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Faking the Faceoff
There’s a reason you shouldn’t fake date a friend—because the biggest mistake you’ll ever make might just be falling for them... and NEVER ever wanting to let them go.
As the assistant to the coach of the River City Renegades, my life is a whirlwind of schedules, crisis management, and saving the day when things go sideways. I love my job, but sometimes I wonder if there’s more for me out there.
Then, I discovered my dad needs help. I’ll do anything to support him—even if it means stepping out of my comfort zone. So when the team’s publicist decides Ollie Decker, my long-time friend and the Renegades' star defenseman, needs a fake girlfriend to boost his image, I volunteer. After all, it’s just pretend, it pays, and who knows Ollie better than me? But as the lines blur, I start to realize there’s more to Ollie—and us—than I ever let myself see.
Being on the ice is easy. Off the ice? Not so much. Apparently, I’m not “relatable” enough, and the team wants me to soften my tough guy image with a fake relationship. When Anna Denault offers to step in, I figure this’ll be a breeze. But somewhere between staged date nights and late-night strategy sessions, I stop seeing Anna as just my rock and start noticing the spark that’s been there all along.
Now I’m wondering if the biggest risk of my career isn’t losing her as a friend but losing her entirely.
She could be the biggest mistake I’ve ever made…but also the only one I’ll never regret.
Faking the Face Off is a closed door hockey romcom that includes tropes like fake dating, friends to lovers, and found family. This is the first book in a closed door hockey series with sizzling chemistry and swoony kisses. Content This IS a lighthearted and fun romantic comedy, but there are subjects mentioned in this book like gambling addiction and parent dealing with fraud/scam artist.
As the assistant to the coach of the River City Renegades, my life is a whirlwind of schedules, crisis management, and saving the day when things go sideways. I love my job, but sometimes I wonder if there’s more for me out there.
Then, I discovered my dad needs help. I’ll do anything to support him—even if it means stepping out of my comfort zone. So when the team’s publicist decides Ollie Decker, my long-time friend and the Renegades' star defenseman, needs a fake girlfriend to boost his image, I volunteer. After all, it’s just pretend, it pays, and who knows Ollie better than me? But as the lines blur, I start to realize there’s more to Ollie—and us—than I ever let myself see.
Being on the ice is easy. Off the ice? Not so much. Apparently, I’m not “relatable” enough, and the team wants me to soften my tough guy image with a fake relationship. When Anna Denault offers to step in, I figure this’ll be a breeze. But somewhere between staged date nights and late-night strategy sessions, I stop seeing Anna as just my rock and start noticing the spark that’s been there all along.
Now I’m wondering if the biggest risk of my career isn’t losing her as a friend but losing her entirely.
She could be the biggest mistake I’ve ever made…but also the only one I’ll never regret.
Faking the Face Off is a closed door hockey romcom that includes tropes like fake dating, friends to lovers, and found family. This is the first book in a closed door hockey series with sizzling chemistry and swoony kisses. Content This IS a lighthearted and fun romantic comedy, but there are subjects mentioned in this book like gambling addiction and parent dealing with fraud/scam artist.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2025
182 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
About the author
Anne Kemp
36 books437 followersAnne Kemp is a bestselling author of romantic comedies. She loves reading (and she doesn’t it ridiculously fast, too!), gluten-free baking (because everyone needs a hobby that makes them crazy), and finding time to binge-watch her favorite shows. She grew up in Maryland but made Los Angeles her home until she encountered her own real-life meet-cute at a friend's wedding where she ended up married to one of the groomsmen. For real.
Anne now lives on the Kapiti Coast in New Zealand, and even though she was married at Mt. Doom, no…she doesn’t have a Hobbit. However, she and her husband do have a terrier named George Clooney and when she’s not writing, she’s usually with them taking a long walk on the river by their home.
You can find Anne on her website - come say hi! She’d love to hear from you: www.annekemp.com
On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest: @missannekemp
On TikTok: @annekempauthor
You can always find her www.AnneKemp.com.
Anne now lives on the Kapiti Coast in New Zealand, and even though she was married at Mt. Doom, no…she doesn’t have a Hobbit. However, she and her husband do have a terrier named George Clooney and when she’s not writing, she’s usually with them taking a long walk on the river by their home.
You can find Anne on her website - come say hi! She’d love to hear from you: www.annekemp.com
On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest: @missannekemp
On TikTok: @annekempauthor
You can always find her www.AnneKemp.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
January 22, 2025
Faking the Face Off by Anne Kemp - A Winning Combination of Romance and Hockey Anne Kemp hits it out of the park-or should I say scores a hat trick-with Faking the Face Off. This delightful hockey romance captures everything I love about the genre: lovable characters, witty banter, heartfelt emotion, and just the right amount of tension.
Hockey romances are undeniably popular right now, and Kemp stands out in the crowd with her vibrant writing and well-drawn characters. While this book includes cameos from her other works, it can be read as a standalone. That said, once you meet her characters and experience her storytelling, you'll be tempted to dive into the rest of her catalog.
At the heart of the story are Anna and Ollie— aka #OllieAnna-two best friends who embark on a fake dating arrangement to solve their respective problems. Anna is the dedicated assistant to the River City Renegades' coach, while Ollie is a star defenseman with a "tough guy" reputation that needs softening. What begins as a practical solution quickly turns into a sweet, slow-burning realization that their friendship has always had the foundation for something deeper.
The emotional depth in the book is a standout feature. Anna's close relationship with her father is heartwarming, and Ollie's complicated dynamic with his dad, shaped by addiction and dysfunction, is handled with sensitivity and care. The story strikes a perfect balance between lighthearted romcom vibes and meaningful moments of personal growth and healing.
At the heart of the story are Anna and Ollie— aka #OllieAnna-two best friends who embark on a fake dating arrangement to solve their respective problems. Anna is the dedicated assistant to the River City Renegades' coach, while Ollie is a star defenseman with a "tough guy" reputation that needs softening. What begins as a practical solution quickly turns into a sweet, slow-burning realization that their friendship has always had the foundation for something deeper.
The emotional depth in the book is a standout feature. Anna's close relationship with her father is heartwarming, and Ollie's complicated dynamic with his dad, shaped by addiction and dysfunction, is handled with sensitivity and care. The story strikes a perfect balance between lighthearted romcom vibes and meaningful moments of personal growth and healing.
One of my favorite aspects of the book is how Kemp avoids overused clichés in the fake-dating trope. There's no unnecessary "big breakup" drama or frustrating miscommunication. Instead, the characters approach their arrangement with honesty, mutual respect, and vulnerability, which makes their love story feel all the more genuine. Plus, the camaraderie among the Renegades team adds humor, warmth, and a touch of found-family charm.
Anna and Ollie are such well-developed characters that you'll root for them from start to finish. Anna's journey to rediscover herself beyond her role as a helper is inspiring, and Ollie's thoughtful, swoon-worthy moments will have you wishing for a best friend like him in your life. Their chemistry is palpable, and the progression from best friends to lovers is executed beautifully.
Faking the Face Off is also a testament to Kemp's ability to weave complex, relatable issues-like gambling addiction and family struggles-into a lighthearted and thoroughly enjoyable romantic comedy. It's rare to find a book that balances humor, romance, and emotional weight so seamlessly.
If you love sports romances, friends-to-lovers dynamics, or fake-dating plots that feel fresh and authentic, you won't want to miss this one. With a cast of endearing characters, sizzling chemistry, and plenty of swoony moments, this closed-door hockey rom-com is a standout read.
Mark your calendars-Faking the Face Off releases January 29, 2025, and it's one you won't regret adding to your TBR!
