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Seeds of Betrayal: A fake dating, new adult college romance
The unofficial rules of college life are
● Don't break and enter into university buildings.
● Don't kiss your brother's best friend.
● And definitely, absolutely, do not do both in the same night.
Guess which rules I broke on Friday?
Okay, fine - I admit it. I have a crush on Alfie Spencer.
But who doesn't? He's brilliant, brooding, and looks unfairly good in black. And yes, maybe we have to spend sixty hours doing community service together after getting caught in a midnight encounter in the geology department. And okay, when he needed someone to pose as his girlfriend to escape his incredibly wealthy family's marriage plans... I said yes.
But that doesn't mean I'm going to fall for him. I'm Tara Hawkins – independent, smart and doing things my way this summer. And he's my brother's best friend, which makes him completely off-limits. Even if the way he looks at me when no one's watching makes my skin burn. Or how watching him sketch in that secret notebook of his makes me forget how to breathe. Or how this fake dating is starting to feel like the most real thing I've ever had...
Oh god. I am catastrophically, monumentally, absolutely screwed
● Don't break and enter into university buildings.
● Don't kiss your brother's best friend.
● And definitely, absolutely, do not do both in the same night.
Guess which rules I broke on Friday?
Okay, fine - I admit it. I have a crush on Alfie Spencer.
But who doesn't? He's brilliant, brooding, and looks unfairly good in black. And yes, maybe we have to spend sixty hours doing community service together after getting caught in a midnight encounter in the geology department. And okay, when he needed someone to pose as his girlfriend to escape his incredibly wealthy family's marriage plans... I said yes.
But that doesn't mean I'm going to fall for him. I'm Tara Hawkins – independent, smart and doing things my way this summer. And he's my brother's best friend, which makes him completely off-limits. Even if the way he looks at me when no one's watching makes my skin burn. Or how watching him sketch in that secret notebook of his makes me forget how to breathe. Or how this fake dating is starting to feel like the most real thing I've ever had...
Oh god. I am catastrophically, monumentally, absolutely screwed
396 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2025
44 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Lola Lockhart
12 books43 followersWhen she’s not getting lost in vivid daydreams about her next book boyfriend, you can find romance author Lola Lockhart devouring or writing yet another swoon-worthy novel, going for a hike to fuel her imagination, or planning her next cozy café writing session (caffeine is a must).
This passionate Brit loves the UK, but her heart will always remain wherever the sun shines brightest – AKA, she tries to escape the cold weather as much as possible.
Lola has been hooked on sweeping love stories since childhood, when she could often be found secretly reading under the covers long after bedtime, flashlight in hand. Now she gets to share that obsession, serving up steamy new couples destined to melt hearts.
This passionate Brit loves the UK, but her heart will always remain wherever the sun shines brightest – AKA, she tries to escape the cold weather as much as possible.
Lola has been hooked on sweeping love stories since childhood, when she could often be found secretly reading under the covers long after bedtime, flashlight in hand. Now she gets to share that obsession, serving up steamy new couples destined to melt hearts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
May 30, 2025
Oh. My. Goodness. This book had me hooked from page one. I devoured it in less than 24 hours because I simply could not put it down. Lola Lockhart has this magical way of making you giggle, swoon, and rage all within a few chapters, and I loved every second of it.
Tara and Alfie’s dynamic? Absolutely chef’s kiss. The banter, the tension, the “we probably shouldn’t be doing this but oops, too late” energy? Perfection. I found myself grinning and giggling at some moments and ready to throw my book, frustrated at the characters (lovingly, of course) at others. Fake dating tropes always get me, but this one? Extra addictive.
If you’re looking for a story that’s fun, full of heart, and will keep you up way past bedtime (no regrets), this one is an absolute must-read. 💕
Tara and Alfie’s dynamic? Absolutely chef’s kiss. The banter, the tension, the “we probably shouldn’t be doing this but oops, too late” energy? Perfection. I found myself grinning and giggling at some moments and ready to throw my book, frustrated at the characters (lovingly, of course) at others. Fake dating tropes always get me, but this one? Extra addictive.
If you’re looking for a story that’s fun, full of heart, and will keep you up way past bedtime (no regrets), this one is an absolute must-read. 💕
February 20, 2025
Thank you Lola for this eArc! I really enjoyed this story and it was such a cute college romance book that I think everyone should read 💗
The slow burn was really nice as I love a good slow burn book with lots of tension between the characters. I was already obsessed just from the first chapter and couldn’t put it down!
