for someone who wears glasses), and chick were used in the beginning and it put me in a mood.
This book ended up not being terrible but the connection between Maverick and Sadie was lackluster. It got better, but their first kiss didn't seem special, a missed opportunity, and Maverick's reluctance to open up lasted too long.
Also, if only one conversation could turn a drug addict's life around...
One last tidbit, the KU cover for this book was not this one. This cover... Ugh
This book ended up not being terrible but the connection between Maverick and Sadie was lackluster. It got better, but their first kiss didn't seem special, a missed opportunity, and Maverick's reluctance to open up lasted too long.
Also, if only one conversation could turn a drug addict's life around...
One last tidbit, the KU cover for this book was not this one. This cover... Ugh
February 20, 2025
This was a fake dating, forced proximity, grumpy x sunshine sports romance between Maverick, a pro baseball player in need of a reputation boost and Sadie, a woman looking to deter her toxic ex.
I loved the slow burn romance, the chemistry between the main characters and the emotional depth involving Mav's younger brother and his addiction issues.
It was also great on audio narrated by Heather Firth & Dane Anderson. I can't wait to listen to the next book in the Vancouver Tridents series soon!
Many thanks to the author and Homecookedbooks PR for an early ALC in exchange for my honest feedback. I voluntarily listened to this book and all opinions are my own!
I loved the slow burn romance, the chemistry between the main characters and the emotional depth involving Mav's younger brother and his addiction issues.
It was also great on audio narrated by Heather Firth & Dane Anderson. I can't wait to listen to the next book in the Vancouver Tridents series soon!
Many thanks to the author and Homecookedbooks PR for an early ALC in exchange for my honest feedback. I voluntarily listened to this book and all opinions are my own!
April 24, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐ .5 almost perfect! really loved the story, but maybe a minor issue pulling it back or less emotional pull
🌶️🌶️: mild spice, around 2 to 4 scenes, still tame sex scenes with a slight touch of kink and still romance focused
mav, the bad boy of baseball, enlists good girl sadie to fix his image after a reckless decision jeopardizes his career. when a viral photo links them, sadie agrees to be his fake girlfriend. as they spend more time together, she begins to see the real mav, and his defenses start to crumble. despite his troubled past and reluctance to let people in, mav realizes he doesn’t want their arrangement to end. now, he must convince sadie to give him a real chance, even as his secrets threaten to resurface. but can a reckless player like him truly offer her the love she deserves?
i utterly adored this book from start to finish, the attraction between these two was completely palpable. oh mav, easily my favourite MMC julia has ever written. so lovely and struggles to see that he deserves love and happiness in life. his back story really hurt but seeing him open up and learn to smile filled my heart with joy. sadie is such a great fmc to read about, she is retable and i loved seeing her find herself. the spice was so great and the all the funny sweet moments. ahh julia is such a queen she really knows how to nail books for me, minimal drama, great communication, no third act break up.
audiobook reread in feb 2025
heather firth as always I really enjoy her performance. she brought sadie’s character to life so well, making her feel genuine and heartfelt. dane anderson was fantastic, his deep, growly narration fit maverick perfectly, making every emotion hit just right. together, they had amazing chemistry and truly made this audiobook an immersive experience. i’ll definitely be looking out for more from both of them!
tropes: baseball, fake dating, only one bed, he falls first, good girl x bad boy
triggers: injury, toxic family member, alcohol abuse (side character)
🌶️🌶️: mild spice, around 2 to 4 scenes, still tame sex scenes with a slight touch of kink and still romance focused
mav, the bad boy of baseball, enlists good girl sadie to fix his image after a reckless decision jeopardizes his career. when a viral photo links them, sadie agrees to be his fake girlfriend. as they spend more time together, she begins to see the real mav, and his defenses start to crumble. despite his troubled past and reluctance to let people in, mav realizes he doesn’t want their arrangement to end. now, he must convince sadie to give him a real chance, even as his secrets threaten to resurface. but can a reckless player like him truly offer her the love she deserves?
i utterly adored this book from start to finish, the attraction between these two was completely palpable. oh mav, easily my favourite MMC julia has ever written. so lovely and struggles to see that he deserves love and happiness in life. his back story really hurt but seeing him open up and learn to smile filled my heart with joy. sadie is such a great fmc to read about, she is retable and i loved seeing her find herself. the spice was so great and the all the funny sweet moments. ahh julia is such a queen she really knows how to nail books for me, minimal drama, great communication, no third act break up.
audiobook reread in feb 2025
heather firth as always I really enjoy her performance. she brought sadie’s character to life so well, making her feel genuine and heartfelt. dane anderson was fantastic, his deep, growly narration fit maverick perfectly, making every emotion hit just right. together, they had amazing chemistry and truly made this audiobook an immersive experience. i’ll definitely be looking out for more from both of them!
tropes: baseball, fake dating, only one bed, he falls first, good girl x bad boy
triggers: injury, toxic family member, alcohol abuse (side character)
July 27, 2024
4/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️
eARC
Book 2 of the Vancouver Tridents. Maverick is the bad boy of baseball and can’t seem to catch a break. He has no choice but to figure out how to show the public what a good guy he can be. Maverick’s agent’s sister, Sadie is the perfect person to help him with a fake relationship. When Maverick begins to open up, these two find it challenging to keep it a fake relationship. The growth with him through Sadie was so amazing and had me fanning over what an amazing sexy man he really is. He becomes a protector and romantic for Sadie. A slow burn build of their fake to wanting more was a bonus with baseball romance.
“Our relationship might have started as a publicity stunt, but we're the only ones who know that. To the rest of the world, our love story started that night at the bar, when he saved me from my ex.” - Sadie
2.5/5 🌶️
eARC
Book 2 of the Vancouver Tridents. Maverick is the bad boy of baseball and can’t seem to catch a break. He has no choice but to figure out how to show the public what a good guy he can be. Maverick’s agent’s sister, Sadie is the perfect person to help him with a fake relationship. When Maverick begins to open up, these two find it challenging to keep it a fake relationship. The growth with him through Sadie was so amazing and had me fanning over what an amazing sexy man he really is. He becomes a protector and romantic for Sadie. A slow burn build of their fake to wanting more was a bonus with baseball romance.
“Our relationship might have started as a publicity stunt, but we're the only ones who know that. To the rest of the world, our love story started that night at the bar, when he saved me from my ex.” - Sadie
February 7, 2025
OVERALL: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5/5
•Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
•Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧/5
•Spice Level: 🌶🌶/ 5
•Swoon level: 🫠🫠🫠🫠/5
•Emotional:🥺/5
•Re-Listen/Re-Read: Yes
•Platform: Audiobook and Ebook
•Trope: Baseball romance, Fake Dating, bad boy/good girl. Close proximity, Opposites attract.
• Thoughts:
Maverick and Sadie were absolutely adorable. I loved this couple so much! They complemented one another. I loved the Opposites attract type vibes. Him the bad boy and her the good girl! He brought out a side in Sadie that dared her to be who she was, and let her see she was worthy and perfect. Sadie grounded Maverick. She was so good for him! She understood him better than anyone. Taking him by surprise, with her unconditional love. Watching both of them transform and turn into this swoony couple was epic!! They really were a great couple!
NARRATOR THOUGHTS: Dane Anderson and Heather Firth
•Dual Narration
•Listening at a 1.5 speed.
Heather Firth is a new to me narrator and I liked her. She did such a great job! Dane Anderson also did a very good job. Honestly this book and the narration where just amazing. I enjoyed this one so much! I recommend!
•Recommend note:
I will always encourage people to read what makes them happy. If it sounds good, read it! My reviews are just that, my opinion. Happy reading, friends.
•Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
•Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧/5
•Spice Level: 🌶🌶/ 5
•Swoon level: 🫠🫠🫠🫠/5
•Emotional:🥺/5
•Re-Listen/Re-Read: Yes
•Platform: Audiobook and Ebook
•Trope: Baseball romance, Fake Dating, bad boy/good girl. Close proximity, Opposites attract.
• Thoughts:
Maverick and Sadie were absolutely adorable. I loved this couple so much! They complemented one another. I loved the Opposites attract type vibes. Him the bad boy and her the good girl! He brought out a side in Sadie that dared her to be who she was, and let her see she was worthy and perfect. Sadie grounded Maverick. She was so good for him! She understood him better than anyone. Taking him by surprise, with her unconditional love. Watching both of them transform and turn into this swoony couple was epic!! They really were a great couple!