Hockey romances are undeniably popular right now, and Kemp stands out in the crowd with her vibrant writing and well-drawn characters. While this book includes cameos from her other works, it can be read as a standalone. That said, once you meet her characters and experience her storytelling, you'll be tempted to dive into the rest of her catalog.
At the heart of the story are Anna and Ollie— aka #OllieAnna-two best friends who embark on a fake dating arrangement to solve their respective problems. Anna is the dedicated assistant to the River City Renegades' coach, while Ollie is a star defenseman with a "tough guy" reputation that needs softening. What begins as a practical solution quickly turns into a sweet, slow-burning realization that their friendship has always had the foundation for something deeper.
The emotional depth in the book is a standout feature. Anna's close relationship with her father is heartwarming, and Ollie's complicated dynamic with his dad, shaped by addiction and dysfunction, is handled with sensitivity and care. The story strikes a perfect balance between lighthearted romcom vibes and meaningful moments of personal growth and healing.
At the heart of the story are Anna and Ollie— aka #OllieAnna-two best friends who embark on a fake dating arrangement to solve their respective problems. Anna is the dedicated assistant to the River City Renegades' coach, while Ollie is a star defenseman with a "tough guy" reputation that needs softening. What begins as a practical solution quickly turns into a sweet, slow-burning realization that their friendship has always had the foundation for something deeper.
The emotional depth in the book is a standout feature. Anna's close relationship with her father is heartwarming, and Ollie's complicated dynamic with his dad, shaped by addiction and dysfunction, is handled with sensitivity and care. The story strikes a perfect balance between lighthearted romcom vibes and meaningful moments of personal growth and healing.
One of my favorite aspects of the book is how Kemp avoids overused clichés in the fake-dating trope. There's no unnecessary "big breakup" drama or frustrating miscommunication. Instead, the characters approach their arrangement with honesty, mutual respect, and vulnerability, which makes their love story feel all the more genuine. Plus, the camaraderie among the Renegades team adds humor, warmth, and a touch of found-family charm.
Anna and Ollie are such well-developed characters that you'll root for them from start to finish. Anna's journey to rediscover herself beyond her role as a helper is inspiring, and Ollie's thoughtful, swoon-worthy moments will have you wishing for a best friend like him in your life. Their chemistry is palpable, and the progression from best friends to lovers is executed beautifully.
Faking the Face Off is also a testament to Kemp's ability to weave complex, relatable issues-like gambling addiction and family struggles-into a lighthearted and thoroughly enjoyable romantic comedy. It's rare to find a book that balances humor, romance, and emotional weight so seamlessly.
If you love sports romances, friends-to-lovers dynamics, or fake-dating plots that feel fresh and authentic, you won't want to miss this one. With a cast of endearing characters, sizzling chemistry, and plenty of swoony moments, this closed-door hockey rom-com is a standout read.
Mark your calendars-Faking the Face Off releases January 29, 2025, and it's one you won't regret adding to your TBR!
January 21, 2025
Faking the Face Off was a fun, friends to more story. I loved that Ollie had been pining for his friend, Anna, for years, yet was hesitant to show her how he felt out of fear. Yet, when they began fake dating, well, Ollie sure stepped up to the challenge!
Ollie’s sincerity in the way he treated Anna and the way things started to feel real for both of them made for a very heartwarming story. It was great to see two people who knew each other so well as friends begin to take steps to move into something more.
Even though this was a fairly low angst story, Anna and Ollie had to deal with some difficult family situations, work troubles, and even decisions for Anna about what she really wanted to do with her life. Anna and Ollie did a good job of trying to communicate well and their willingness to be open with each other was refreshing.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Ollie’s sincerity in the way he treated Anna and the way things started to feel real for both of them made for a very heartwarming story. It was great to see two people who knew each other so well as friends begin to take steps to move into something more.
Even though this was a fairly low angst story, Anna and Ollie had to deal with some difficult family situations, work troubles, and even decisions for Anna about what she really wanted to do with her life. Anna and Ollie did a good job of trying to communicate well and their willingness to be open with each other was refreshing.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
January 16, 2026
Thanks so much to Anne Kemp and Booked with the Emilys for the gifted copy!
If you’re looking for an adorable closed-door hockey romance, FAKING THE FACE OFF is perfect. It’s the start of the River City Renegades series, and is very bingable at only 244 pages.
I’m a sucker for both friends-to-lovers and fake dating tropes, so Anna and Ollie’s story worked really well for me. I was laughing from the beginning with Anna’s dad talking about freezing eggs, and also appreciated the more emotional parts of the story with her dad’s financial trouble and Ollie’s dad’s gambling addiction. This was really cute and I’ll be back for more!
If you’re looking for an adorable closed-door hockey romance, FAKING THE FACE OFF is perfect. It’s the start of the River City Renegades series, and is very bingable at only 244 pages.
I’m a sucker for both friends-to-lovers and fake dating tropes, so Anna and Ollie’s story worked really well for me. I was laughing from the beginning with Anna’s dad talking about freezing eggs, and also appreciated the more emotional parts of the story with her dad’s financial trouble and Ollie’s dad’s gambling addiction. This was really cute and I’ll be back for more!
February 7, 2025
This book was so ridiculously cute, and it had a clever little twist before the end that was a little different than I thought was coming. I loved this pair! Ollie and Anna were absolutely perfect together. They already had a lifetime of history together, and being there for one another, so this step made perfect sense to me. Though I also understood the fear of risking something as precious as the friendship they shared. I really appreciated that while their journey had drama, it was relatively low angst. I also had a lot of fun getting to know the rest of the characters that surrounded this couple. My fingers are crossed that we get books for every last one of the friends and family that supported them.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book through Booksprout.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book through Booksprout.
January 29, 2025
~There’s a reason you shouldn’t fake date a friend-because the biggest mistake you’ll ever make might just be falling for them... and NEVER ever wanting to let them go…
“You’re not alone in this. Whatever you need, whatever I can do, I’m in.”
-Faking THE FACE-OFF, is a closed door hockey romcom that includes tropes like fake dating, friends to lovers, and found family. This is the first book in a closed door hockey series with sizzling chemistry and swoony kisses. It is lighthearted and fun story but does address some realistic harder topics with care. I thoroughly enjoyed how there is such a wonderful balance between lighthearted romcom vibes and meaningful moments of personal growth and healing. Seeing with what starts as a practical solution slowly turns into a sweet, slow-burning realization for the main characters, that a dear friendship has always had the foundation for something deeper. The ties to the importance of family, friendship, teamwork in this story also were great. This is a cute story worth reading!🙌🏻
“When life surprises you with something-or someone
-worth taking a shot on.”
-Content: Gambling addiction, Parent dealing with fraud/scam artist, some drinking (alcohol), and mild crude language, kisses (some makeouts).
“SOMETIMES YOU'VE GOT TO TAKE A RISK TO GET WHAT YOU REALLY WANT."
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
#fakingthefaceoff
#ollieanna
#annekemp
#allaboutthebestreads
“Could be the biggest mistake I’ve ever made… But also the only one I’ll never forget.”
“You’re not alone in this. Whatever you need, whatever I can do, I’m in.”
-Faking THE FACE-OFF, is a closed door hockey romcom that includes tropes like fake dating, friends to lovers, and found family. This is the first book in a closed door hockey series with sizzling chemistry and swoony kisses. It is lighthearted and fun story but does address some realistic harder topics with care. I thoroughly enjoyed how there is such a wonderful balance between lighthearted romcom vibes and meaningful moments of personal growth and healing. Seeing with what starts as a practical solution slowly turns into a sweet, slow-burning realization for the main characters, that a dear friendship has always had the foundation for something deeper. The ties to the importance of family, friendship, teamwork in this story also were great. This is a cute story worth reading!🙌🏻
“When life surprises you with something-or someone
-worth taking a shot on.”
