The Purest Fake

by Jacob Chance

From USA Today and Amazon Bestselling Author Jacob Chance comes a Spicy, Fake Relationship, Football Romance.

Taking a break from dating seems like the ultimate plan—just me, my wrestling podcast, and zero romantic drama. Then I meet Cooper Grind, the tight end for the Silverbacks. He’s adorkable, hilarious, and completely inexperienced when it comes to love.

And I mean in every way.

So when he proposes a wild scheme—a pretend relationship to keep the female attention at bay—I can’t help but agree.

As we dive into our new “couple” status, I’m swept up in the exciting world of professional football. Although our dates are fake, Cooper makes an adventure out of every moment we spend together. For an inexperienced guy, he’s surprisingly convincing in his boyfriend role.

When stolen glances and playful banter spark something deeper, I realize I might be in over my head. Because the more we fake it, the more real it feels.

Despite facing my best defensive efforts, this superstar rookie is smashing through my reservations with alarming precision.

And now our charade is turning into something I never expected—the purest fake.

Genres: Romance, Sports Romance, Contemporary, Slow Burn, Friends To Lovers, Football

249 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2024

About the author

Jacob Chance grew up in New England and still lives there today. He’s a martial artist, a football fan, a practical joker, and junk food lover.
A USA Today bestselling author of sports romance and romantic suspense, Jacob plans on writing many more stories.

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Reviews

[Elaine Lucky · Rating 4 out of 5]

*BOOK REVIEW*
The Purest Fake by Jacob Chance releasing tomorrow 12/5/24.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
👍Football Fake Dating
👍Virgin MMC
I received a free ARC of this book.
A stand alone (& #2 in the Virginia Silverbacks series) with NO angst or third act breakup. 👍
A fun fast paced sports romance. Cooper is a virgin & pro football player & Scarlett is a sports podcaster who come to a mutual agreement to fake date each other. A relationship builds between them through their fake dates which builds mutual trust, open communication, and boundaries. Great support cast of their friends (Rogan & Autumn (Scarlett's bestie) from "The Toughest Play" and teammates Griffin and Thor (who may or may not get their own books?), along with appearances from Chance's "World Class Wrestling" series characters. I enjoyed the banter between all of the friends and the refreshing look at virginity without jumping right into bed. It made the story well rounded and believable with the right amount of spice. 🔥 Scarlett and Autumn aren't catty and have a real friendship & the guys all respect each other and call one another out when needed (although Griffin was kind of a dink). Only thing that was a little confusing for me was it felt like college kids instead of pro footballers but I understand since Cooper is only 23. I will definitely read more of Jacob's books & you should too😁 (I've read the Hitman duet which was great!) Check out his book catalog and decide for yourself!❤ Favorite line in book=Cooper "I thought the G Spot was just a myth like Bigfoot. Some people say it exists but you can't see it"🤣

[♡︎ Kesa Subban ♡︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ꍏꋪꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - 𝖢𝗈𝗈𝗉𝖾𝗋
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝖲𝖼𝖺𝗋𝗅𝖾𝗍𝗍
4.5 𝘍𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘍𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘉𝘺 𝘑𝘢𝘤𝘰𝘣 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦

Cooper, isn't your typical hockey player. And a playboy he is not. His loving, loyal, one hundred percent focused on his career and doesn't need nor want any distractions.

Scarlett, runs her own podcast, focused on professional wrestling. She may not have her parents support on her career path, but she is successful.

And she has a best friend who is very supportive.
Cooper and Scarlett have become good friends over the past few months with both their friends dating.

So when Cooper asks Scarlett to be his fake girlfriend she agrees. But as the days go by, everything starts to feel oh so real, and before you know it. Both are falling.

This was a lovely read and I absolutely loved Cooper and Scarlett. The development of their relationship was amazing and the chemistry was 🔥

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 🖥️🎧🖥️🎧🖥️
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚.5
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥

[Bronwyn Sands · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about slow burn, absolutely devoured this book. The chemistry was off the charts scorching. Two characters meet because of friends and then agreeing to a ‘fake’ relationship. Like that ever stops love.
Loved Cooper and Scarlett, makes me want to take a trip to the beach.