NARRATOR THOUGHTS: Dane Anderson and Heather Firth
•Dual Narration
•Listening at a 1.5 speed.
Heather Firth is a new to me narrator and I liked her. She did such a great job! Dane Anderson also did a very good job. Honestly this book and the narration where just amazing. I enjoyed this one so much! I recommend!
•Recommend note:
I will always encourage people to read what makes them happy. If it sounds good, read it! My reviews are just that, my opinion. Happy reading, friends.
October 18, 2024
cringe cringe CRINGE
also why did he feel the need to say f*ck every other word??? like we get it, you're a big boy and can curse
also why did he feel the need to say f*ck every other word??? like we get it, you're a big boy and can curse
February 22, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ | 2.5 🌶️ | 4.5 🎧
What to Expect:
- Baseball Romance
- Good Girl/Bad Boy
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Fake Dating
- Forced Proximity
- Only One Bed
- Opposites Attract
- Dual 1st Person POV
Fake the Game is book two in the Vancouver Tridents series, following Maverick and Sadie. I really enjoyed this fake dating, forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine romance. Mav has trouble with his public image and needs to clean things up. When Sadie needs help with her terrible ex-boyfriend, Mav is there to help. Soon, a picture of them goes viral, and they find themselves in a mutually beneficial fake dating situation. As they spend more time together, Sadie sees there is more to Mav than meets the eye.
I loved Mav and Sadie together! They have amazing chemistry and I loved their banter. Sadie is such a great FMC. She is perfect for Mav and brings out the best in him. Mav falls hard for Sadie. I love nothing more than a man who has sworn off relationships but ends up falling hard for a woman who completes him in every way. Mav's declarations of love made me melt. I loved seeing Mav's softer side, but also loved how protective he was of Sadie. He had so many amazing layers, and I loved witnessing Sadie peel back each one as they got to know each other. The swoon factor is high with this couple and I loved every second of it.
Narration:
Heather Firth and Dane Anderson narrate this audiobook in dual-style narration. They both do an amazing job portraying the characters and really bring them to life. This was my first audiobook with Heather, and she has been added to my list of narrators to look for. Heather and Dane's performances enhanced my listening experience and elevated this story.
Thanks to Julia Jarrett and Home Cooked Books for the gifted ALC. Opinions expressed are my own.
What to Expect:
- Baseball Romance
- Good Girl/Bad Boy
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Fake Dating
- Forced Proximity
- Only One Bed
- Opposites Attract
- Dual 1st Person POV
Fake the Game is book two in the Vancouver Tridents series, following Maverick and Sadie. I really enjoyed this fake dating, forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine romance. Mav has trouble with his public image and needs to clean things up. When Sadie needs help with her terrible ex-boyfriend, Mav is there to help. Soon, a picture of them goes viral, and they find themselves in a mutually beneficial fake dating situation. As they spend more time together, Sadie sees there is more to Mav than meets the eye.
I loved Mav and Sadie together! They have amazing chemistry and I loved their banter. Sadie is such a great FMC. She is perfect for Mav and brings out the best in him. Mav falls hard for Sadie. I love nothing more than a man who has sworn off relationships but ends up falling hard for a woman who completes him in every way. Mav's declarations of love made me melt. I loved seeing Mav's softer side, but also loved how protective he was of Sadie. He had so many amazing layers, and I loved witnessing Sadie peel back each one as they got to know each other. The swoon factor is high with this couple and I loved every second of it.
Narration:
Heather Firth and Dane Anderson narrate this audiobook in dual-style narration. They both do an amazing job portraying the characters and really bring them to life. This was my first audiobook with Heather, and she has been added to my list of narrators to look for. Heather and Dane's performances enhanced my listening experience and elevated this story.
Thanks to Julia Jarrett and Home Cooked Books for the gifted ALC. Opinions expressed are my own.
February 18, 2025
Story Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (0-5)
Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧 (0-5)
Overall: 4/5
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥 (0-5)
What I’m Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 The dual POV, dual narration is a good choice. The narrators seem to be cast well for the MC’s personalities.
🤩 Baseball romance. Maverick is an introvert dealing with an injury. Sadie is the head of fundraising for the Vancouver Children’s Hospital Foundation.
🤩 Double meet-cute! He protects her. It’s so captivating.
🤩 Grumpy-sunshine characterization.
🤩 Fake is my favorite. I especially love a PR stunt! Add forced proximity (wedding date) to make me melt. ❤️🔥🫠
🤩 Unwanted secret pinging with a shower scene—one of my favorite micro-tropes!
🤩 Out in public fake touches and kisses.
🤩 When they can’t resist anymore! 🥵
🤩 Steam after the time apart, just what I need to confirm the HEA in all the ways.
🤩 I like the Baby mixed with the Specs nickname.
What I’m Wishing/Dizzy About:
💫 I was in a predicament with the narration. I like to speed up when my eyes want to go faster than my ears (audiobook/ebook combo read, my favorite) but I don’t like Dane’s voice sped up.
💫 I don’t love Maverick’s temper, but I do love how he accepts and desires Sadie’s comfort. I don’t mind a grumpy, damaged MC, but Mav needs some counseling or something because I’m not sure Sadie alone can truly help/fix him.
💫 I don’t like the whiny way they deal with the away games. I prefer when my MCs make the very best of the away games.
Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧 (0-5)
Overall: 4/5
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥 (0-5)
What I’m Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 The dual POV, dual narration is a good choice. The narrators seem to be cast well for the MC’s personalities.
🤩 Baseball romance. Maverick is an introvert dealing with an injury. Sadie is the head of fundraising for the Vancouver Children’s Hospital Foundation.
🤩 Double meet-cute! He protects her. It’s so captivating.
🤩 Grumpy-sunshine characterization.
🤩 Fake is my favorite. I especially love a PR stunt! Add forced proximity (wedding date) to make me melt. ❤️🔥🫠
🤩 Unwanted secret pinging with a shower scene—one of my favorite micro-tropes!
🤩 Out in public fake touches and kisses.
🤩 When they can’t resist anymore! 🥵
🤩 Steam after the time apart, just what I need to confirm the HEA in all the ways.
🤩 I like the Baby mixed with the Specs nickname.
What I’m Wishing/Dizzy About:
💫 I was in a predicament with the narration. I like to speed up when my eyes want to go faster than my ears (audiobook/ebook combo read, my favorite) but I don’t like Dane’s voice sped up.
💫 I don’t love Maverick’s temper, but I do love how he accepts and desires Sadie’s comfort. I don’t mind a grumpy, damaged MC, but Mav needs some counseling or something because I’m not sure Sadie alone can truly help/fix him.
💫 I don’t like the whiny way they deal with the away games. I prefer when my MCs make the very best of the away games.
January 11, 2025
Ohhh I loved Mav and Sadie’s fake dating story! These two couldn’t be more opposite in every way, but IMO that just made them work so well.
⚾️Baseball romance
⚾️Fake dating
⚾️Grumpy x sunshine
⚾️Forced proximity
⚾️One bed
Maverick is in need of a PR makeover after mistakes, some out of his control, keep coming back to haunt him. And when Sadie is looking for a way to get her ex boyfriend off her back, Maverick steps up to rescue her.
The two of them know nothing about one another, but during their fake dating time together, their feelings start to turn real. I actually loved the speed of when they finally admitted their feelings because they took the time to grow said feelings.
Dane Anderson and Heather Firth do a phenomenal job bringing these characters to our ears. Dane’s deep, brooding voice represented Mav perfectly. And Heather’s vulnerable tone was exactly what I would expect of Sadie’s character.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to listen to the next one in the series!
⚾️Baseball romance
⚾️Fake dating
⚾️Grumpy x sunshine
⚾️Forced proximity
⚾️One bed
Maverick is in need of a PR makeover after mistakes, some out of his control, keep coming back to haunt him. And when Sadie is looking for a way to get her ex boyfriend off her back, Maverick steps up to rescue her.
The two of them know nothing about one another, but during their fake dating time together, their feelings start to turn real. I actually loved the speed of when they finally admitted their feelings because they took the time to grow said feelings.
Dane Anderson and Heather Firth do a phenomenal job bringing these characters to our ears. Dane’s deep, brooding voice represented Mav perfectly. And Heather’s vulnerable tone was exactly what I would expect of Sadie’s character.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to listen to the next one in the series!