-Content: Gambling addiction, Parent dealing with fraud/scam artist, some drinking (alcohol), and mild crude language, kisses (some makeouts).
“SOMETIMES YOU'VE GOT TO TAKE A RISK TO GET WHAT YOU REALLY WANT."
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
#fakingthefaceoff
#ollieanna
#annekemp
#allaboutthebestreads
“Could be the biggest mistake I’ve ever made… But also the only one I’ll never forget.”
February 2, 2026
Book Review⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the author @annekempauthor
and @bookedwiththeemilys for the #gifted book.
There’s a reason you shouldn’t fake date your best friend… because the line between pretending and forever gets blurry FAST—and this book proves it in the cutest way.
Anna works behind the scenes as the assistant to the coach of the River City Renegades, and Ollie? He’s a hockey star who’s smooth on the ice but adorably awkward off it. When he needs to seem more relatable, fake dating his friend feels like the perfect solution. Spoiler: it is not perfect for their hearts.
This story was pure fun with sizzling chemistry, swoony closed-door kisses, and a hero who falls first and falls hard. Ollie is the ultimate cinnamon roll—sweet, earnest, and completely gone for Anna—and their friends-to-lovers journey is full of warmth, found family vibes, and that delicious tension where you’re just waiting for them to admit what everyone else already sees.
🎧 Audiobook lovers—do not skip this one. Sarah McEwan and Neill Thorne absolutely nailed it. Their performances brought so much personality and emotion, making the whole story feel immersive and extra cozy. I flew through it and smiled the entire time. Cute, fun, and the perfect kickoff to this series!
Thank you to the author @annekempauthor
and @bookedwiththeemilys for the #gifted book.
There’s a reason you shouldn’t fake date your best friend… because the line between pretending and forever gets blurry FAST—and this book proves it in the cutest way.
Anna works behind the scenes as the assistant to the coach of the River City Renegades, and Ollie? He’s a hockey star who’s smooth on the ice but adorably awkward off it. When he needs to seem more relatable, fake dating his friend feels like the perfect solution. Spoiler: it is not perfect for their hearts.
This story was pure fun with sizzling chemistry, swoony closed-door kisses, and a hero who falls first and falls hard. Ollie is the ultimate cinnamon roll—sweet, earnest, and completely gone for Anna—and their friends-to-lovers journey is full of warmth, found family vibes, and that delicious tension where you’re just waiting for them to admit what everyone else already sees.
🎧 Audiobook lovers—do not skip this one. Sarah McEwan and Neill Thorne absolutely nailed it. Their performances brought so much personality and emotion, making the whole story feel immersive and extra cozy. I flew through it and smiled the entire time. Cute, fun, and the perfect kickoff to this series!
January 13, 2026
I received an eARC from the author via Booked with the Emilys. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3.75 stars
Ollie is one of the best players on the Renegades, but off the ice he struggles. Ollie is getting pressure from the team publicist to have more of a marketable presence. In order to make him more relatable, they suggest he get a fake girlfriend.
Anna is the personal assistant to the head coach of the Renegades, as well as one of Ollie’s closest friends. When the team publicist suggests Ollie needs a girlfriend to boost his image, Anna volunteers.
As the lines begin to blur between real and fake, Ollie and Anna begin to wonder if this could be the real deal.
I’m a sucker for a good best friends to lovers and a good fake dating trope, so I was excited to read this one! I really enjoyed this one and had a fun time reading it, but I felt like the set up to the fake dating was a little cheesy to read.
Read if you like:
• friends to lovers
• fake dating
• man falls first and harder
• closed door
3.75 stars
Ollie is one of the best players on the Renegades, but off the ice he struggles. Ollie is getting pressure from the team publicist to have more of a marketable presence. In order to make him more relatable, they suggest he get a fake girlfriend.
Anna is the personal assistant to the head coach of the Renegades, as well as one of Ollie’s closest friends. When the team publicist suggests Ollie needs a girlfriend to boost his image, Anna volunteers.
As the lines begin to blur between real and fake, Ollie and Anna begin to wonder if this could be the real deal.
I’m a sucker for a good best friends to lovers and a good fake dating trope, so I was excited to read this one! I really enjoyed this one and had a fun time reading it, but I felt like the set up to the fake dating was a little cheesy to read.
Read if you like:
• friends to lovers
• fake dating
• man falls first and harder
• closed door
January 26, 2026
Thanks to @bookedwiththeemilys and @annekempauthor for the #gifted copy of this book.
“I wonder if she's going to ask me what I really want. Because I know I'm looking right at it.”
My Thoughts: Oh, there's just something about friends-to-lovers stories where the MMC falls first and hard that I love every time. Ollie is the sweetest cinnamon roll hero who has cherished his friendship with Anna but has longed for something more with her, if only he'd find the courage to ask. Enter fake dating Anna to boost his hockey image with the fans. I loved that as they continued to go on dates, Anna slowly realized that she might feel more for him than just friendship. But my favorite part of Anna's story was that she took a step back to see what she wanted from her life, and made sure that those dreams were achieved.
This is the start of a closed-door hockey romance series that is highly bingeable. Be sure to check this out if hockey romance is your go-to.
What You'll Find:
🫶💘Friends to lovers
🏒Workplace romance
🫶Found family
🥹➡️❤️He falls first
💗Cinnamon roll hero
😏💞Fake dating
“I wonder if she's going to ask me what I really want. Because I know I'm looking right at it.”
My Thoughts: Oh, there's just something about friends-to-lovers stories where the MMC falls first and hard that I love every time. Ollie is the sweetest cinnamon roll hero who has cherished his friendship with Anna but has longed for something more with her, if only he'd find the courage to ask. Enter fake dating Anna to boost his hockey image with the fans. I loved that as they continued to go on dates, Anna slowly realized that she might feel more for him than just friendship. But my favorite part of Anna's story was that she took a step back to see what she wanted from her life, and made sure that those dreams were achieved.
This is the start of a closed-door hockey romance series that is highly bingeable. Be sure to check this out if hockey romance is your go-to.
What You'll Find:
🫶💘Friends to lovers
🏒Workplace romance
🫶Found family
🥹➡️❤️He falls first
💗Cinnamon roll hero
😏💞Fake dating
January 15, 2026
This no spice contemporary romance was a romcom with hockey, a fake relationship, and best friends to more. Anna and Ollie have a unique relationship where they’ve known each other since they were young. He’s a hockey player and she is the coach’s assistant. When orders come down from the owners that Ollie needs to be more “marketable,” he and Anna start a fake relationship that is designed to save his job and financially help her father. However, Ollie has had a crush on Anna for many years. He is very sweet to her. Before the relationship even starts, Anna starts to look at Ollie in a different light. Together they deal with the hockey team owners, family issues, and team dynamics. This just romance had some heated kisses and had an intimacy level of 3.
Content warnings: LGBT side character, scam artist, gambling addiction, middle finger given out once, mention of stones and chakras
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booked with the Emilys and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Content warnings: LGBT side character, scam artist, gambling addiction, middle finger given out once, mention of stones and chakras
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booked with the Emilys and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 16, 2025
Thank you for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Another fantastic hockey romance from Kemp!
While I enjoy spicy reads, I also love a well-done clean romance, and this one delivered. Anna is a strong, fun character who tries to balance helping her father and best friend while figuring out what she truly wants in life. Ollie is the ultimate book boyfriend—hot, sweet, and protective in all the best ways.
Though fake dating isn’t my go-to trope, I really enjoyed it here, especially with the added depth of Anna’s family struggles, Ollie’s father’s addiction, and Jimmy’s mishandling of the team.
A great pick for fans of closed-door, clean romance and sports romance alike!
Another fantastic hockey romance from Kemp!