[Carmen Rodríguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! I want to read it, and reread it, and do it all over again! Cooper is everything, Scarlet is awesomeness personified, and this story has all the feels!!

[Peggy Hogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Purest Fake by Jacob Chance is a stand-alone fake relationship, virgin MMC, sports romance. The fake relationship trope is one of my all-time favorites, and I really enjoyed this one. Cooper is a professional football player, and Scarlett is best friends and roommates with his teammate's girlfriend, which is how they meet. Their chemistry and attraction was undeniable from the moment they met, and it became even more obvious the more they got to know each other. Both characters were very likable, and the overall story was really good. I would definitely recommend it!

[Natalie Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Jacob’s books and he outdid himself again! All these characters were great to read. Coop and Scar were great to get lost in. I just loved Scar and how much she just loved everyone in her life. Her job definitely took me by surprise good surprise and it was interesting to read about! Coop was such a great guy and I would love to hang out with him if I was Scar! These two were dynamite together and you could feel the chemistry between them! Make sure you grab this one today, it won’t disappoint. Thanks for your words Jacob!

[Meg Talks Romance Novels · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful and sweet read I just didn’t want to put down! Jacob’s stories always put a smile on my face and that’s what Cooper and Scarlett’s story did. All the fun, the sexiness, their friendship…everything was perfect! You will be hooked from the beginning into another amazing Jacob Chance story! One of my favorite reads of the year so far!

[Cathy Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved!

Once again Jacob delivers a fun, low angst, steamy story full of lovable characters! Cooper and Scarlett meld so well together. As friends they start a fake relationship to shield Cooper from his female fans so he can focus on his game. Friends soon become lovers in this fun, lovable slow burn that left me wanting more! Can’t wait for the next book!

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet read

I liked how Cooper was his own man and didn't let pressures sway his thoughts. I loved how Scarlett is pretty much fearless and is a take charge and honest, hard-working, take charge kind of woman.
These two were great together.
I loved how the author interweaves his worlds, so we get cameo appearances from other book characters.
Great read.

[Amour.Rebelle.Reads (Bran.d) · Rating 4 out of 5]

first time for everything ;)

Scarlett and Cooper have such a great dynamic. Their fake relationship feels natural, and they’re really comfortable sharing personal things, including Cooper's lack of experience with relationships. It’s a sweet read that explores their chemistry and connection. Definitely worth checking out! 📖❤️

[Tiffany Brocato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, loved this book. The Purest Fake truly was a pure, fun loving, feel good romance I didn’t want to put down. The friendship and chemistry between Coop and Scarlett was super sweet and oh so spicy! I absolutely enjoyed this book, 5 stars from me!!

[Lady Raven Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Off The Charts

As always Jacob doesn’t disappoint. Cooper and Scarlett are the best couple. This story takes you on an awesome journey of them becoming “a couple” to becoming a couple. There is no way you won’t fall for them. The writing and flow of this book is incredible. I beyond recommend this story and series.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
🥵

Excellent sports romance 🥰

[mary Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet, sexy, slow burn book The Purest fake is. With a different twist on the virgin trope I have t say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is a sports romance with a fake relationship that begins as friends and ends as lovers.

Cooper Grid is a first-year rookie, a pro tight end for Silverbacks football team. It’s when he and the team is socializing after game when an overzealous female fan invades his space that Scarlett, a new friend, hops right in acting like his girlfriend to thwart her off. The act went so seamlessly that the next thing you know Cooper is asking her to act as his fake girlfriend. Of course Scarlett agrees to this, especially since she is the BFF of the teams QB girlfriend!!