February 18, 2025
🎧🎧AUDIO REVIEW🎧🎧
You know what? I need to experience more Julia Jarrett stories because this woman is easy and I appreciate her style so much! Every story of hers that I have experienced so far has unfolded so organically and realistically with little to no dramatics. Yes, there’s conflict, but not dramatics just for fun and I LOVE HER SO MUCH FOR THAT!
But I digress, let’s chat about ❤️Maverick & Sadie❤️! These two worked like puzzle pieces. They not only fit perfectly, but they blended and grew because of each other. I can’t give you a play-by-play of the story, but I can say that Maverick has a backstory that keeps him guarded and closed-off and when Sadie comes along, it’s thru her strength and love that he can “break the chains of the past” and become the man he’s always wanted to be. He in turn gives Sadie the safety net she needs to come into her own and stand up tall and take no prisoners! Feel me? Not exactly? READ THIS BOOK THEN! *wink*
🎙️Dane Anderson & Heather Firth🎙️ made me feel all the things with their narration! I love it when narration is so perfect that you get lost in a story for hours at a time. That’s how it was for me with this story! Not only was the story itself one huge bearhug, but the performance leveled it up a notch and just made me incredibly happy.
You know what? I need to experience more Julia Jarrett stories because this woman is easy and I appreciate her style so much! Every story of hers that I have experienced so far has unfolded so organically and realistically with little to no dramatics. Yes, there’s conflict, but not dramatics just for fun and I LOVE HER SO MUCH FOR THAT!
But I digress, let’s chat about ❤️Maverick & Sadie❤️! These two worked like puzzle pieces. They not only fit perfectly, but they blended and grew because of each other. I can’t give you a play-by-play of the story, but I can say that Maverick has a backstory that keeps him guarded and closed-off and when Sadie comes along, it’s thru her strength and love that he can “break the chains of the past” and become the man he’s always wanted to be. He in turn gives Sadie the safety net she needs to come into her own and stand up tall and take no prisoners! Feel me? Not exactly? READ THIS BOOK THEN! *wink*
🎙️Dane Anderson & Heather Firth🎙️ made me feel all the things with their narration! I love it when narration is so perfect that you get lost in a story for hours at a time. That’s how it was for me with this story! Not only was the story itself one huge bearhug, but the performance leveled it up a notch and just made me incredibly happy.
July 17, 2024
Dare I say this is my fav book yet by Julia Jarrett??!? I loved Maverick and Sadie so much. I just love a really good fake dating, opposites attract romance and Julia knocked it out of the park. I love how much Maverick protected Sadie from the very beginning. Maverick has a rough upbringing, he has been through a lot with his brother Eli. I really loved how Sadie had Maverick's back even though she wanted to help Eli. I thought Maverick and Sadie's chemistry was top tier. I loved Maverick's relationship with his neighbor, and I loved how Maverick really warmed up to his team as his relationship with Sadie progressed, she really helped him feel again. Overall hands down my favorite book yet by Julia and I cannot wait for more in this series!!!
April 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! Maverick was so swoon-worthy and I have a soft spot for MMC’s who soften for their girls! And he’s a cat dad on top of that! I love how Sadie opened up more and became mote confident in herself because of Maverick and how he treated her.
They were so cute together and I loved all their moments. Maverick was so sweet to her, I want one of him for myself!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
They were so cute together and I loved all their moments. Maverick was so sweet to her, I want one of him for myself!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
November 12, 2024
This was awful.
March 5, 2025
3.25 Stars
This book was good but also there were parts that really annoyed me with the MMC. And just an FYI he doesn’t fall first like some reviews says
This book was good but also there were parts that really annoyed me with the MMC. And just an FYI he doesn’t fall first like some reviews says
July 1, 2025
This series is so mid, I’m outtie. Also please don’t write sport romance books if you don’t know anything about the sport
February 18, 2025
This was such a great listen! really enjoying this baseball series 🥰
⭐️: 4.75/5
🌶️: open door, several scenes
💭 overall thoughts:
The chemistry between Maverick & Sadie was 🔥 so hot.
I loved the depth of Maverick’s character and his back story, getting to know the truth of this “bad boy.”
Sadie sees him for who he is immediately, and brings out the best in him.
I love how Maverick treated Sadie, always how she deserved 🥹
🎧 audiobook thoughts:
Dane Anderson & Heather Firth narrated Fake the Game, and they are absolutely perfect as Maverick & Sadie!
read if you love:
🥸 fake dating
⚾️ pro baseball player
🏥 head of hospital fundraising fmc
😇 good girl/bad boy
🏠 temporary roommates
🔗 forced proximity
🛏️ only one bed
💞 dual 1st person pov
Thank you to Home Cooked Books & Julia Jarrett for an advanced audio copy. All opinions are my own.
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍
⭐️: 4.75/5
🌶️: open door, several scenes
💭 overall thoughts:
The chemistry between Maverick & Sadie was 🔥 so hot.
I loved the depth of Maverick’s character and his back story, getting to know the truth of this “bad boy.”
Sadie sees him for who he is immediately, and brings out the best in him.
I love how Maverick treated Sadie, always how she deserved 🥹
🎧 audiobook thoughts:
Dane Anderson & Heather Firth narrated Fake the Game, and they are absolutely perfect as Maverick & Sadie!
read if you love:
🥸 fake dating
⚾️ pro baseball player
🏥 head of hospital fundraising fmc
😇 good girl/bad boy
🏠 temporary roommates
🔗 forced proximity
🛏️ only one bed
💞 dual 1st person pov
Thank you to Home Cooked Books & Julia Jarrett for an advanced audio copy. All opinions are my own.
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍
April 26, 2025
Quick Stats:
Format: eBook and Audiobook.
Narrators: 🎙️ Heather Firth and Dane Anderson.
Narration Style: 🎧 Dual.
Whispersync For Voice Ready? ✅ Yes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Plot: 💭
When baseball’s bad boy Maverick King needs a PR fix and Sadie LeDuc needs a fake boyfriend to ward off her ex, they strike a deal. The plan? Pretend to date. The problem? They’re both catching real feelings, and neither of them know how to play it safe.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Narrator Chemistry: 🎙️
Heather Firth as Sadie captures the warmth and quiet strength within her perfectly. She makes Sadie feel like that friend you want to cheer for.
Dane Anderson as Maverick King – Okay…Listen, Linda. Dane brings all the gruff bad boy with a soft heart energy. His voice IS Maverick; cocky, intense, and way too easy to fall for. Dane’s voice alone is enough to keep you hooked.
🔥 Together, they make the romance pop. Their dialogue flows effortlessly, the tension feels real, and their performances add so much personality to the story.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
About The Main Characters:
Maverick King:
Baseball’s most notorious bad boy. Maverick is the guy who makes headlines for all the wrong reasons; the fights, scandals… you name it. But underneath all that swagger is a guy who’s been burned before and doesn’t trust easily. He’s so much more than his reputation, and watching him slowly open up is chef’s kiss.
Sadie LeDuc:
Sweet, determined, and done with her past. Sadie works in hospital fundraising (yasssss, queen), and she’s all about stability until a run-in with her ex makes her realise she needs a fake boyfriend, like now. She’s not the type to fall for a reckless athlete… except maybe Maverick, because he isn’t as reckless as he seems.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Feels:
Laughter: 😂 2.5/5 – It’s more endearing than hilarious.
Swooniness: 🫠 5/5 – The slow build, the stolen glances, the tension. Absolute swoon-fest.
Tear Flow Rate: 😭 2/5 – No full sobbing (who even am I???), but there are quite a few awwww moments.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sizzle Scale:
Warm 🔥 3/5 – It’s some got heat, but it’s the emotional build-up that makes the romance hit differently. The chemistry between Mav and Sadie is fire, and when they finally cross that line? Oh lordy.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Book Bite:
"Fake the Game" is the ultimate fake dating, opposites attract, sports romance combo. It’s got humour, tension, and just the right amount of feels. If you love books like The Deal by Elle Kennedy or The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang, this one’s going to be your thing.
Tropes:
Everything is "fine".
Fake dating.
Only one bed.
Bad Boy x Good Girl.
Slow Burn (But Worth It).
Forced Proximity.
The ultimate "🦆 it" moment.
Format: eBook and Audiobook.
Narrators: 🎙️ Heather Firth and Dane Anderson.
Narration Style: 🎧 Dual.
Whispersync For Voice Ready? ✅ Yes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Plot: 💭
When baseball’s bad boy Maverick King needs a PR fix and Sadie LeDuc needs a fake boyfriend to ward off her ex, they strike a deal. The plan? Pretend to date. The problem? They’re both catching real feelings, and neither of them know how to play it safe.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Narrator Chemistry: 🎙️
Heather Firth as Sadie captures the warmth and quiet strength within her perfectly. She makes Sadie feel like that friend you want to cheer for.
