When Fake Dating Mr. Right Goes Wrong

by Brooke Benson

My plan was airtight...well, until I got caught.
Bobby is the perfect guy on paper—sweet, handsome, and a successful doctor from a wealthy family.
There’s just one problem...he’s my best friend and completely off-limits.

I'll recruit my bestie Bobby as my fake fiancé to convince my family we're in love, claim the estate my grandparents are giving to the next couple to tie the knot, and then go back to being just friends.

Nothing could possibly go wrong, right?

But when a shared room becomes the backdrop for late-night talks, lingering gazes, and pretend kisses that blur the line between friendship and something more, the fake relationship doesn’t feel like a charade anymore.

Sparks fly, emotions run high, and the biggest question isn’t how to fool the family—it's how to handle the growing attraction that's making this staged engagement feel dangerously real.

Get ready for scandal, humor, and heart in a story where friends pretending to be in love find themselves stuck with feelings they can’t ignore. A romance that crackles with chemistry and sizzles with passionate kisses. Enjoy the ride!

189 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 25, 2024

Reviews

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderfully fun romance story by Brooke Benson. The very first page had me grabbed and looking forward to reading. My word she knows how to weave a tale well. Dallas, Claire, The Carter Estate , little did Bobby know that he’d actually sealed his fate and there was no turning back from this fake date….The Dallas heat has him feeling things he shouldn’t or maybe… Claire is a little put out at only one bed and having to put best friend Bobby on the couch . But there’s unexpected feelings rising from within her core…what is happening to her now? Was that Cupid’s arrow? Ouch! “ Yup she’s been hit too and it’s a little bit grand to witness….. “I think I need to get outta here, man. I'm starting to have these….uncomfortable feelings around her.” Ya think? I as a reader am waiting for the sweet as bliss HOT kiss…. “How did fake dating my best friend go so wrong?” Aren’t these two sweet? “Are you here early for horse riding, or another kind of activity?” This had me thinking . They’re both playing a game of deceit and deception, if only they had the inkling that they’re the ones who are last to know just how much those feelings run… like that Cupid’s arrow sure and true…Magnificent angst and the start of romance? I was rooting for this pairing and this I don’t mind sharing . A super cute book by Brooke Benson that had me mesmerised and agog . The easy flow writing so beautifully inviting enticing me and out of the fog , at the close of the pages illicitly I have grin and a heart that is full to the brim of this awesome romance between her and him. Bravo Brooke . Well written , I sure was smitten. Friend to Lovers ✔️ Funny ☑️ Romantic ✔️ Perfect Prose☑️ Deceit & Jealousy ✔️ Complicated Families ☑️ Inheritance ✔️ Storytelling ❤️

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘍𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘔𝘳. 𝘙𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘎𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 is a charming and fast-paced romance that had me hooked from the start. The story revolves around Claire and Bobby, best friends since college, who find themselves entangled in a fake engagement to secure an inheritance from Claire’s grandparents. Bobby is the quintessential "Mr. Right" — a successful doctor who has always been there for Claire, but things get complicated when their fake relationship begins to spark real feelings.

The chemistry between Claire and Bobby is electric, and watching their friendship evolve into something deeper is both heartwarming and believable. The witty banter, palpable tension, and tender moments make their journey from friends to lovers a joy to read.

Overall, 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘍𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘔𝘳. 𝘙𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘎𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 is a sweet and enjoyable read that hits all the right notes for fans of friends-to-lovers romances. I definitely recommend this story to anyone looking for a heartwarming read with plenty of chemistry and charm!

𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘮 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

[Hilma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fake dating is always one of my favourite tropes and when Brooke Benson wrote a fake dating novel: When Fake Dating Mr. Right Goes Wrong, I wanted to read that book.

Claire and Bobby are best friends, but when she has to ensure an inheritance, she has to have marriage plans, so they get in a fake engagement. I loved how at the beginning of the story Bobby gets roped into it and thankfully he plays the part. He has always been there for Claire, but now they have to make others believe they are in love. Of course, the lines get blurred. They have a great chemistry and the banter between them is a joy to read. The book is filled with cute and sweet moments.

At first, I did not really like Claire much, she seemed a bit spoiled, and Bobby was a way too good friend for her. But as the story progresses things changed. The writing is flowing and the book is easy to read.