Scarlett agrees to attend mandatory functions with Cooper for his football activities. It doesn’t take long for the word to get out that he and Scarlett are dating. Unknown to everyone on the team except Rogan, QB for the silverbacks and Cooper’s best friend and R’s girlfriend, Autumn, who is roomie with Scarlett. Cooper and Scarlett fit together so seamlessly that there are no question about them being together.

I love how Cooper and Scarlett truly became good friends. Scarlett and Cooper found they had even more in common when he upon finding out she produced a wrestling podcast. This brought them even closer together. Becoming more comfortable around each other it was only natural that things would progress into something deeper than just friendship. As they explore where this relationship is going Cooper’s lack of experience becomes a non-issue, as well as explaining that his dad was a preacher.

I absolutely loved this book and found that Scarlett and Cooper were such a refreshing couple.
It was truly easy to like them and cheer for their HEA!!

[Ria Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another touchdown from Jacob Chance

How is it that Jacob Chance continues to deliver such delicious men and gorgeous women every time he writes a book? THE PUREST FAKE, book #2 in the Virginia Silverbacks , is a virgin hero, friends to lovers, sports romance which was a fun, lighthearted and thoroughly enjoyable read.

Cooper Grind is a rookie on the Silverbacks NFL team, and he certainly knows how to score a touchdown. Cooper would have to be the sweetest, sexiest, and most adorable guy, he had me constantly swooning and sighing with everything he did. Scarlett St. James is a podcaster, a strong, independent woman who was on a sabbatical from men. Cooper and Scarlett met through mutual friends and formed a friendship of their own. When Cooper is harassed by some female fans Scarlett comes up with the idea of her being his fake girlfriend. What will happen when the lines begin to blur?

I adored Cooper and Scarlett, their friendship, the fun they had together, their banter, the beach walks, they were simply perfect together. As their friendship evolved the sizzle of the chemistry between them only grew hotter, emotions deepened, ensuring that their spice was inevitable.

As usual Jacob's words drew me in, the humour had me laughing out loud on many occasions, especially when Thor and Griffin were involved, I can't wait for their books. Then there were the cameos of Jesse Gunn and Wyatt Douglas from Jacob's World Class Wrestling series. THE PUREST FAKE hooked me from the beginning and before I knew it I had finished. Jacob Chance has once again scored another touchdown.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS

[Heather White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!!

The Purest Fake by Jacob Chance – A Heartfelt Fake Relationship Romance

If you love fake relationship romances, The Purest Fake by Jacob Chance is a must-read! This story had everything I adore about the trope—undeniable chemistry, heartfelt moments, and, of course, the inevitable turning point when pretend feelings become all too real.

One of my favorite aspects of this book was how Cooper and Scarlett started as friends. Their bond felt natural, and I loved how they openly talked about things before anything romantic developed between them. That foundation made their relationship feel so genuine and deep.

Cooper is the absolute sweetest. His devotion to Scarlett is undeniable, and you can just feel that she’s his one true love. Every interaction between them was filled with warmth, charm, and playful banter that made their connection even stronger.

One of the most touching elements of their relationship was their love for surprising each other. Those little unexpected gestures added so much sweetness to their story, making it even more special.

Overall, The Purest Fake was a fantastic read. It had all the heart and chemistry I crave in a romance, and Cooper and Scarlett’s love story was one I didn’t want to end. If you’re looking for a heartfelt, swoon-worthy romance, this book is definitely worth picking up.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