Dane Anderson as Maverick King – Okay…Listen, Linda. Dane brings all the gruff bad boy with a soft heart energy. His voice IS Maverick; cocky, intense, and way too easy to fall for. Dane’s voice alone is enough to keep you hooked.
🔥 Together, they make the romance pop. Their dialogue flows effortlessly, the tension feels real, and their performances add so much personality to the story.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
About The Main Characters:
Maverick King:
Baseball’s most notorious bad boy. Maverick is the guy who makes headlines for all the wrong reasons; the fights, scandals… you name it. But underneath all that swagger is a guy who’s been burned before and doesn’t trust easily. He’s so much more than his reputation, and watching him slowly open up is chef’s kiss.
Sadie LeDuc:
Sweet, determined, and done with her past. Sadie works in hospital fundraising (yasssss, queen), and she’s all about stability until a run-in with her ex makes her realise she needs a fake boyfriend, like now. She’s not the type to fall for a reckless athlete… except maybe Maverick, because he isn’t as reckless as he seems.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Feels:
Laughter: 😂 2.5/5 – It’s more endearing than hilarious.
Swooniness: 🫠 5/5 – The slow build, the stolen glances, the tension. Absolute swoon-fest.
Tear Flow Rate: 😭 2/5 – No full sobbing (who even am I???), but there are quite a few awwww moments.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sizzle Scale:
Warm 🔥 3/5 – It’s some got heat, but it’s the emotional build-up that makes the romance hit differently. The chemistry between Mav and Sadie is fire, and when they finally cross that line? Oh lordy.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Book Bite:
"Fake the Game" is the ultimate fake dating, opposites attract, sports romance combo. It’s got humour, tension, and just the right amount of feels. If you love books like The Deal by Elle Kennedy or The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang, this one’s going to be your thing.
Tropes:
Everything is "fine".
Fake dating.
Only one bed.
Bad Boy x Good Girl.
Slow Burn (But Worth It).
Forced Proximity.
The ultimate "🦆 it" moment.
July 20, 2024
I couldn’t stop smiling at the end of this one. I loved Maverick and Sadie with my whole heart.
Here we have a fake relationship between a grumpy, injured, angry, introverted star baseball player and a sweet, kind, people pleasing woman with a terrible Ex. Talk about opposites but wow is their attraction intense! But wait, their relationship is supposed to be fake!
One of my favorite lines from Sadie about Maverick: “𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘪𝘮, 𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭, 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵, 𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘧 𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘪𝘮𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧.”
Sadie never gives up on Maverick and he wants to protect her with his life, even though he’s never been in a real relationship. Oh my…… some swoon-worthy moments for sure.
Maverick realizes he’s in deep. “𝘚𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘦 𝘓𝘦𝘋𝘶𝘤 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘮𝘦. 𝘉𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦. 𝘉𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧.” Yea. He has demons to overcome so he can accept Sadie’s love and I wanted to hug him. Hard.
This is a fun, “pulls at your heartstrings” type of story with a wonderful cast of characters. Maverick has his team that always has his back even as he tries to distance himself. Sadie’s best friend, Ali, is one girlfriend everyone deserves.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this series for sure!
Here we have a fake relationship between a grumpy, injured, angry, introverted star baseball player and a sweet, kind, people pleasing woman with a terrible Ex. Talk about opposites but wow is their attraction intense! But wait, their relationship is supposed to be fake!
One of my favorite lines from Sadie about Maverick: “𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘪𝘮, 𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭, 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵, 𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘧 𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘪𝘮𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧.”
Sadie never gives up on Maverick and he wants to protect her with his life, even though he’s never been in a real relationship. Oh my…… some swoon-worthy moments for sure.
Maverick realizes he’s in deep. “𝘚𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘦 𝘓𝘦𝘋𝘶𝘤 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘮𝘦. 𝘉𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦. 𝘉𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧.” Yea. He has demons to overcome so he can accept Sadie’s love and I wanted to hug him. Hard.
This is a fun, “pulls at your heartstrings” type of story with a wonderful cast of characters. Maverick has his team that always has his back even as he tries to distance himself. Sadie’s best friend, Ali, is one girlfriend everyone deserves.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this series for sure!
July 19, 2024
This book is for all the those that don’t always feel comfortable in their own skin and don’t feel they deserve the love they so do. Julia Jarrett’s newer to the sports romance world, but you wouldn’t know it from the first two books in the Vancouver Tridents series! Maverick is the resident grumpy “bad boy” of the Tridents - but he’s a secret softie on the inside. After a situation that requires a bit of reputation rehab, he meets healthcare fundraising professional Sadie - who could use some help getting rid of a pesky ex. The attraction is almost immediate but hidden on both sides, until a roommate situation makes it hard to deny.
I adored Sadie and found her so relatable. Seeing her find herself and what she - not others - wanted out of life throughout the story was inspiring! So many can lose themselves in relationships or in being the sibling that isn’t a “star.” And Maverick - he is so easy to love, even if he doesn’t feel he deserves it. He’s been through so much in life and reading about him starting to open up, to smile more, was heartwarming. I can’t wait to read book three! Thanks Julia, for another great read! I received an advanced reading copy, receipt of which did not impact my review.
I adored Sadie and found her so relatable. Seeing her find herself and what she - not others - wanted out of life throughout the story was inspiring! So many can lose themselves in relationships or in being the sibling that isn’t a “star.” And Maverick - he is so easy to love, even if he doesn’t feel he deserves it. He’s been through so much in life and reading about him starting to open up, to smile more, was heartwarming. I can’t wait to read book three! Thanks Julia, for another great read! I received an advanced reading copy, receipt of which did not impact my review.
July 15, 2024
4.5⭐️
If you loved Rowan in book 1 of this series, then you are going to adore Maverick.
He is baseball’s bad boy. Tattoos, grumpy, and has never been in a relationship. But then he meets Sadie, the sweetest woman who does all she can to make those around her happy, and she melts this man.
I loved these two. And the slow burn?! So well done. I was DYING for these two to finally accept their feelings and cross the line they drew in their fake relationship. Oh yes, we have fake dating in here folks. And ONLY ONE BED.
There was so much that these two had to overcome and deal with in order to be together in a healthy way. I saw Maverick get himself through it, but I think Sadie kind of got the easy way out? She needed a little more time to make herself happy, I think.
But this was such a great read, I almost did it in one sitting. If you haven’t read any of Julia’s books, definitely check this series out!
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own!
If you loved Rowan in book 1 of this series, then you are going to adore Maverick.
He is baseball’s bad boy. Tattoos, grumpy, and has never been in a relationship. But then he meets Sadie, the sweetest woman who does all she can to make those around her happy, and she melts this man.
I loved these two. And the slow burn?! So well done. I was DYING for these two to finally accept their feelings and cross the line they drew in their fake relationship. Oh yes, we have fake dating in here folks. And ONLY ONE BED.
There was so much that these two had to overcome and deal with in order to be together in a healthy way. I saw Maverick get himself through it, but I think Sadie kind of got the easy way out? She needed a little more time to make herself happy, I think.
But this was such a great read, I almost did it in one sitting. If you haven’t read any of Julia’s books, definitely check this series out!
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own!
Read
October 8, 2025“You look good wearing my name, Specs.”
5✨
This is booked two in the Vancouver Tridents series, and I have to admit this might be my favourite book of the series, if not my favourite Julia book! I read this book in one sitting and could not put it down because I was so taken by the story and the characters.
I loved the characters in this one. I enjoyed their backstory and why they acted the way they do… and then seeing them grow as characters from the beginning of the book to the end.
One of my favourite things about Julia’s writing is she never has a super dramatic out of left field (pun intended) plot twist. Her conflict in each book is so all done and it just makes me fall in love with the characters more by the end.
Absolutely fantastic book I would highly recommend⚾️❤️
5✨
This is booked two in the Vancouver Tridents series, and I have to admit this might be my favourite book of the series, if not my favourite Julia book! I read this book in one sitting and could not put it down because I was so taken by the story and the characters.
I loved the characters in this one. I enjoyed their backstory and why they acted the way they do… and then seeing them grow as characters from the beginning of the book to the end.
One of my favourite things about Julia’s writing is she never has a super dramatic out of left field (pun intended) plot twist. Her conflict in each book is so all done and it just makes me fall in love with the characters more by the end.