When Fake Dating Mr. Right Goes Wrong is a sweet forced proximity friend to lovers romantic comedy, with a good plot, nice characters, misunderstanding, mistrust, and of course witty banter and romance. I loved reading it and I cannot wait to read more books by Brooke Benson.

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️🌶️

Brooke Benson always delivers sweet, romantic stories that are full of heartwarming moments, romantic tension, and characters that are easy to love and relate to. Her newest release is no different!

Claire and Bobby have been best friends for a while. In order to secure her inheritance, they agree to fake date and to become fake engaged to appease her family. Bobby is truly Mr. Right, at least on paper. He is successful, well respected, knows Claire so well, and is already liked by her family. What complications could arise with this agreed upon fake dating?

As fate would have it, their fake relationship becomes more real to either of them than any past real relationship. Are these feelings due to them being great actors or is there something there that they both have ignored? The way these two fall for each other had me kicking my feet with giddiness and smiling ear to ear. And man oh man, can Bobby talk to a woman!!

As always, review any author notes before reading.

Tropes:
💖Fake Dating/Engagement
💖Artist FMC
💖Doctor MMC
💖Friends to Lovers
💖Forced Proximity

[Terry T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a sweet friends to lovers, close proximity romantic comedy with no cliffhanger.
Some of the lines I really like ----- “I bet I can make your heart race faster than all your exes.” ----- “I hope the walls are soundproof. We don’t want to wake up our neighbors." ----- “Well, you male chauvinist airheads aren’t exactly a girl’s stuff of dreams.” ----- “To messy lives and uncertain futures." ----- "Don't let go of the
good thing you’ve got in your hands." ---- "Men can be a bit dense sometimes. They don't always pick up on the subtle hints, the shy glances, the twinkle in your eyes, the hair twirls. Sometimes, they need a little nudge in the right direction." ----- "I let fear hold me back, fear of getting hurt again." ----- "Facing your fears and mistakes won't be as bad as you think, -----
What is Fiona up to? What is Bobby's dad up to? These and other questions will all be answered.
I loved Clair and Bobby's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and can't wait to read her next book.

[Christie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bounced back and forth in the beginning of this book as to whether I would like the female main character. Going from sticking up for her against an unpleasant relative to wondering if I would relate to someone with that much money and a spoiled lifestyle. Once it got into the story and the happenings it left that behind and let you get to know her, Claire, and him, Bob. It was a nice clean, tame story where there was attraction but the author didn’t feel you needed to know every lustful thought or that it overpowered them and here are all the details. There is the emotional back and forth of two friends not knowing how to tell each other their feelings have changed which can go on a bit longer than necessary but not everyone has the courage or guts to lay it all out when they’ve been disappointed by people before. It’s a cute story with growth in the characters, emotional feels and a personal investment into the characters. A well done story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheri Bolinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! At first, I have to admit I wasn't a fan of Claire's at all. She was the epitome of spoiled rich girl. Bobby, however, had my heart from the beginning! At the beginning I was wondering how these two were best friends! But, and that's a huge BUT, you know what I mean 🤣, as these two play at a fake relationship to fool her very rich family, the connection becomes clear. Claire just may have a totally different side that works with doctor Bob! I was pulled into this Rollercoaster ride of ups and downs! I laughed, cried, and felt all the emotions in between, several times!!! You will not be disappointed by this book! It is a MUST read!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, easy read with quite a bit of angst thrown in. From the beginning I did not like Claire. Like really, really, really disliked her. She was nothing but a spoiled brat and Bobby was a better friend than she deserved after the way she acted in general.

By the end of the book I felt like Clair had changed in a way that made her more deserving of a man like Bobby. I actually still think he was out of her league from a personal character/ moral standpoint.

I know it was talked about why Claire always felt out of place within the family but I don’t really think that it was ever really acknowledged by the grandparents and how those feelings were ever resolved.

4 stars

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ate this book up! Was just the type of book I was looking for, to pull me out of a slump. The banter between Bob and Claire had me laughing. The digs at Fiona and the way Bob protected Claire from her "mean girls" attitude. This story had me kicking me feet at the little events with the characters chemistry, and definitely toward the end when they found their feelings. There were a couple things that I wish would've been completed at the end but all in all, it was a good quick read and I'm definitely a new fan of this author.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Fake Dating Mr. Right Goes Wrong by Brooke Benson is a sweet, fast paced romance read. With our main characters Claire and Bobby who are besties. I have to say that initially I really, really didn't like Claire, Bobby on the other hand stole my heart. Overall, this was a sweet, forced proximity romance read with a bit of angst, good characters, romance and humor along with the HEA we all need in a good romance!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was a bit of a nostalgic read. I had a friend once that liked me, we tried the relationship but it didn't work out, in the end we just stayed friends.