If you are in the mood for a story that is a slow burn, then you have found the perfect book in The Purest Fake. This is the story of Cooper and Scarlet. He is a rookie playing for the Sliverbacks. The man is really good at what he does too. He is absolutely adorable and you can't help but fall for him. Scarlett is a sports podcaster who is taking a break from men. She is strong and fierce and independent. These two know each other because one of the guys on his team and his girlfriend are friends with Scarlett. I loved watching their relationship form naturally.When Cooper finds himself being harassed by some female fans that are a little aggressive, she comes up with a plan for them to be fake boyfriend and girlfriend. However, it isn't long before the lines begin to blur. Can these two turn something fake into something absolutely amazing? You have to read to find out. You are going to absolutely love this book.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Outstanding read from Jacob Chance. If you haven’t read him, you are truly missing out. I don’t believe there is a genre of his that I don’t love. The reason is simple, just like The Purest Fake, his books are well written with wonderful, relatable characters (both main and secondary). This book is about the rookie wide receiver for the Silverbacks Pro Football team, Cooper. All he’s ever wanted is to play in the pros and he’s finally made it and hates the distraction of the female fans. So he and his friend Scarlet devise a plan for her to be his fake girlfriend with no strings. Simple right, considering both are focused on their careers right now and neither of them are interested in a relationship.

Oh the wisdom of the best laid plans. Think it works? Maybe it works too well? Grab this us asap and find out. You’ll laugh, smile and swoon throughout, at least I did.

2 Thumbs Up and 5+ Stars

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, I want to apologize to the author because my review is LATE. Sadly, life happened, and it paused my favourite thing to do reading.

Secondly, I started reading Jacob Chance’s books over half a decade ago. After reading The Purest Fake, I don’t know why I stopped.

This slow burn, friends to lovers and fake dating book was the perfect easy and quick read I needed between all the holiday books.

We met Cooper, rookie American football player, and Scarlett, podcaster extraordinaire. Both had hectic careers and saw the benefits of fake dating. However, we learn Cooper’s secret early on: he’s a virgin. Can they foul the world that they’re a couple? Find out!

3.5 rounded up to 4 stars for me. I must say, I absolutely loved how there was a lot of communication and dialogue throughout the book.

If you’re looking for a fun, easy, sports romance, try this book out!

Thank you, Jacob, for the ARC!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unforgettable romance that had me hooked from the beginning to long after the end. This is why I read romance. This book had everything I love in a romance – heart, passion, humor, and emotion. A beautifully written storyline that was heartfelt, emotionally raw, and breathtakingly romantic. Cooper and Scarlett stole my heart. Their connection was intense and undeniable; a perfectly match. The banter between these two was a delight to read and had me smiling and laughing often. I fell further in love with these characters and their story with each turn of the page. I felt every emotion the characters experienced; they radiated from the pages. The swoon-worthy moments were absolutely breathtaking. This story was everything I hoped for and so much more. A top read for 2024 and a new favorite. I highly recommend!

[Closet Romance Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh this book was so cute!! The Purest Fake was the second book in Jacob’s Silverbacks Football series. It can be read as a stand-alone if needed. It was a wonderful slow burn filled with all the warm fuzzies!

Scarlett decided she was taking a break from dating. That was until Cooper asked her for a favor. As the new rookie, he was getting a lot of unwanted attention from the female fans. He wanted to concentrate on playing so asking Scarlet to “fake” date seemed like a good idea. Only the feelings that they shared started to become anything but fake.

I loved these two! Watching their friendship grow into something else was sweet. Cooper was the most amazing boyfriend and Scarlet was just amazing. Loved all the feels this one left me with. Can’t wait to see where the series goes next!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.9 stars

It’s official…Jacob Chance has penned another touchdown with this book! Cooper is the new rookie for the Silverbacks football team. He is good looking and well-liked by everyone with a time and a place for everything mentality. Scarlett is a podcaster who is into sports and wrestling but has decided to take a break from dating. One night, after a game, Scarlett is with her bestie at a bar where she meets Cooper. In order to help him out of an overzealous fan situation, they enter into a fake relationship. The chemistry between them is undeniable and it grows the more time they spend together getting to know one another. Overall, this is one storyline that engages readers from the get-go. The journey of love that Scarlett and Cooper undertake is just beautiful to watch. The flow is flawless, and it will have you falling head over heels for these two.