Alfie and Tara’s characters were described so well and I loved their energy and tension together as it got you hooked, giggling and swooning for more!
This is a fake dating turns into lovers and Lola makes it addicting to where you want more from these characters as you continue to read the book. So so good! If you love a grumpy x sunshine then you must read this! 💖
The slow burn was really nice as I love a good slow burn book with lots of tension between the characters. I was already obsessed just from the first chapter and couldn’t put it down!
Alfie and Tara’s characters were described so well and I loved their energy and tension together as it got you hooked, giggling and swooning for more!
This is a fake dating turns into lovers and Lola makes it addicting to where you want more from these characters as you continue to read the book. So so good! If you love a grumpy x sunshine then you must read this! 💖
February 18, 2025
After finishing Seeds of Love earlier I was so excited to read Seeds of Betrayal for Tara and Alfie's story. And boy this exceeded every expectation I had!! The banter, tension, chemistry, sweetness, spice, everything was SO GOOD!! I took any free moment I had to read this because I couldn't get enough of it!
Tara's character really hit close to home. I loved how unapologetically she was being herself. What really hit me was how I understood her need to be independent. Every thought and emotion she had struck a chord in me. Honestly, I felt seen with Tara and her story. It gave me words that I’ve wanted and needed to hear.
Alfie complimented her so well. I love a brooding man who's soft and caring only for her. I love how Alfie doesn't change her and fully embraces who Tara is. Every moment between the two warmed my heart and made me so giddy! I really couldn't get enough of the two because they're so perfect together!
Words cannot explain how beautiful Lola Lockhart's writing is. You seriously can feel every emotion come off the page. Lola truly knows how to write a love story that will get you in your feels. Believe me when I say you will swoon, and have your heart ripped out and put back together with anything she writes. Thank you Lola for letting be apart of your ARC Team! I can't wait for everyone to get to know Tara and Alfie soon!
Tara's character really hit close to home. I loved how unapologetically she was being herself. What really hit me was how I understood her need to be independent. Every thought and emotion she had struck a chord in me. Honestly, I felt seen with Tara and her story. It gave me words that I’ve wanted and needed to hear.
Alfie complimented her so well. I love a brooding man who's soft and caring only for her. I love how Alfie doesn't change her and fully embraces who Tara is. Every moment between the two warmed my heart and made me so giddy! I really couldn't get enough of the two because they're so perfect together!
Words cannot explain how beautiful Lola Lockhart's writing is. You seriously can feel every emotion come off the page. Lola truly knows how to write a love story that will get you in your feels. Believe me when I say you will swoon, and have your heart ripped out and put back together with anything she writes. Thank you Lola for letting be apart of your ARC Team! I can't wait for everyone to get to know Tara and Alfie soon!
February 22, 2025
one of my most anticipated reads since finishing Seeds of Love, and it did not disappoint!
Lola’s writing is addictive. i don’t know what magic you put in your stories, but please do not ever stop! similar with the first book, Seeds of Love, Lola has you caring about the characters right from the start. you can tell how much she cares about these characters and this story with how thoughtful she describes each scene, choosing the right words to describe their personalities. i don’t know what it is, but Lola’s writing style scratches an itch in my brain that is so satisfying.
i knew Tara and Alfie’s story was going to be one i loved from the start. i loved them both in their supportive roles in Seeds of Love, and love them even more after reading their story. it was absolutely beautiful to watch Tara grow more confident and sure of herself, while Alfie learned to fight for what he wants. again, i don’t know what Lola does in her books, but i’m obsessed with these characters, Tara and Alfie forever, how do i join this found family, and you need to read these books now please.
Seeds of Bretrayal is the second book in a four-book interconnected series that follows a group of friends and their unique journeys to love. you can read each book on their own, but i highly recommend following the release order to gain background information about the characters.