Absolutely fantastic book I would highly recommend⚾️❤️
February 18, 2025
Aww, this Vancouver Tridents baseball series by Julia Jarrett is so sweet, so addicting. Fake the Game is book 2 of the series, and once again author Jarrett displays her knack for creating a big, tough, talented baseball player who knows he should keep his nose to the grindstone, who has no time or interest in a relationship – fake or real – but who somehow gets himself so tangled up over a woman who appears to be the most incompatible person he could find and ends up being the most romantic person in the entire book. I don’t know how Jarrett does it, but I love it and it will keep me coming back for more.
In book 1, Break the Rules, Ronan Sinclair was ‘the guy’ and his story with Willow Lawson was delightful. Here we go again with Fake the Game. Maverick King and Sadie LeDuc seem to be total opposites. She’s the head of fundraising for the hospital foundation, quiet, mostly keeps to herself, and almost dresses to look like a librarian. He’s the Tridents’ poster boy for wild, crazy, always in trouble, seems to always be in a negative spotlight, and is big, burly and give-you-dry-mouth handsome. No one would ever see these two and imagine them as a couple.
But as the saying goes, looks can be deceiving. They sure can. When Maverick and Sadie first meet they’re both a little vulnerable, dealing with some stuff. Maverick has gotten himself in trouble yet again and when he gets bad news while at the hospital where he’s supposed to being doing PR with young patients, he goes off to an empty waiting room and blows off some steam. Sadie just happens upon him; doesn’t pry or even say much, but it seems like she truly cares about the answer when she asks if he’s okay. A new experience for him.
Yep, Maverick is in hot water all the time, but truth is he’s really a good guy and it’s usually not his fault. A foster kid who grew up with two foster brothers, he’s got a huge hero complex and can’t help stepping in when someone is in trouble. Anyone. Especially women in danger of being hurt – and unfortunately also his foster brother Eli, who has been in and out of rehab and always selfishly has his hand out for Maverick to pull him up, again. His other brother Colin is his agent and does all he can to save Maverick from himself and his never-ending good intentions, but it’s not easy. And Sadie, she’s not really like a librarian. She’s clever, witty, friendly and beautiful. But a little damaged after dumping her cheating boyfriend who has now decided his play should be to forgive her and take her back. Okay, then. No way will that happen, she’s strong and will stick to her guns, but she’s a little bruised.
And that’s the situation when Mav and Sadie meet again, at a bar where Sadie and her friend Willow (PR for the Tridents, Ronan’s heartthrob, see above) were supposed to have a glass of wine. Willow can’t make it so Sadie is just minding her own business finishing her wine, as is Maverick (beer, not wine) at the bar when in struts Douchey Dirk, the ex, and starts loudly harassing Sadie again. Won’t shut up, won’t leave when she asks him to, won’t just go away and Maverick can’t help himself. He steps in. And of course because he’s a baseball star, photos pop up everywhere, with rampant speculation that they’re dating. Well, maybe the speculation is a little understandable because in the photos it doesn’t look like Maverick is just protecting a damsel in distress but instead is staring at the woman he loves. Whoa, where did that come from? And what are they going to do about it?
Colin comes up with the clever idea that maybe pretending he’s in a relationship with a woman who seems “normal” compared to the women always looking to hook up with a star might be good for Maverick’s image. And it surprisingly doesn’t take long for Sadie to decide it just might be the way to rub Douchey Dirk’s face in it a little and make him go away if he thinks she’s with someone rich, famous and hot. From then on Fake the Game is a roller coaster ride of fun, sweetness, and a slippery slope from thinking fake to thinking forever. They kind of fit. Like really kind of fit. She’s fun, fits in wherever they need to go to be seen, always knows what to say. But worry is always clomping around in their heads. She doesn’t believe anyone like him could be interested in dowdy, plain boring her. He can’t imagine how she would ever be satisfied with someone with his reputation, someone with his background, just someone like him. So it’s a non-stop comedy of errors and misunderstandings and some pretty poignant moments as well. He falls hard for “Specs” and the feeling is mutual. But is anyone ever going to find the courage to come out and say it?
Fake the Game is tender, romantic, hilarious, super steamy and even brings a tear to your eye a time or two. I loved it so much, couldn’t put it down and swooned at the very satisfying ending. I received an advance audiobook copy of this book and narrators Dane Anderson and Heather Firth convinced me that listening to this story is the only way to go. The balance, the tone, the emotion, the perfect portrayals of two people struggling, living, laughing, loving. I can’t wait to put my earbuds in again and start listening to author Julia Jarrett’s next Vancouver Tridents adventure. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
In book 1, Break the Rules, Ronan Sinclair was ‘the guy’ and his story with Willow Lawson was delightful. Here we go again with Fake the Game. Maverick King and Sadie LeDuc seem to be total opposites. She’s the head of fundraising for the hospital foundation, quiet, mostly keeps to herself, and almost dresses to look like a librarian. He’s the Tridents’ poster boy for wild, crazy, always in trouble, seems to always be in a negative spotlight, and is big, burly and give-you-dry-mouth handsome. No one would ever see these two and imagine them as a couple.
But as the saying goes, looks can be deceiving. They sure can. When Maverick and Sadie first meet they’re both a little vulnerable, dealing with some stuff. Maverick has gotten himself in trouble yet again and when he gets bad news while at the hospital where he’s supposed to being doing PR with young patients, he goes off to an empty waiting room and blows off some steam. Sadie just happens upon him; doesn’t pry or even say much, but it seems like she truly cares about the answer when she asks if he’s okay. A new experience for him.
Yep, Maverick is in hot water all the time, but truth is he’s really a good guy and it’s usually not his fault. A foster kid who grew up with two foster brothers, he’s got a huge hero complex and can’t help stepping in when someone is in trouble. Anyone. Especially women in danger of being hurt – and unfortunately also his foster brother Eli, who has been in and out of rehab and always selfishly has his hand out for Maverick to pull him up, again. His other brother Colin is his agent and does all he can to save Maverick from himself and his never-ending good intentions, but it’s not easy. And Sadie, she’s not really like a librarian. She’s clever, witty, friendly and beautiful. But a little damaged after dumping her cheating boyfriend who has now decided his play should be to forgive her and take her back. Okay, then. No way will that happen, she’s strong and will stick to her guns, but she’s a little bruised.
And that’s the situation when Mav and Sadie meet again, at a bar where Sadie and her friend Willow (PR for the Tridents, Ronan’s heartthrob, see above) were supposed to have a glass of wine. Willow can’t make it so Sadie is just minding her own business finishing her wine, as is Maverick (beer, not wine) at the bar when in struts Douchey Dirk, the ex, and starts loudly harassing Sadie again. Won’t shut up, won’t leave when she asks him to, won’t just go away and Maverick can’t help himself. He steps in. And of course because he’s a baseball star, photos pop up everywhere, with rampant speculation that they’re dating. Well, maybe the speculation is a little understandable because in the photos it doesn’t look like Maverick is just protecting a damsel in distress but instead is staring at the woman he loves. Whoa, where did that come from? And what are they going to do about it?
Colin comes up with the clever idea that maybe pretending he’s in a relationship with a woman who seems “normal” compared to the women always looking to hook up with a star might be good for Maverick’s image. And it surprisingly doesn’t take long for Sadie to decide it just might be the way to rub Douchey Dirk’s face in it a little and make him go away if he thinks she’s with someone rich, famous and hot. From then on Fake the Game is a roller coaster ride of fun, sweetness, and a slippery slope from thinking fake to thinking forever. They kind of fit. Like really kind of fit. She’s fun, fits in wherever they need to go to be seen, always knows what to say. But worry is always clomping around in their heads. She doesn’t believe anyone like him could be interested in dowdy, plain boring her. He can’t imagine how she would ever be satisfied with someone with his reputation, someone with his background, just someone like him. So it’s a non-stop comedy of errors and misunderstandings and some pretty poignant moments as well. He falls hard for “Specs” and the feeling is mutual. But is anyone ever going to find the courage to come out and say it?
Fake the Game is tender, romantic, hilarious, super steamy and even brings a tear to your eye a time or two. I loved it so much, couldn’t put it down and swooned at the very satisfying ending. I received an advance audiobook copy of this book and narrators Dane Anderson and Heather Firth convinced me that listening to this story is the only way to go. The balance, the tone, the emotion, the perfect portrayals of two people struggling, living, laughing, loving. I can’t wait to put my earbuds in again and start listening to author Julia Jarrett’s next Vancouver Tridents adventure. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
August 13, 2024
As we saw in the first book, Maverick King is considered an at-risk player. Trouble just seems to find him wherever he goes. He is a great baseball player. But his stunts catch even his team owner off guard. Not good when he is his biggest supporter. The ironic thing is he doesn't drink or take drugs. Most of the time he is found in compromised situations it is because of trying to help someone else out.