[ReadTillDawnBooks ~ IG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacob is my sports romance go to. Why? Not only is the storyline heat and emotions, when the sport is being “played” or written about, I enjoy it just as much watching the sport live. Yeah, I’m a sports girlie! And I love football. When Jacob writes the parts where the MC is playing or interacting with his teammates, it’s just so real. Described like I’m watching the game. I love how he captures the emotions of the game from the player aspect.
Cooper and Scarlett’s friends to lovers, fake relationship had all the good feels. No third act break up but they still had to come to terms with their feelings for each other and trust one another.
I missed Ronan and Autumns story, but going back to it now.

[Sandie Chraponski · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet quick read!

I know exactly what I’m going to get when I pick up a Jacob Chance book, and that’s a solid story that is going to let me escape to a world I would love to be a part of. And that’s exactly what this book did.

We are back in the Silverback world, on the football field, on the beach and in the bedroom. Cooper and Scarlett’s friends to lovers story is sweet and steamy and the only thing I would have liked better is about 4 or 5 more chapters. I got to the end of this one and just wanted more.

Jacob writes great books that just make your days better. If you haven’t read any, just do it.

[Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Purest Fake, is the latest sports romance from Iackb Chance and it’s a slow but beautiful burn!

This story is about Cooper and a Scarlett and I love that the title has a double meaning, read and you’ll see what I mean!

Cooper and Scarlett are friends and when she notices his unease with all the female attention she steps in as a fake girlfriend and an arrangement is made so that he doesn’t have to worry about all the women who now want his attention. The more time the spend together the deeper their bond grows and they have to decide if they want to keep things as is or go for more!

The friendship they build was so easy and I love how they just clicked.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooper is the star rookie and tight end for the Silverbacks, but he is totally inexperienced about love. Scarlett is the best friend and roommate with Cooper’s teammate. Scarlett agrees to fake date Cooper to keep the female population at bay. The sparks fly between these two, but why is something fake feeling so real?
This is a well written story which has friendships, emotions, fake relationships, humor, witty banter, friends / lovers, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, spicy, and fun football romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooper is a professional football player who is experienced in romance and isn’t certain how to handle the attention he doesn’t want from his persistent female fans. When Scarlett suggests that they pretend to be a couple it seems like the perfect solution.

Scarlett is a podcaster who isn’t looking for a man in her life so when she finds out about Cooper’s predicament it seems like a win-win for them both. What began as acquaintances, turned into friendship and a love that neither saw coming.

Fun and flirty Cooper and Scarlett were perfect for each other as they began to realize that fighting their feelings for each other was a battle they weren’t going to win.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely obsessed with this book. Jacob writes the best sports romance books out there. The chemistry between these two was off the charts.

Scarlett and Cooper were made for each other. There’s no denying the sparks between them. But, it’s all temporary. Just a plan to get him through his rookie season without the pressure of being hounded by all the thirsty female fans. A fake relationship is exactly what they both wanted.
But can the preachers son really hold out and not catch real feelings for the girl with the podcast and smile he’s quickly becoming obsessed with?

Call me a softie but I live for a good HEA. And I’m in desperate need of more Coop and Scar. ❤️

[Vivien Parry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Running the game of love!

Cooper is the newest member of the Silverbacks and whilst he plays hard on the field, off the field he lives with his sister and has never had a girlfriend. Scarlett is friends with one of his team mates girlfriends and when an over eager fan won't leave Cooper alone, she pretends to be his girlfriend. But the more they pretend, the deeper the feelings become. Will their game end in heart break or have they stumbled on the winning luck?
This was a good read, Cooper is sweet and just learning who he is whilst Scarlett knows who she is but has never found the one! Together they are adorable and fit well together. Can't wait to read the next book!

[Renee Entress · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star

If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first:
The Toughest Play (Silverbacks Football #1)

This is Scarlett and Cooper’s story. He asks her for help with a fake relationship and she agrees but what does that really mean for them? The chemistry is hot but he is inexperienced. But with all the ideas he comes up with for the relationship does that mean that is more then fake or is he really great at faking it? But are they both falling or is one falling while the other fakes it?

I recommend this book.