TROPES
💋 Fake Dating
🧑🏻 Brother’s Best Friend Romance
🌗 Grumpy/Sunshine
💕 Forced Proximity
🌱 Found Family
🔥 Slow Burn
🔁 Opposites Attract
Lola’s writing is addictive. i don’t know what magic you put in your stories, but please do not ever stop! similar with the first book, Seeds of Love, Lola has you caring about the characters right from the start. you can tell how much she cares about these characters and this story with how thoughtful she describes each scene, choosing the right words to describe their personalities. i don’t know what it is, but Lola’s writing style scratches an itch in my brain that is so satisfying.
i knew Tara and Alfie’s story was going to be one i loved from the start. i loved them both in their supportive roles in Seeds of Love, and love them even more after reading their story. it was absolutely beautiful to watch Tara grow more confident and sure of herself, while Alfie learned to fight for what he wants. again, i don’t know what Lola does in her books, but i’m obsessed with these characters, Tara and Alfie forever, how do i join this found family, and you need to read these books now please.
Seeds of Bretrayal is the second book in a four-book interconnected series that follows a group of friends and their unique journeys to love. you can read each book on their own, but i highly recommend following the release order to gain background information about the characters.
TROPES
💋 Fake Dating
🧑🏻 Brother’s Best Friend Romance
🌗 Grumpy/Sunshine
💕 Forced Proximity
🌱 Found Family
🔥 Slow Burn
🔁 Opposites Attract
February 25, 2025
ARC Review 🔭
✨Seeds of Betrayal is a mischievous college romance that reeks of bad decisions-and let's be honest, we're all here for it. 🤭Tara Hawkins doesn’t just break one rule—she shatters them all in a night of misadventure that lands her with community service and a whole lot of complications. The story serves up a wicked mix of forbidden kisses💋, awkward geology department escapades, and a fake dating scheme with her brother’s best friend, Alfie Spencer, that starts to feel all too real.🥰
Tara and Alfie keeps the pages turning. Tara is a whirlwind of independence, stubborn charm, and an optimistic sunshine☀️. And then there’s Alfie, who’s effortlessly brooding, constantly in black, and possesses that dangerous charm🔭. Their chemistry is fire🔥 and banter is top tier. I love that Alfie doesn’t hold back Tara and that Tara is understanding to Alfie. It warms my heart.❤️🩹
Together, Tara and Alfie are an unlikely couple you can’t help root for. 💜Would I recommend them? Definitely, but be prepared to laugh, shake your head, and wonder what kind of decisions these characters are making. They're flawed, charming, and the kind of duo who break all of the rules but not your heart-well, not entirely.😂
⭐️I enjoyed the journey of the relationship. It's a fun, fast-paced romance, but a few moments felt a little predictable. Still, it's a read that leaves you smiling.😁 If you’re in the mood for a college romance that’s equal parts mischief, passion, and off-limit romance, this one’s definitely worth the detour.🙌🏽
✨Seeds of Betrayal is a mischievous college romance that reeks of bad decisions-and let's be honest, we're all here for it. 🤭Tara Hawkins doesn’t just break one rule—she shatters them all in a night of misadventure that lands her with community service and a whole lot of complications. The story serves up a wicked mix of forbidden kisses💋, awkward geology department escapades, and a fake dating scheme with her brother’s best friend, Alfie Spencer, that starts to feel all too real.🥰
Tara and Alfie keeps the pages turning. Tara is a whirlwind of independence, stubborn charm, and an optimistic sunshine☀️. And then there’s Alfie, who’s effortlessly brooding, constantly in black, and possesses that dangerous charm🔭. Their chemistry is fire🔥 and banter is top tier. I love that Alfie doesn’t hold back Tara and that Tara is understanding to Alfie. It warms my heart.❤️🩹
Together, Tara and Alfie are an unlikely couple you can’t help root for. 💜Would I recommend them? Definitely, but be prepared to laugh, shake your head, and wonder what kind of decisions these characters are making. They're flawed, charming, and the kind of duo who break all of the rules but not your heart-well, not entirely.😂
⭐️I enjoyed the journey of the relationship. It's a fun, fast-paced romance, but a few moments felt a little predictable. Still, it's a read that leaves you smiling.😁 If you’re in the mood for a college romance that’s equal parts mischief, passion, and off-limit romance, this one’s definitely worth the detour.🙌🏽
February 18, 2025
Another beautifully written book by Lola! I absolutely loved book one, Seeds of Love, and I will dare say this book sucked me in even more than the first.