Unfortunately, illegal street racing is frowned upon. Not to mention taking on the responsibility for another, only when everything hits the fan, their nowhere to be found. Causing his team to question their faith in his ability to make wise choices. For sure his agent/brother Colin was having a problem maintaining it was an accident, not a Street Race. Unfortunately, he did lose some sponsorships over the last situation.
Being an introvert it is a hard troubling day for Maverick to show that he is not a bad guy in helping at the hospital. This is where he first sees Sadie LeDuc. When he found out he was losing a big sponsor, he went into the stairwell at the hospital to take the call. Hearing the news was jarring, and he had a meltdown. All of it happened while Sadie was making her way down to her office. She gave him a wide birth, but she won’t lie he did intrigue her. Tattoos and all.
Sadie had only just left her ex after he was caught in bed with his paralegal. Her quick move-in apartment was horrendous. She is the lady who does the nonprofit fundraisers for the Children's Hospital Foundation. After work, she will be meeting Willow for a drink. When she arrived, she didn't notice until it was too late that the guy with the tattoos was sitting at a table one over from their table. She realized she would need to go up to the bar to get their drinks. When Mav sees her, he tells her he will watch over the table.
Sadie (Specs) checked her texts again and figured out that Willow had an emergency at work. Therefore, she can't make it after all. Before she knew it, somebody slipped into her seat. Dirk her ex, is seated before her. She is indignant that he would think it's ok for him to just sit with her, to berate her for not coming back to him already. Then, all of a sudden Maverick comes over and puts his arm around her telling Dirk, “Pretty sure she told you to leave.” It took the dense ex a bit, at first, he was going to posture, and then he realized, OMG!
He started to say his name, so he got Sadie out of there. Mav realized that she didn't know who he was. However, the next morning that idea went down the toilet. Everyone, but her knew him. The paparazzi were after her, she clogged the front of the hospital, which is not good for the family of patients.
Gus her boss suggested she work from home until it died down. For patients to come, and go freely through the hospital doors. This is a very good book. When Maverick goes to her office, she proposes that they do a fake dating situation. For her to be able to keep her ex off her back. For him to boost his public image, and since he already spooked Dirk they could just keep it going.
Unfortunately, illegal street racing is frowned upon. Not to mention taking on the responsibility for another, only when everything hits the fan, their nowhere to be found. Causing his team to question their faith in his ability to make wise choices. For sure his agent/brother Colin was having a problem maintaining it was an accident, not a Street Race. Unfortunately, he did lose some sponsorships over the last situation.
Being an introvert it is a hard troubling day for Maverick to show that he is not a bad guy in helping at the hospital. This is where he first sees Sadie LeDuc. When he found out he was losing a big sponsor, he went into the stairwell at the hospital to take the call. Hearing the news was jarring, and he had a meltdown. All of it happened while Sadie was making her way down to her office. She gave him a wide birth, but she won’t lie he did intrigue her. Tattoos and all.
Sadie had only just left her ex after he was caught in bed with his paralegal. Her quick move-in apartment was horrendous. She is the lady who does the nonprofit fundraisers for the Children's Hospital Foundation. After work, she will be meeting Willow for a drink. When she arrived, she didn't notice until it was too late that the guy with the tattoos was sitting at a table one over from their table. She realized she would need to go up to the bar to get their drinks. When Mav sees her, he tells her he will watch over the table.
Sadie (Specs) checked her texts again and figured out that Willow had an emergency at work. Therefore, she can't make it after all. Before she knew it, somebody slipped into her seat. Dirk her ex, is seated before her. She is indignant that he would think it's ok for him to just sit with her, to berate her for not coming back to him already. Then, all of a sudden Maverick comes over and puts his arm around her telling Dirk, “Pretty sure she told you to leave.” It took the dense ex a bit, at first, he was going to posture, and then he realized, OMG!
He started to say his name, so he got Sadie out of there. Mav realized that she didn't know who he was. However, the next morning that idea went down the toilet. Everyone, but her knew him. The paparazzi were after her, she clogged the front of the hospital, which is not good for the family of patients.
Gus her boss suggested she work from home until it died down. For patients to come, and go freely through the hospital doors. This is a very good book. When Maverick goes to her office, she proposes that they do a fake dating situation. For her to be able to keep her ex off her back. For him to boost his public image, and since he already spooked Dirk they could just keep it going.
February 17, 2025
Fake dating turns real…
Story: 4 ⭐️s
Narration: 4 ⭐️s
In book 2 of Julia Jarrett’s Vancouver Tridents baseball series, she takes on the fake dating turns real trope with enjoyable results. Maverick and Sadie both have traits that make this kind of story work - he’s got a lot of anger, she’s learning to take charge of her life; both have unresolved issues that complicate their getting together. It all checks the boxes, but there are also elements here that set FtG apart from other fake dating books. The recipe may be similar, but the results are different, and that’s what I enjoyed about the book.
Third baseman, Maverick King, was in hot water at the end of book one and as his own story opens, he’s still there. He’s got amends to make, and it trying to, when a misread encounter with Sadie LeDuc, head of fundraising for the children’s hospital, jumpstarts their journey from fake dating to rehab his rep, to the real thing. Maverick is gruff but also has a bit of savior complex. Sadie has a ton of patience and kindness and believes is second chances - except (very understandably) for her cheating d-bag ex. Her qualities make her the best person to help Mac see what is possible and that keeping people at a distance may keep you safe from abandonment, but it will also keep you lonely. They were a great couple, and while the third act separation felt obligatory rather than organic, it doesn’t last too long nor detract too much from the heart of the MC’s connection.
Compared to book one, Jarrett has definitely upped her team dynamic game. There were a lot more interactions between the Trident players and seeing Mav grow closer to his teammates as his relationship with Sadie makes him more open to connections was great. I hope the team dynamics continue to grow as the series progresses. Now that this book has shown us more of the players, I am much more intrigued by their potential stories.
The audiobook for book two was a slight let down compared to book one. Connor Crais as Ronan is a hard act to follow, and it took me a while to warm up to Dane Anderson’s portrayal of Maverick. Anderson’s performance did grow on me, though it took several chapters, and he ultimately did a good job with balancing Maverick’s anger and vulnerability. However, one thing I did not get used to was his female voice; while not as grating as other male narrator attempts, there were still times when it threw me out of the moment to hear him be Sadie. This is definitely an audio where I would have appreciated duet narration. The best part of the audiobook is Heather Firth; she’s definitely the standout for me and was a wonderful Sadie. Firth brought the perfect blend of strength and kindness to the character and really added something to the chapters from Sadie’s p.o.v. She turns in a solid performance.
I do recommend the FtG audiobook; Jarrett’s Trident world is beginning to expand in interesting ways,and I am here for it.
I’m grateful to have received an ALC copy of the audiobook via Home Cooked Books. I also read the book via KU. All opinions expressed are my own.
Story: 4 ⭐️s
Narration: 4 ⭐️s
In book 2 of Julia Jarrett’s Vancouver Tridents baseball series, she takes on the fake dating turns real trope with enjoyable results. Maverick and Sadie both have traits that make this kind of story work - he’s got a lot of anger, she’s learning to take charge of her life; both have unresolved issues that complicate their getting together. It all checks the boxes, but there are also elements here that set FtG apart from other fake dating books. The recipe may be similar, but the results are different, and that’s what I enjoyed about the book.
Third baseman, Maverick King, was in hot water at the end of book one and as his own story opens, he’s still there. He’s got amends to make, and it trying to, when a misread encounter with Sadie LeDuc, head of fundraising for the children’s hospital, jumpstarts their journey from fake dating to rehab his rep, to the real thing. Maverick is gruff but also has a bit of savior complex. Sadie has a ton of patience and kindness and believes is second chances - except (very understandably) for her cheating d-bag ex. Her qualities make her the best person to help Mac see what is possible and that keeping people at a distance may keep you safe from abandonment, but it will also keep you lonely. They were a great couple, and while the third act separation felt obligatory rather than organic, it doesn’t last too long nor detract too much from the heart of the MC’s connection.