While I enjoy spicy reads, I also love a well-done clean romance, and this one delivered. Anna is a strong, fun character who tries to balance helping her father and best friend while figuring out what she truly wants in life. Ollie is the ultimate book boyfriend—hot, sweet, and protective in all the best ways.
Though fake dating isn’t my go-to trope, I really enjoyed it here, especially with the added depth of Anna’s family struggles, Ollie’s father’s addiction, and Jimmy’s mishandling of the team.
A great pick for fans of closed-door, clean romance and sports romance alike!
January 29, 2025
I think friends to lovers is my favourite romance trope. There’s something so sweet in watching two people who already have a clear affection for one another develop into more. My wife and I were the same trope, so I think I’m biased, but I still enjoy reading them.
Ollie is the sweetest guy you could meet, but he’s not marketable. He plays hockey, he doesn’t play the media game and when his best friend Anna overhears the top brass wanting to set him up with a fake date to improve his image, she volunteers. She doesn’t want Oli to have to fake it with a stranger, she knows he would hate that so she puts herself forward, not knowing that Ollie has been secretly crushing on her for years.
I loved watching them together, Ollie going all out to convince Anna he’s real boyfriend material, Anna watching her best friend become more desirable with each fake date. They had great chemistry from the start as they were already close friends so their interactions were always on point.
I loved Ollie’s roommate Dixon as well, he was great fun and a good sounding board for Ollie. I can’t wait to read his story next.
Ollie is the sweetest guy you could meet, but he’s not marketable. He plays hockey, he doesn’t play the media game and when his best friend Anna overhears the top brass wanting to set him up with a fake date to improve his image, she volunteers. She doesn’t want Oli to have to fake it with a stranger, she knows he would hate that so she puts herself forward, not knowing that Ollie has been secretly crushing on her for years.
I loved watching them together, Ollie going all out to convince Anna he’s real boyfriend material, Anna watching her best friend become more desirable with each fake date. They had great chemistry from the start as they were already close friends so their interactions were always on point.
I loved Ollie’s roommate Dixon as well, he was great fun and a good sounding board for Ollie. I can’t wait to read his story next.
January 22, 2025
Ollie and Anna’s fake relationship was a cute story. I’ve read several of Anne Kemp’s books and have liked them all. This was a sweet, clean romance.
I received a complementary e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I received a complementary e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
January 30, 2025
I’m such a pushover for a fake dating hockey story, so I was already won over with those elements, but there’s so much more to love in this book! Including, but definitely not limited to, long time friends, he has a long time crush on her, Mexican food delivery, fake dating to save his image, that first kiss 😍, and lots of hockey! This is the 2nd book I’ve read of Anne’s, which characters make a fun cameo in this book, and just completely fell in love again! Just do yourself a favor and read this wonderful closed-door book!!
January 26, 2026
fake dating
friends to lovers
found family
hockey romance
closed door romance
Faking the Faceoff is a fun flirty sports romance that pulled me in with its fake dating setup and easy chemistry. I loved the playful banter and how the relationship slowly shifted from pretending to very real feelings. The hockey setting adds energy without overpowering the romance, making the story feel light and engaging. It is a feel good read with plenty of charm and swoon.
Content Warnings:
-kisses only
-mild language
-gambling addiction
-parent dealing with scam artist
*Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
friends to lovers
found family
hockey romance
closed door romance
Faking the Faceoff is a fun flirty sports romance that pulled me in with its fake dating setup and easy chemistry. I loved the playful banter and how the relationship slowly shifted from pretending to very real feelings. The hockey setting adds energy without overpowering the romance, making the story feel light and engaging. It is a feel good read with plenty of charm and swoon.
Content Warnings:
-kisses only
-mild language
-gambling addiction
-parent dealing with scam artist
*Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
January 23, 2025
I really engaged with this book,perfect friend to lover trope ,full of hope. I positively squealed out loud ( and I was in a crowd for crying out loud !) as I read they both had the same feel. So early on in the book too. I was hooked ,that was it . Anne Kemp this was exquisite,no other word for it .I absolutely applaud it…. “Did you know you can freeze your eggs?” A dad to his daughter this is a bit odd…Are we talking about my eggs or eggs in general?” “ “Eggs from the store, from chickens. You can freeze them and they’ll still be good if you use them within a year.” Well she had to be clear ,father dear. He’d sell her kidney if he could I’m sure. And here’s poor Anna all demure. Well that’s how a certain hockey player sees her. He’d love to please her. Pined from afar and knows just how perfect she is. Wishing she was his. A boy can dream…Only it’s not quite the pipe dream that it seems ….When a new owner starts shaking things up with the team . Anna is an assistant for the Ben the coach of the River City Renegades an AHL IceHockey team from River City , Virginia and she happened to be there when the owners were discussing players and their worth in regard to attracting the media. They don’t think her best friend Ollie is a fit and what to do about it…Her father drives the Zamboni ,he’s quite well liked as he’s been doing this job a long time. He has his struggles ,his gambling is out of line . Now he’s getting threatening messages that demand attention about the money he owes. When opportunity knocks it knocks loud ,sure won’t get lost in a crowd of uncertainty that’s for sure when Anna is approached to be a fake girlfriend ,she at first thinks what have I done. Money she needs and apart from that ,she might just break her heart stat. What to do ,she can’t let down her friend or her dad no matter how it’ll hurt her heart so bad . This really is endearing and sweet with all the good feels it can’t be beat.Anne Kemp she knows what to do to get her reader’s heart beating and edge of their seat and that I think is pretty neat. Bravo Anne Kemp for another great book . Full,of love and a hockey puck or two ,it’s what you do and of that I’m glad because if you didn’t I’d be sad.
January 26, 2025
Anne Kemp has done it again! This book is an exhilarating kick-off (or should I say face-off?) to a new series absolutely chock full of potential. I am so excited about this new town, this hockey team, and all these new characters. Bravo on the world building, Anne, I’m now searching out River City, Virginia on the map, looking for houses for rent!
Highlightables:
- Ollie (Just Ollie. Period.)
- Ollie’s teammates
- Some of the secondary characters (Sutton, Ben, Molly, etc) and the “family” that is the River City Renegades
- Anna and her commitment to her family
- O&A’s chemistry, banter, and friendship
- Their natural progression to more - (How many times did I scream Yes! Yes! Yes!)
Notable Quotables:
- Anna was the girl the other guys on my hockey team pursued, but she only hung out with me. She is sunshine and warmth, a ray of light that brightens even the cloudiest of days. I’ve always felt protective of her and our friendship, so when I realized my feelings were a little more than being a buddy, you can bet I put a lid on them. I never want to lose her or the friendship we’ve built.
- Like an iceberg, where you can only see the tip so things look safe, but what you don’t know is that the true beast is all underneath the surface and you need to go easy. If I look at it this way, we’re either gonna sink…or we’re gonna swim. And I’m not sure which outcome scares me more.
- I whirl around to find Ollie standing just a few feet away, his broad shoulders filling the space as if he was made to command it. His jet-black hair is slightly mussed from the cold, his jaw tight with barely contained irritation, and he’s rocking a huge shiner on his right eye, which he hadn’t told me about. He’s wearing a fitted leather jacket over a Renegades hoodie, and he looks every bit like the guy you don’t want to mess with. He. Is. Beautiful.
In summation: Anne Kemp sucked me right into this new story and the world she’s so cleverly penned. I wanna move to River City and get a job with the Renegades, just to rub elbows with these interesting characters. There is so much potential here and so many wonderful stories to be told. And I can’t wait!
Do yourself a favor and jump right in, you will love Ollie and Anna, the Renegades, and River City too.
Highlightables:
- Ollie (Just Ollie. Period.)