I liked this story, these two were so good to each other without realizing it until the end. Sometimes best relationships are born from friendship.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claire and Bobby are SO cute together, but seriously? As best friends, they really could have done better than the level of miscommunication in this plot! lol...

Some of the scenarios are funny, and some are embarrassing, and in some, I just REALLY want to take some sever action against certain family members. But overall a fun read with a great HEA...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ineta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Long time friends Claire and Bobby pretend dating for Claire's family. But everything goes wrong - their feelings, some family' members constant doubts. ANd they are not good at communication with their families and each other. And uncertain expectations, unspoken words unclear feelings messes everything up.
I liked story-line.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bob and Claire have been friends since college, best friends. Both come from affluent families and both have family issues they are dealing with. Claire has been summoned home and is supposed to be bringing her boyfriend along to meet the family. What else would your best friend do but pretend to be your boyfriend.
You have to read to see how this goes. Love the cast of characters. Enjoy the read.

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I do not like stories concerning FMC that are spoiled rich princesses so far out of touch with reality. All she did was spend, spend, spend, oh and whine. Bob was much too good for her. He was so nice and down to earth, while it was hard to see how they became friends in the first place. Claire was just not likeable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tami Willard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both coming from powerfully rich families, that don't understand them, they became best friends. When her archrival cousin shows up things start to get out of control. How will they survive the forced trips back home? What becomes of their relationship? Will they be able to mend fences?.

I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good plot but really all the dancing around their real feelings is drug out way too long. And there is nothing about why Fiona’s attitude towards Chaire has changed. Good characters, I really liked Grandpa and Mimi.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her grandparents have decided to give one grandchild an estate although there is one catch. They have to be on the way to get married. She will ask her best friend to pretend to be her fiancé as they want to beat her to the estate. One big problem they have to share a room and feelings may just arise. What is going to happen? How will they get on? See how it will all go

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and charming friends to more romance There is just enough drama, humor and sweet to keep the pages turning. All the emotions will pull your heartstrings. You will easily fall in love with the great characters and root for their happy ending. This is an entertaining and enjoyable story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LaRae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claire came across as so spoiled at first that I didn't have much sympathy towards hee but she grew on me as the story prigressed. U lived Bobby right away. The two together were really fun to read! Their thoughts and fears of saying how they felt were good! I really enjoyed this sweet book and the good feelings it left behind!

[Kandiemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful story is an emotional rollercoaster. I laughed, I cried, my emotions were all over the place. Wonderful characters and an amazing storyline. I'm glad I got the chance to read it and definitely look forward to reading more from the author. Highly recommend reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Danika Bellemare · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in love from the hook. Bobby & Claire are fake dating to get an inheritance from her grandmother. Bobby is a Doctor and is seen as “Mr.Right”. Their fake dating soon turns to a real spark! I loved this book & read it super fast.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Eliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute

[Geneva Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute read. I loved the characters, the banter and the way this book was written. I honestly just loved everything about it.

[R.S.05 · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author, and here is my honest review on this book.
Unfortunately, I had to DNF the book at 54%…
I really tried to finish it, but it was almost impossible when I reached the middle.
The book was so rushed. Everything was kinda thrown onto the pages.
It seems like the author had a bunch of ideas and just wanted to get them down on the pages, without realizing that it got kinda messy and rushed.
In the start the FMC, Claire, was bearable, but while I continued reading I just disliked her more and more.
The MMC, Bobby/Bob (nickname I couldn’t get around…), was ok. I honestly don’t know how to describe him.
All in all, I personally feel like the two main characters fell a little flat. They weren’t interesting.
This book just wasn’t for me.
I think with a little more thought and less rushed parts, this book could have been good.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such and easy read, just couldn't stop turning each page. The chemistry undeniable between the MCs. I have a soft spot for the best friend trope as it's my story. I loved that both families came from equal wealth but each character approached that. Some fabulous kisses and angst but nothing more.