Compared to book one, Jarrett has definitely upped her team dynamic game. There were a lot more interactions between the Trident players and seeing Mav grow closer to his teammates as his relationship with Sadie makes him more open to connections was great. I hope the team dynamics continue to grow as the series progresses. Now that this book has shown us more of the players, I am much more intrigued by their potential stories.
The audiobook for book two was a slight let down compared to book one. Connor Crais as Ronan is a hard act to follow, and it took me a while to warm up to Dane Anderson’s portrayal of Maverick. Anderson’s performance did grow on me, though it took several chapters, and he ultimately did a good job with balancing Maverick’s anger and vulnerability. However, one thing I did not get used to was his female voice; while not as grating as other male narrator attempts, there were still times when it threw me out of the moment to hear him be Sadie. This is definitely an audio where I would have appreciated duet narration. The best part of the audiobook is Heather Firth; she’s definitely the standout for me and was a wonderful Sadie. Firth brought the perfect blend of strength and kindness to the character and really added something to the chapters from Sadie’s p.o.v. She turns in a solid performance.
I do recommend the FtG audiobook; Jarrett’s Trident world is beginning to expand in interesting ways,and I am here for it.
I’m grateful to have received an ALC copy of the audiobook via Home Cooked Books. I also read the book via KU. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 20, 2025
DNF @ 89% - Kinda couldn't be bothered finishing?
This book was mild in many ways. I think I'm echoing another review's sentiments that the book is "mid" and "not terrible" and "lacklustre". The basis of the book is already a bit run-of-the-mill, when we have a "bad boy" who needs to fake date the "good girl" and they fall in love. Despite the characters being relatively likeable and avoiding the common pitfalls of the grumpy-sunshine trope (i.e. creating an unlikeable/asshole MMC paired with an overly passive and tolerant good girl), they remained somewhat half-baked and lacking the depth and authenticity that readers want to see from their protagonists. Given the similarities, I think Liz Tomforde's Windy City novels are a fair comparison, illustrating the unique blend of strength and vulnerability in a life-like character that makes readers swoon.
More than that, the novel was moderate in that it evoked moderate feelings. What I mean to say is that the cliche vulnerabilities of the MCs ("getting close to people only means they have the ability to hurt you"; "I'm too boring for someone like him to like me") without further depth meant that their inevitable rift in the third act was both foreseeable and anticlimactic. It didn't wrench the heart; it was a thin excuse for a tension that didn't have readers feeling much.
Finally, this issue may or may not be resolved in the book's ending (which I never reached) but, the whole premise of a FMC only being liked for she can offer, rather than who she is, is undermined by the fact that the MMC does like her for what she can offer (helping Eli, making the MMC play well, making the MMC happy when she's in his life). It felt like the author did the FMC's character a disservice by not portraying the MMC as specifically obsessed with her and realising that he loves HER.
Other tidbits:
- "Specs" seems a bit superficial and doesn't necessarily hold meaning for the FMC's character. She's prim and proper, but that almost seems like an unfavourable characteristic to highlight in a nickname. She even tries to step out of her shell and become more herself, than the 'prim and proper' facade she's been upholding. At least it wasn't "Red". Although, at least "Red" often holds meaning for the character's fierceness and passion.
- I did like that the FMC owns the fact that she's "boring". She doesn't doubt whether she likes who she is; she doubts whether he likes who she is.
- This author has an unfortunate habit of writing questions without question marks. E.g. "Why not."
- "As if she's a feral animal..." feel like there were other ways you could've written this without insulting her
Ultimately, an easy read, but not an impactful one.
This book was mild in many ways. I think I'm echoing another review's sentiments that the book is "mid" and "not terrible" and "lacklustre". The basis of the book is already a bit run-of-the-mill, when we have a "bad boy" who needs to fake date the "good girl" and they fall in love. Despite the characters being relatively likeable and avoiding the common pitfalls of the grumpy-sunshine trope (i.e. creating an unlikeable/asshole MMC paired with an overly passive and tolerant good girl), they remained somewhat half-baked and lacking the depth and authenticity that readers want to see from their protagonists. Given the similarities, I think Liz Tomforde's Windy City novels are a fair comparison, illustrating the unique blend of strength and vulnerability in a life-like character that makes readers swoon.
More than that, the novel was moderate in that it evoked moderate feelings. What I mean to say is that the cliche vulnerabilities of the MCs ("getting close to people only means they have the ability to hurt you"; "I'm too boring for someone like him to like me") without further depth meant that their inevitable rift in the third act was both foreseeable and anticlimactic. It didn't wrench the heart; it was a thin excuse for a tension that didn't have readers feeling much.
Finally, this issue may or may not be resolved in the book's ending (which I never reached) but, the whole premise of a FMC only being liked for she can offer, rather than who she is, is undermined by the fact that the MMC does like her for what she can offer (helping Eli, making the MMC play well, making the MMC happy when she's in his life). It felt like the author did the FMC's character a disservice by not portraying the MMC as specifically obsessed with her and realising that he loves HER.
Other tidbits:
- "Specs" seems a bit superficial and doesn't necessarily hold meaning for the FMC's character. She's prim and proper, but that almost seems like an unfavourable characteristic to highlight in a nickname. She even tries to step out of her shell and become more herself, than the 'prim and proper' facade she's been upholding. At least it wasn't "Red". Although, at least "Red" often holds meaning for the character's fierceness and passion.
- I did like that the FMC owns the fact that she's "boring". She doesn't doubt whether she likes who she is; she doubts whether he likes who she is.
- This author has an unfortunate habit of writing questions without question marks. E.g. "Why not."
- "As if she's a feral animal..." feel like there were other ways you could've written this without insulting her
Ultimately, an easy read, but not an impactful one.
February 12, 2025
More Tridents Greatness! Fabulous Story & Narration🎧
Fake The Game
Vancouver Tridents, Book 2
By: Julia Jarrett
Narrated by: Heather Firth, Dane Anderson
Julia Jarrett pens another winning novel, a sports romance set in her “Vancouver Tridents” series. This second book of the series is Maverick and Sadie’s story and it is just as fantastic and just as captivating as the first. Maverick, the bad boy of baseball, has gotten himself in trouble again, and not only is his future in baseball in jeopardy, but so are his paid endorsements. Sadie broke up with her live-in boyfriend after catching him cheating on her, and while out waiting for her friend, he comes in and starts giving her a hard time, and Maverick, who was at the next table steps in to help her. Sadie remembered him from their brief encounter earlier and was grateful for the help of getting away from her ex. They had a moment outside the bar which was caught on camera so his brother, who is also his agent, comes up with an idea, one that will help improve his image in the media and public eye, hoping to save his career on and off the field. Sadie agreed to go with the plan for a limited time and for certain events, but when things change between them and feelings get involved, that plan goes awry. It was great to watch these two get to know each other and learn their backstories. Maverick did not have the best childhood, and it left him broken and scarred with self worth issues. Sadie was a people pleaser and always put others’ wants and needs before her own. Maverick’s battles with his inner demons may cost him the best thing that happened to him, Sadie, his light and the one who sees and brings out the goodness in him. There is never a dull moment in this book, and the story has the perfect balance of drama, angst, heartfelt emotions, and steamy romance. Once again, the writing, plot and world building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. Julia Jarrett, thank you for another wonderful story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Heather Firth and Dane Anderson deliver a fabulous performance, bringing the characters to life with voices that are fitting, and knocking it out of the park with their perfect portrayal of each. Both did an amazing job showcasing their character’s personalty and demeanor, while capturing their every emotion too. These two made a great team, with voices and talent that complement each other and a performance that takes the story to a whole new level. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to.