- Ollie’s teammates
- Some of the secondary characters (Sutton, Ben, Molly, etc) and the “family” that is the River City Renegades
- Anna and her commitment to her family
- O&A’s chemistry, banter, and friendship
- Their natural progression to more - (How many times did I scream Yes! Yes! Yes!)
Notable Quotables:
- Anna was the girl the other guys on my hockey team pursued, but she only hung out with me. She is sunshine and warmth, a ray of light that brightens even the cloudiest of days. I’ve always felt protective of her and our friendship, so when I realized my feelings were a little more than being a buddy, you can bet I put a lid on them. I never want to lose her or the friendship we’ve built.
- Like an iceberg, where you can only see the tip so things look safe, but what you don’t know is that the true beast is all underneath the surface and you need to go easy. If I look at it this way, we’re either gonna sink…or we’re gonna swim. And I’m not sure which outcome scares me more.
- I whirl around to find Ollie standing just a few feet away, his broad shoulders filling the space as if he was made to command it. His jet-black hair is slightly mussed from the cold, his jaw tight with barely contained irritation, and he’s rocking a huge shiner on his right eye, which he hadn’t told me about. He’s wearing a fitted leather jacket over a Renegades hoodie, and he looks every bit like the guy you don’t want to mess with. He. Is. Beautiful.
In summation: Anne Kemp sucked me right into this new story and the world she’s so cleverly penned. I wanna move to River City and get a job with the Renegades, just to rub elbows with these interesting characters. There is so much potential here and so many wonderful stories to be told. And I can’t wait!
Do yourself a favor and jump right in, you will love Ollie and Anna, the Renegades, and River City too.
January 23, 2026
Thank you, partners @bookedwiththeemilys @annekempauthor for this #gifted arc.
What You’ll Find:
🏒Friends to lovers
❄️Workplace romance
🏒Found family
❄️He falls first
🏒Cinnamon roll hero
❄️Fake dating
Synopsis: There’s a reason you shouldn’t fake date a friend—because the biggest mistake you’ll ever make might just be falling for them... and NEVER ever wanting to let them go.
Anna: As the assistant to the coach of the River City Renegades, my life is a whirlwind of schedules, crisis management, and saving the day when things go sideways. I love my job, but sometimes I wonder if there’s more for me out there.
Then, I discovered my dad needs help. I’ll do anything to support him—even if it means stepping out of my comfort zone. So when the team’s publicist decides Ollie Decker, my long-time friend and the Renegades' star defenseman, needs a fake girlfriend to boost his image, I volunteer. After all, it’s just pretend, it pays, and who knows Ollie better than me? But as the lines blur, I start to realize there’s more to Ollie—and us—than I ever let myself see.
Ollie: Being on the ice is easy. Off the ice? Not so much. Apparently, I’m not “relatable” enough, and the team wants me to soften my tough guy image with a fake relationship. When Anna Denault offers to step in, I figure this’ll be a breeze. But somewhere between staged date nights and late-night strategy sessions, I stop seeing Anna as just my rock and start noticing the spark that’s been there all along.
Now I’m wondering if the biggest risk of my career isn’t losing her as a friend but losing her entirely. She could be the biggest mistake I’ve ever made…but also the only one I’ll never regret.
Faking the Face Off is a closed door hockey romcom that includes tropes like fake dating, friends to lovers, and found family. This is the first book in a closed door hockey series with sizzling chemistry and swoony kisses.
What You’ll Find:
🏒Friends to lovers
❄️Workplace romance
🏒Found family
❄️He falls first
🏒Cinnamon roll hero
❄️Fake dating
Synopsis: There’s a reason you shouldn’t fake date a friend—because the biggest mistake you’ll ever make might just be falling for them... and NEVER ever wanting to let them go.
Anna: As the assistant to the coach of the River City Renegades, my life is a whirlwind of schedules, crisis management, and saving the day when things go sideways. I love my job, but sometimes I wonder if there’s more for me out there.
Then, I discovered my dad needs help. I’ll do anything to support him—even if it means stepping out of my comfort zone. So when the team’s publicist decides Ollie Decker, my long-time friend and the Renegades' star defenseman, needs a fake girlfriend to boost his image, I volunteer. After all, it’s just pretend, it pays, and who knows Ollie better than me? But as the lines blur, I start to realize there’s more to Ollie—and us—than I ever let myself see.
Ollie: Being on the ice is easy. Off the ice? Not so much. Apparently, I’m not “relatable” enough, and the team wants me to soften my tough guy image with a fake relationship. When Anna Denault offers to step in, I figure this’ll be a breeze. But somewhere between staged date nights and late-night strategy sessions, I stop seeing Anna as just my rock and start noticing the spark that’s been there all along.
Now I’m wondering if the biggest risk of my career isn’t losing her as a friend but losing her entirely. She could be the biggest mistake I’ve ever made…but also the only one I’ll never regret.
Faking the Face Off is a closed door hockey romcom that includes tropes like fake dating, friends to lovers, and found family. This is the first book in a closed door hockey series with sizzling chemistry and swoony kisses.
March 9, 2025
This was really cute. Ollie and Anna have been best friends forever. When the owner of Ollie's hockey team says he might get rid of him if he doesn't get a larger social media presence, and the team's PR rep suggests a fake girlfriend, somehow Anna gets roped in to play the part. Ollie doesn't mind so much. The only thing he'll have a problem with is keeping his real feelings to himself. On the other hand, maybe it's his opportunity to show Anna how good they are together. He just can't afford to mess this up.
Anna is in a tough position. She doesn't want Ollie to get cut from the team, but the whole fake dating thing is just not him. When someone approaches her about pretending to be his girlfriend, she doesn't exactly jump at the idea. He's her best friend, and this could totally mess up their relationship. But the money they offer would help her dad too, so she reluctantly agrees. At least she and Ollie are in it together, right?
Ollie and Anna are really cute together. They're good friends, so they're comfortable with each other, and spending time together is easy. Anna promised herself that she wouldn't start having feelings for her best friend, but the more time they spend together, the harder that becomes. When their little ruse is over, they have to decide what's real and what's not.
There's plenty of team drama and family drama. There are also quiet moments between them that are really sweet. They have a bond that means so much.
This was a fun story, with a soulful hockey player and the best friend who held his heart. Expect teasing teammates and caring friends. Just a little intrigue, too. I found myself smiling so much. I can't wait to read more about this team!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Anna is in a tough position. She doesn't want Ollie to get cut from the team, but the whole fake dating thing is just not him. When someone approaches her about pretending to be his girlfriend, she doesn't exactly jump at the idea. He's her best friend, and this could totally mess up their relationship. But the money they offer would help her dad too, so she reluctantly agrees. At least she and Ollie are in it together, right?
Ollie and Anna are really cute together. They're good friends, so they're comfortable with each other, and spending time together is easy. Anna promised herself that she wouldn't start having feelings for her best friend, but the more time they spend together, the harder that becomes. When their little ruse is over, they have to decide what's real and what's not.
There's plenty of team drama and family drama. There are also quiet moments between them that are really sweet. They have a bond that means so much.
This was a fun story, with a soulful hockey player and the best friend who held his heart. Expect teasing teammates and caring friends. Just a little intrigue, too. I found myself smiling so much. I can't wait to read more about this team!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 3, 2025
This was a cute read! I’ve been loving hockey romances lately, and this one did not disappoint.
I loved Anna’s determination to help her family and also her relatable struggle to find her place. She didn’t want to stick with something just because it felt safe, but she also wasn’t sure where she wanted to go next. It was fun to see the found family aspect of this book and how the team supported her.
Ollie was such a sweetheart! The poor guy was trying to figure out a way to show Anna how much he cared, and I loved the little ways he helped her like getting her favorite food. He genuinely adored his family too, but he had to work out a complicated relationship with his father. I would have loved to see his imposter syndrome explored a bit more though, but in some ways, he overcame it by helping his team succeed.
This was a fun and fast paced romcom! The romance is pretty quick but since it was a friends to lovers, it fit well with the story. I love how the miscommunication trope is avoided and also the big and small ways that the characters show up for each other. While there were times when I had a hard time getting invested in the characters, I ended up enjoying this read! It’s a sweet romance perfect for fans of friends to lovers and sports romances.
CW: gambling addiction and parent dealing with fraud/scam artist
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
I loved Anna’s determination to help her family and also her relatable struggle to find her place. She didn’t want to stick with something just because it felt safe, but she also wasn’t sure where she wanted to go next. It was fun to see the found family aspect of this book and how the team supported her.
Ollie was such a sweetheart! The poor guy was trying to figure out a way to show Anna how much he cared, and I loved the little ways he helped her like getting her favorite food. He genuinely adored his family too, but he had to work out a complicated relationship with his father. I would have loved to see his imposter syndrome explored a bit more though, but in some ways, he overcame it by helping his team succeed.
This was a fun and fast paced romcom! The romance is pretty quick but since it was a friends to lovers, it fit well with the story. I love how the miscommunication trope is avoided and also the big and small ways that the characters show up for each other. While there were times when I had a hard time getting invested in the characters, I ended up enjoying this read! It’s a sweet romance perfect for fans of friends to lovers and sports romances.
CW: gambling addiction and parent dealing with fraud/scam artist
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
January 30, 2025
Anne Kemp always makes sure you have a good time while reading her books. I was hooked from the beginning until the very end. I definitely didn't want Anna and Ollie's story to be over. I had such a great time getting to know these two.
Ollie is a hockey player who is needing to be more relatable so since Anna is the assistant to the coach of his team and Ollie's best friend why not help him out. Since she opened this can of worms she is now in a fake dating relationship with Ollie.
Anna. is dealing with her dad who has got himself into some financial problems and when the fake dating situation comes up it ends up being a paid gig. So now she will be able to help her dad and her best friend. But will she be able to just stay best friends with Ollie or will their relationship turn into more?
This was the perfect sweet hockey romcom story. I just fell in love with the story and the characters. I had so many moments that I laughed out loud. Ollie was definitely putting a smile on my face and making me swoon like crazy throughout the book. This story will have you feeling at home with these characters and your heart bursting from all the love in this story.
I would highly recommend this book. I also recommend checking out Anne Kemps other books if you haven't read anything else by her as well.
Thank you Anne Kemp for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.
Ollie is a hockey player who is needing to be more relatable so since Anna is the assistant to the coach of his team and Ollie's best friend why not help him out. Since she opened this can of worms she is now in a fake dating relationship with Ollie.
Anna. is dealing with her dad who has got himself into some financial problems and when the fake dating situation comes up it ends up being a paid gig. So now she will be able to help her dad and her best friend. But will she be able to just stay best friends with Ollie or will their relationship turn into more?
This was the perfect sweet hockey romcom story. I just fell in love with the story and the characters. I had so many moments that I laughed out loud. Ollie was definitely putting a smile on my face and making me swoon like crazy throughout the book. This story will have you feeling at home with these characters and your heart bursting from all the love in this story.
I would highly recommend this book. I also recommend checking out Anne Kemps other books if you haven't read anything else by her as well.
Thank you Anne Kemp for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.
February 24, 2025
This book was a fun and heartwarming friends-to-lovers, fake-dating hockey romance! Here’s what made it unforgettable:
❤️🔥 The Chemistry – Anna and Ollie's long-standing friendship provided a solid foundation, and the fake dating scenario allowed their simmering feelings to finally surface.
💙 Ollie’s Character – Ollie's vulnerability and his genuine care for Anna were endearing. Seeing him realize his feelings for her and shed his "tough guy" image was a highlight.
🏒 The Hockey World & Found Family – The hockey world setting was fun and added a touch of excitement. The team dynamics and the found family aspect of the Renegades added depth and warmth to the story. I loved the camaraderie and support they offered each other.
💔 The Emotional Depth – The book also explored some deeper themes, like gambling addiction and family struggles, which added a layer of realism and emotional depth to the story. It wasn't just all fluff and fun.
💕 The Swoon Scale 💕
To understand my book rating system, please see my pinned post (https://shorturl.at/Y9vqs).
📖 Swoon-Worthy Sparks ✨ (4/5)
💬 The Dialogue 🎭 (3.8/5)
🦋 Butterfly Effect 💓 (3.8/5)
📖 Re-Readability 🔁 (4/5)
🎉 Final Verdict: If you love friends-to-lovers romances, sweet and satisfying stories with plenty of sizzle and swoony kisses, this is a must-read!
❤️🔥 The Chemistry – Anna and Ollie's long-standing friendship provided a solid foundation, and the fake dating scenario allowed their simmering feelings to finally surface.
💙 Ollie’s Character – Ollie's vulnerability and his genuine care for Anna were endearing. Seeing him realize his feelings for her and shed his "tough guy" image was a highlight.
🏒 The Hockey World & Found Family – The hockey world setting was fun and added a touch of excitement. The team dynamics and the found family aspect of the Renegades added depth and warmth to the story. I loved the camaraderie and support they offered each other.
💔 The Emotional Depth – The book also explored some deeper themes, like gambling addiction and family struggles, which added a layer of realism and emotional depth to the story. It wasn't just all fluff and fun.
💕 The Swoon Scale 💕
To understand my book rating system, please see my pinned post (https://shorturl.at/Y9vqs).
📖 Swoon-Worthy Sparks ✨ (4/5)
💬 The Dialogue 🎭 (3.8/5)
🦋 Butterfly Effect 💓 (3.8/5)
📖 Re-Readability 🔁 (4/5)
🎉 Final Verdict: If you love friends-to-lovers romances, sweet and satisfying stories with plenty of sizzle and swoony kisses, this is a must-read!
January 12, 2025
New hockey romcom series
Ms.Kemp takes us to the home ice of the River City Renegades, the team that loaned Noah Beaumont to the Icebreakers in the Love on Thin Ice series. We are getting to meet the team who helped Noah become the player he was in Penalties and Proposals. Ollie is the defenseman stepping up to fill Noah's skates now that he is coaching. I loved the friends to more trope and the way Ms.Kemp used a fake-dating relationship to shake up Ollie and Anna's too-comfortable friendship, so they were able to see the 'more'. Their banter was so comfortable and just exactly the right tone for friends that have known each other more than half their life. All of the Renegades players were very team oriented and would back each other up, on and off the ice.
There were several plot twists that took me by surprise, which opened opportunities for some significant character development and interaction in future books in the series. I finished the book so quickly that I was not ready to say goodbye to these characters when I came to the end of the book. So I am really glad that there will be more stories about the other members of the team and front office staff coming in the future. This new series is definitely on my 'must read' list.
I received an advance beta copy of this story directly from the author and voluntarily chose to share my review.
Ms.Kemp takes us to the home ice of the River City Renegades, the team that loaned Noah Beaumont to the Icebreakers in the Love on Thin Ice series. We are getting to meet the team who helped Noah become the player he was in Penalties and Proposals. Ollie is the defenseman stepping up to fill Noah's skates now that he is coaching. I loved the friends to more trope and the way Ms.Kemp used a fake-dating relationship to shake up Ollie and Anna's too-comfortable friendship, so they were able to see the 'more'. Their banter was so comfortable and just exactly the right tone for friends that have known each other more than half their life. All of the Renegades players were very team oriented and would back each other up, on and off the ice.