Fake The Game
Vancouver Tridents, Book 2
By: Julia Jarrett
Narrated by: Heather Firth, Dane Anderson
Julia Jarrett pens another winning novel, a sports romance set in her “Vancouver Tridents” series. This second book of the series is Maverick and Sadie’s story and it is just as fantastic and just as captivating as the first. Maverick, the bad boy of baseball, has gotten himself in trouble again, and not only is his future in baseball in jeopardy, but so are his paid endorsements. Sadie broke up with her live-in boyfriend after catching him cheating on her, and while out waiting for her friend, he comes in and starts giving her a hard time, and Maverick, who was at the next table steps in to help her. Sadie remembered him from their brief encounter earlier and was grateful for the help of getting away from her ex. They had a moment outside the bar which was caught on camera so his brother, who is also his agent, comes up with an idea, one that will help improve his image in the media and public eye, hoping to save his career on and off the field. Sadie agreed to go with the plan for a limited time and for certain events, but when things change between them and feelings get involved, that plan goes awry. It was great to watch these two get to know each other and learn their backstories. Maverick did not have the best childhood, and it left him broken and scarred with self worth issues. Sadie was a people pleaser and always put others’ wants and needs before her own. Maverick’s battles with his inner demons may cost him the best thing that happened to him, Sadie, his light and the one who sees and brings out the goodness in him. There is never a dull moment in this book, and the story has the perfect balance of drama, angst, heartfelt emotions, and steamy romance. Once again, the writing, plot and world building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. Julia Jarrett, thank you for another wonderful story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Heather Firth and Dane Anderson deliver a fabulous performance, bringing the characters to life with voices that are fitting, and knocking it out of the park with their perfect portrayal of each. Both did an amazing job showcasing their character’s personalty and demeanor, while capturing their every emotion too. These two made a great team, with voices and talent that complement each other and a performance that takes the story to a whole new level. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to.
February 17, 2025
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
🎤 Dual narration by Dane Anderson and Heather Firth
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Performance: 🎤🎤🎤🎤
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual, first person, present tense
I was eager to read Maverick’s story after reading the first book in the series and I was not disappointed. I flew through this book. Where that book is light-hearted and feel-good, this story is emotional and heartwarming, punctuated with humour. It’s a fake dating, bad boy x good girl sports romance. It’s the second book in the Vancouver Tridents series and can be read as a standalone.
Maverick is a baseball player who is constantly being caught in compromising positions and is in danger of losing not only, sponsorship deals, but his place on the team. Sadie is the head of fundraising of a children’s hospital foundation. She’s very private and reserved and lives for her work. They’re pushed into a fake relationship in order to save his image and it’s the best thing to happen to them. It turns out they’re perfect for each other and soon, feelings start to develop. But it’s anything but smooth sailing.
Maverick had a troubled childhood and Sadie has been hurt by love and they are each a healing balm to the other. I love a protective alpha hero and from the moment Maverick met Sadie, he showed his protective streak. (there’s a scene where he takes her home and sees she’s living in a crappy apartment and he immediately insists she comes to stay with him because he’s worried for her safety. That scene lives rent free in my head.) He’s a multi-layered character who is misunderstood keeps everyone at a distance, and Sadie comes into his life and gives him a safe space to open up and conquer his demons. Unlike the first book, this is a medium burn and watching their feelings grow and evolve was very heartwarming. They’ve got fantastic chemistry as well, and the spice is hot.
Dane Anderson and Heather Firth brought the story to life with their captivating performances. Dane Anderson never fails to impress me with his vocal range, making every character feel distinct and skilfully conveying their emotions – and this time was no different. Heather Firth is a new-to-me narrator and enjoyed her portrayal of Sadie. I will definitely be looking out for more of her work.
This story is the perfect balance of tension, spice, angst, humour, and emotional moments. It’s a good listen if you’re looking for a heartwarming story with loveable, broken characters who experience healing and growth, supportive side characters, lots of banter and a protective, dirty talking hero with a soft spot for women in distress and stray cats.
*I received an advance copy from Homecooked Books. These opinions are entirely my own.
🎤 Dual narration by Dane Anderson and Heather Firth
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Performance: 🎤🎤🎤🎤
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual, first person, present tense
I was eager to read Maverick’s story after reading the first book in the series and I was not disappointed. I flew through this book. Where that book is light-hearted and feel-good, this story is emotional and heartwarming, punctuated with humour. It’s a fake dating, bad boy x good girl sports romance. It’s the second book in the Vancouver Tridents series and can be read as a standalone.
Maverick is a baseball player who is constantly being caught in compromising positions and is in danger of losing not only, sponsorship deals, but his place on the team. Sadie is the head of fundraising of a children’s hospital foundation. She’s very private and reserved and lives for her work. They’re pushed into a fake relationship in order to save his image and it’s the best thing to happen to them. It turns out they’re perfect for each other and soon, feelings start to develop. But it’s anything but smooth sailing.
Maverick had a troubled childhood and Sadie has been hurt by love and they are each a healing balm to the other. I love a protective alpha hero and from the moment Maverick met Sadie, he showed his protective streak. (there’s a scene where he takes her home and sees she’s living in a crappy apartment and he immediately insists she comes to stay with him because he’s worried for her safety. That scene lives rent free in my head.) He’s a multi-layered character who is misunderstood keeps everyone at a distance, and Sadie comes into his life and gives him a safe space to open up and conquer his demons. Unlike the first book, this is a medium burn and watching their feelings grow and evolve was very heartwarming. They’ve got fantastic chemistry as well, and the spice is hot.
Dane Anderson and Heather Firth brought the story to life with their captivating performances. Dane Anderson never fails to impress me with his vocal range, making every character feel distinct and skilfully conveying their emotions – and this time was no different. Heather Firth is a new-to-me narrator and enjoyed her portrayal of Sadie. I will definitely be looking out for more of her work.
This story is the perfect balance of tension, spice, angst, humour, and emotional moments. It’s a good listen if you’re looking for a heartwarming story with loveable, broken characters who experience healing and growth, supportive side characters, lots of banter and a protective, dirty talking hero with a soft spot for women in distress and stray cats.
*I received an advance copy from Homecooked Books. These opinions are entirely my own.
February 22, 2025
In this intriguing tale of opposites attracting, Maverick King and Sadie LeDuc find themselves drawn into a fake relationship that feels all too real. Maverick, the grumpy and introverted baseball star, struggles with a tarnished reputation due to his penchant for getting involved in situations he never intended to be part of, like illegal street racing. Despite his rough exterior and tattoos, his heart is in the right place, often helping others at his own expense. Enter Sadie, a sweet and kind-hearted woman reeling from a breakup with a cheating ex. As someone who thrives on bringing people together through her work at a nonprofit, Sadie is a natural people pleaser, making her the perfect foil to Maverick's gruff demeanour.
Their first encounter at the hospital sets the stage for an unexpected connection. Maverick, reeling from the loss of a major sponsor, has an emotional moment in the stairwell, catching Sadie's attention. Though initially wary, Sadie's intrigue grows, and fate keeps bringing them together, like at the bar where Maverick offers to watch her table. Their fake relationship, intended to salvage Maverick's public image, begins to blur the lines between what's real and pretence. Maverick's tough exterior, shaped by his challenging upbringing in foster care, gradually softens as he lets Sadie in, revealing a deep-seated protectiveness. Meanwhile, Sadie's warmth and authenticity provide the safe haven Maverick didn't know he needed. Their journey from awkward beginnings to undeniable chemistry is a testament to the power of love and understanding, making them a perfectly balanced couple that readers can't help but root for.
The ability of narrators to embody the characters they voice can truly elevate an audiobook experience and Dane Anderson and Heather Firth exceeded my expectations and resonated with deeply. Dane's growly and protective tone captured Maverick's essence perfectly, adding depth and authenticity to his character. Meanwhile, Heather's portrayal of Sadie brought out her genuine and caring nature, allowing listeners to connect with her on an emotional level. Their combined efforts created a dynamic and engaging listening experience, demonstrating the power of skilled narration in bringing stories to life.
Their first encounter at the hospital sets the stage for an unexpected connection. Maverick, reeling from the loss of a major sponsor, has an emotional moment in the stairwell, catching Sadie's attention. Though initially wary, Sadie's intrigue grows, and fate keeps bringing them together, like at the bar where Maverick offers to watch her table. Their fake relationship, intended to salvage Maverick's public image, begins to blur the lines between what's real and pretence. Maverick's tough exterior, shaped by his challenging upbringing in foster care, gradually softens as he lets Sadie in, revealing a deep-seated protectiveness. Meanwhile, Sadie's warmth and authenticity provide the safe haven Maverick didn't know he needed. Their journey from awkward beginnings to undeniable chemistry is a testament to the power of love and understanding, making them a perfectly balanced couple that readers can't help but root for.
The ability of narrators to embody the characters they voice can truly elevate an audiobook experience and Dane Anderson and Heather Firth exceeded my expectations and resonated with deeply. Dane's growly and protective tone captured Maverick's essence perfectly, adding depth and authenticity to his character. Meanwhile, Heather's portrayal of Sadie brought out her genuine and caring nature, allowing listeners to connect with her on an emotional level. Their combined efforts created a dynamic and engaging listening experience, demonstrating the power of skilled narration in bringing stories to life.
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