There were several plot twists that took me by surprise, which opened opportunities for some significant character development and interaction in future books in the series. I finished the book so quickly that I was not ready to say goodbye to these characters when I came to the end of the book. So I am really glad that there will be more stories about the other members of the team and front office staff coming in the future. This new series is definitely on my 'must read' list.
I received an advance beta copy of this story directly from the author and voluntarily chose to share my review.
January 21, 2025
Fake dating your best friend has disaster written all over it. However, when your dad and best friend need your help, you do what you must to help them.
Ollie Decker is the Renegades' defenseman. He needs a PR update, or at least that's what the front office says. Ollie is Anna's best friend, so when she hears that the team's owners are looking to fluff him up, she gives her input about their fake dating scenario which puts her in the hot seat when she is asked to do the honors of being his fake girlfriend.
Anna and Ollie are best friends, but they needed something to happen between them to help them admit their feelings for one another. They were already toeing the line between friendship and romance, but neither wanted to cross that line. Who better to play the part of a fake a girlfriend than someone who knows you better than your own family?
Anne Kemp always writes great romance, but this one was a little deeper than her usual style, and I loved it. She gave us a glimpse into the background of the main characters outside of their relationship and this story, which gave them more depth. This in turn allowed me, as the reader, to more fully appreciate their circumstances.
This sweet romance between two best friends will make you smile and maybe even shed a tear or two.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ollie Decker is the Renegades' defenseman. He needs a PR update, or at least that's what the front office says. Ollie is Anna's best friend, so when she hears that the team's owners are looking to fluff him up, she gives her input about their fake dating scenario which puts her in the hot seat when she is asked to do the honors of being his fake girlfriend.
Anna and Ollie are best friends, but they needed something to happen between them to help them admit their feelings for one another. They were already toeing the line between friendship and romance, but neither wanted to cross that line. Who better to play the part of a fake a girlfriend than someone who knows you better than your own family?
Anne Kemp always writes great romance, but this one was a little deeper than her usual style, and I loved it. She gave us a glimpse into the background of the main characters outside of their relationship and this story, which gave them more depth. This in turn allowed me, as the reader, to more fully appreciate their circumstances.
This sweet romance between two best friends will make you smile and maybe even shed a tear or two.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 6, 2025
ARC REVIEW
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Anna and Ollie ran in the same high school crowd. However, their friendship didn’t truly take off until the majority of their friends moved away for college and they stayed behind. Now as adults, they find themselves closer than ever, even working for the same organization, the River City Renegades (Ollie as a hockey player and Anna as the assistant to the head coach). But when Anna learns that Ollie could potentially lose his job, she is willing to cross the line of friendship. Will their plan work, or will it cause discomfort that cannot be fixed?
Anne Kemp’s Faking the Face Off is a clean/ closed door, hockey romance that features the fake-dating and friends-to-more tropes.
If you are looking for top tier sports romances, I always recommend Kemp. She has a handful of books that fit this description, from football to hockey. With that being said, Faking the Face Off, has quickly become my favorite book of hers.
This book stands out above the rest for so many reasons, but the most important one being its authenticity. The main characters and the problems they faced felt realistic. We have all worried about our jobs, struggled with family members, and contemplated our place in the world.
Read this book if you enjoy:
-dual POVs
-strong FMC
-cinnamon roll MMC
Special thanks to Anne Kemp for allowing me to be apart of her ARC team/ read this book in exchange for my honest review.
* I cannot wait for Goalie Interrupted, Elle and Dixon’s love story set to release this April!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Anna and Ollie ran in the same high school crowd. However, their friendship didn’t truly take off until the majority of their friends moved away for college and they stayed behind. Now as adults, they find themselves closer than ever, even working for the same organization, the River City Renegades (Ollie as a hockey player and Anna as the assistant to the head coach). But when Anna learns that Ollie could potentially lose his job, she is willing to cross the line of friendship. Will their plan work, or will it cause discomfort that cannot be fixed?
Anne Kemp’s Faking the Face Off is a clean/ closed door, hockey romance that features the fake-dating and friends-to-more tropes.
If you are looking for top tier sports romances, I always recommend Kemp. She has a handful of books that fit this description, from football to hockey. With that being said, Faking the Face Off, has quickly become my favorite book of hers.
This book stands out above the rest for so many reasons, but the most important one being its authenticity. The main characters and the problems they faced felt realistic. We have all worried about our jobs, struggled with family members, and contemplated our place in the world.
Read this book if you enjoy:
-dual POVs
-strong FMC
-cinnamon roll MMC
Special thanks to Anne Kemp for allowing me to be apart of her ARC team/ read this book in exchange for my honest review.
* I cannot wait for Goalie Interrupted, Elle and Dixon’s love story set to release this April!
February 5, 2025
Who doesn't love a fake dating scenario? Sometimes you have to take a chance to find your happy ending.
I loved this story because Ollie and Anna (#ollieanna) are good friends from their teen years. There is just enough connection to build their backstory without it taking a long time. Ollie is the sweetest cinnamon roll hockey player and his reluctance to agree to fake date is wonderful. He was already crushing on Anna and wants to date her for real. He’s always been there for her, and he just wants to support her and her dad. Anna wants to make Ollie’s life easier, not harder and she wants to help her dad. Suggesting the fake dating is fine….as long as they are always honest with each other.
“You’re not alone in this. Whatever you need, whatever I can do, I’m in.”
When the lines start to blur and you finally get to that first kiss, there's no going back after that. Can they make it last? Can they help their Dads and keep their own lives together. Anna and Olli have such good chemistry and trust, it was perfect! Even when other people didn't think she should trust Ollie, she 100% knew his true character and didn't doubt him. I loved that!
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book!
I loved this story because Ollie and Anna (#ollieanna) are good friends from their teen years. There is just enough connection to build their backstory without it taking a long time. Ollie is the sweetest cinnamon roll hockey player and his reluctance to agree to fake date is wonderful. He was already crushing on Anna and wants to date her for real. He’s always been there for her, and he just wants to support her and her dad. Anna wants to make Ollie’s life easier, not harder and she wants to help her dad. Suggesting the fake dating is fine….as long as they are always honest with each other.
“You’re not alone in this. Whatever you need, whatever I can do, I’m in.”
When the lines start to blur and you finally get to that first kiss, there's no going back after that. Can they make it last? Can they help their Dads and keep their own lives together. Anna and Olli have such good chemistry and trust, it was perfect! Even when other people didn't think she should trust Ollie, she 100% knew his true character and didn't doubt him. I loved that!
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book!
January 22, 2026
This was such a cute, wholesome hockey romance! There is a LOT packed into this 244-page story—fake dating, friends to lovers, he falls first, and hockey romance—plus some surprisingly thoughtful subplots like workplace drama, a parent being scammed, and another dealing with addiction.
Anna is an assistant to the hockey coach and close to his family when she finds out her father has been scammed out of his life’s savings. Desperate to help him, she agrees to fake date her longtime friend Ollie, a hockey player who needs a PR boost to improve his marketability.
Ollie was an absolute standout for me—sweet, kind, supportive, and secretly in love with Anna since high school. I loved him. 🥹 Anna is also very relatable: hardworking, loyal, and standing at a crossroads in life, trying to balance her own dreams with helping the people she loves. Their chemistry felt genuine, and the fake dating setup was really fun.
This book was well written, easy to read, and full of heart. It had just the right mix of romance, humor, and real-life issues to make it feel cozy but still meaningful.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Anna is an assistant to the hockey coach and close to his family when she finds out her father has been scammed out of his life’s savings. Desperate to help him, she agrees to fake date her longtime friend Ollie, a hockey player who needs a PR boost to improve his marketability.
Ollie was an absolute standout for me—sweet, kind, supportive, and secretly in love with Anna since high school. I loved him. 🥹 Anna is also very relatable: hardworking, loyal, and standing at a crossroads in life, trying to balance her own dreams with helping the people she loves. Their chemistry felt genuine, and the fake dating setup was really fun.
This book was well written, easy to read, and full of heart. It had just the right mix of romance, humor, and real-life issues to make it feel cozy but still meaningful.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 5, 2026
“And the kissing. The kissing. It’s like every time his lips touch mine, I lose track of everything else.”
Anna and Ollie have been best friends for while, Ollie plays for the Renegades hockey team and Anna is the assistant to the Renegades’ head coach.
Ollie’s been trying his best to hide his crush on his best friend Anna but when circumstances had them fake dating, he realizes that he doesn’t want to hide it anymore.
Anna found out that her dad’s in a bit of trouble and she’ll do anything for him so when she was offered to pretend to date her best friend, she didn’t hesitate to say yes. Now the lines are getting blurry and they’re crossing a line they might not come back from.
Sometimes the person you’re meant to be is right in front of you and that’s the case for Anna and Ollie. Ollie’s always had feelings for Anna but he doesn’t want to lose her as a friend either so he never really acted on it. But now that they’re fake dating he realizes that this is his chance to show her that they’re meant to be more than friends!
And they’re definitely destined to be together! There’s nothing like being with someone that knows you so well and has seen you through the highs and the lows.
A sweet friends to lovers, fake dating, hockey romance to start a new series!
Anna and Ollie have been best friends for while, Ollie plays for the Renegades hockey team and Anna is the assistant to the Renegades’ head coach.
Ollie’s been trying his best to hide his crush on his best friend Anna but when circumstances had them fake dating, he realizes that he doesn’t want to hide it anymore.
Anna found out that her dad’s in a bit of trouble and she’ll do anything for him so when she was offered to pretend to date her best friend, she didn’t hesitate to say yes. Now the lines are getting blurry and they’re crossing a line they might not come back from.
Sometimes the person you’re meant to be is right in front of you and that’s the case for Anna and Ollie. Ollie’s always had feelings for Anna but he doesn’t want to lose her as a friend either so he never really acted on it. But now that they’re fake dating he realizes that this is his chance to show her that they’re meant to be more than friends!
And they’re definitely destined to be together! There’s nothing like being with someone that knows you so well and has seen you through the highs and the lows.
A sweet friends to lovers, fake dating, hockey romance to start a new series!
January 28, 2025
I’m pretty sure I say this about all of Anne Kemp’s books, but Anna and Ollie are the CUTEST! I loved their friends to more vibe. Ollie has been pining for YEARS and it was so good to see how they ended up coming together.
Anna Denault is the personal assistant to the head coach of the River City Renegades hockey team. Ollie Decker is the Renegades’ star defenseman. When the co-owner of the team decides Ollie needs to up his image, a plan is concocted to have Ollie and Anna fake date for awhile. For Ollie, it’s never been fake, and Anna quickly realizes she has feelings for Ollie as they embark on their fake dating journey. They both need this arrangement to work out for more than Ollie’s image. Anna’s dad is in trouble, and Ollie’s dad….well he just IS trouble.
I loved watching Anna really come to know herself and find what she needs in her life. Ollie was there every step of the way. The trust and love they share is often hard to come by in the real world and I love watching it unfold on the page.
This friends to lovers, fake dating, hockey romance was just what I needed. I can’t wait to see more of the Renegades!
Anna Denault is the personal assistant to the head coach of the River City Renegades hockey team. Ollie Decker is the Renegades’ star defenseman. When the co-owner of the team decides Ollie needs to up his image, a plan is concocted to have Ollie and Anna fake date for awhile. For Ollie, it’s never been fake, and Anna quickly realizes she has feelings for Ollie as they embark on their fake dating journey. They both need this arrangement to work out for more than Ollie’s image. Anna’s dad is in trouble, and Ollie’s dad….well he just IS trouble.
I loved watching Anna really come to know herself and find what she needs in her life. Ollie was there every step of the way. The trust and love they share is often hard to come by in the real world and I love watching it unfold on the page.
This friends to lovers, fake dating, hockey romance was just what I needed. I can’t wait to see more of the Renegades!
January 30, 2025
Is a sweet fake dating, friends to lovers, found family, Hockey Romcom with no cliffhanger.
Trigger Warning -- * Gambling addiction;
* Parent dealing with fraud/scam artist
Some of the lines I really like --- Where the ice is hot, and the action won’t end,’” --- have a stack of books to get through because my TBR pile is never-ending. --- He is the apple that not only fell far from the tree, but was kicked down the hill, crossed a highway, and then rolled into the gutter. --- “It’s amazing the deal with the devil you can be willing to take if someone you love is in trouble.” --- “Living with women is so much easier. Some days, I miss having three sisters around.” --- When life surprises you with something—or someone—worth taking a shot on. --- Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. Oh wait, too late. You’re already doing EVERYTHING I wouldn’t do.” --- “Sometimes you’ve got to take a risk to get what you really want.” -----
Who keeps calling and threatening Anna's dad? What's Jimmy up to? What's Ollie's dad up to? What's Jason up to? These and other questions will all be answered.
I loved Anna and Ollie's story and I'm sure you will too. I can't wait to read her next book.
Trigger Warning -- * Gambling addiction;
* Parent dealing with fraud/scam artist
Some of the lines I really like --- Where the ice is hot, and the action won’t end,’” --- have a stack of books to get through because my TBR pile is never-ending. --- He is the apple that not only fell far from the tree, but was kicked down the hill, crossed a highway, and then rolled into the gutter. --- “It’s amazing the deal with the devil you can be willing to take if someone you love is in trouble.” --- “Living with women is so much easier. Some days, I miss having three sisters around.” --- When life surprises you with something—or someone—worth taking a shot on. --- Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. Oh wait, too late. You’re already doing EVERYTHING I wouldn’t do.” --- “Sometimes you’ve got to take a risk to get what you really want.” -----
Who keeps calling and threatening Anna's dad? What's Jimmy up to? What's Ollie's dad up to? What's Jason up to? These and other questions will all be answered.
I loved Anna and Ollie's story and I'm sure you will too. I can't wait to read her next book.
January 31, 2025
What a sweet story and characters.
I really liked this sports romance and loved how relatable both main characters were.
Ollie was such a nerdie and at the same time not what we would have expected from a hockey player, but so sweet and caring that was unbelievable. And also had charisma and could make himself have a strog presence when needed.
Anna was a ray of sunshine and both determined and lovable.
We could see from the begining their feelings for one another and what made them be apart.
Anna discovers that her dad is having some money problems and is trying to help him, but just dosn't know how.
Ollie is a hokey player, but is not really famous because he never gave in to all the media things.
When he is forced to fake a relationship and Anna is the candidate he can't say no and she nees to help him and her dad by accepting that role.
But can you fake what's already real? Can they keep their hearts protected from themselves?
We have also several other side characters that I believe are going to heve their story told and I can't wait for them. It was such a strong connection between all of them that felt like family.
I really liked this sports romance and loved how relatable both main characters were.
Ollie was such a nerdie and at the same time not what we would have expected from a hockey player, but so sweet and caring that was unbelievable. And also had charisma and could make himself have a strog presence when needed.
Anna was a ray of sunshine and both determined and lovable.
We could see from the begining their feelings for one another and what made them be apart.
Anna discovers that her dad is having some money problems and is trying to help him, but just dosn't know how.
Ollie is a hokey player, but is not really famous because he never gave in to all the media things.
When he is forced to fake a relationship and Anna is the candidate he can't say no and she nees to help him and her dad by accepting that role.
But can you fake what's already real? Can they keep their hearts protected from themselves?
We have also several other side characters that I believe are going to heve their story told and I can't wait for them. It was such a strong connection between all of them that felt like family.
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