The first book follows Alex and Freddie, and this book follows Tara (Alex’s best friend) and Alfie. They’re all one big friend group that makes you WISH you could be a part of it too. But the EMOTIONS I went through from beginning to end were absolutely insane. I laughed, I blushed, I yelled, I yelled some more (at Alfie), I swooned, I cried happy tears, I cried sad tears. The banter, the angst, the pining, the SPICE, between these two was E V E R Y T H I N G I ever needed.
I said it before and I’ll say it again, if you are a Ali Hazelwood fan or a fan of the Twisted Love series by Ana Huang.. you should immediately add Lola’s books to your TBR.
🌸 Brothers Best Friend
🦋 GrumpyxSunshine
🌸 Fake Dating
🦋 Betrayal
🌸 Forced Proximity
🦋 “You came…” “You called.”
The first book follows Alex and Freddie, and this book follows Tara (Alex’s best friend) and Alfie. They’re all one big friend group that makes you WISH you could be a part of it too. But the EMOTIONS I went through from beginning to end were absolutely insane. I laughed, I blushed, I yelled, I yelled some more (at Alfie), I swooned, I cried happy tears, I cried sad tears. The banter, the angst, the pining, the SPICE, between these two was E V E R Y T H I N G I ever needed.
I said it before and I’ll say it again, if you are a Ali Hazelwood fan or a fan of the Twisted Love series by Ana Huang.. you should immediately add Lola’s books to your TBR.
🌸 Brothers Best Friend
🦋 GrumpyxSunshine
🌸 Fake Dating
🦋 Betrayal
🌸 Forced Proximity
🦋 “You came…” “You called.”
February 21, 2025
First of all I would like to thank Lola for choosing me to be an ARC reader for this book.
Seeds of Betrayal is the second book in the University of Mountains Spring series. You don’t have to have read book 1- Seeds of Love however I definitely recommend it as you will get an understanding of the characters.
In Seeds of Betrayal you get to read the story of Alfie and Tara.
Alfie is Tara’s brother’s best friend and comes from a family of well let me say this in my own words snobs!!
Tara is a character who I could relate to in so many ways! Just like my own relationship opposites really do attract!
Together they go on a journey of friendship and supporting each other!
If you haven’t already I would definitely be preordering this book on Amazon!
Im looking forward to finding out what Book 3 is going to be about and have it on my to read list!
Well Done Lola 💕
Seeds of Betrayal is the second book in the University of Mountains Spring series. You don’t have to have read book 1- Seeds of Love however I definitely recommend it as you will get an understanding of the characters.
In Seeds of Betrayal you get to read the story of Alfie and Tara.
Alfie is Tara’s brother’s best friend and comes from a family of well let me say this in my own words snobs!!
Tara is a character who I could relate to in so many ways! Just like my own relationship opposites really do attract!
Together they go on a journey of friendship and supporting each other!
If you haven’t already I would definitely be preordering this book on Amazon!
Im looking forward to finding out what Book 3 is going to be about and have it on my to read list!
Well Done Lola 💕
June 24, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I didn’t connect much with the book, tho I think it has more to do with me than with the book itself but it was still enjoyable to read. Alfie and Tara were a really cute couple and the writing was so light that it was a very easy read.
About Alfie, I think he has a strong personality but didn’t always knew how to used it, he didn’t let anyone push him around but when it came to his mother he let her do what she wanted and be pretty awful to him. Some people really shouldn’t be parents. Tara was sunshine in person, always seeing the good in people even when they don’t deserve it. It was good seeing her be herself even with the emotional baggage that could’ve made her shut herself from the world. Despite being a little traumatized and hurt, she still chose to be positive about everything.
I didn’t connect much with the book, tho I think it has more to do with me than with the book itself but it was still enjoyable to read. Alfie and Tara were a really cute couple and the writing was so light that it was a very easy read.
About Alfie, I think he has a strong personality but didn’t always knew how to used it, he didn’t let anyone push him around but when it came to his mother he let her do what she wanted and be pretty awful to him. Some people really shouldn’t be parents. Tara was sunshine in person, always seeing the good in people even when they don’t deserve it. It was good seeing her be herself even with the emotional baggage that could’ve made her shut herself from the world. Despite being a little traumatized and hurt, she still chose to be positive about everything.
March 3, 2025
Final Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
I am OBSESSSEDDDD! This book was everything I hoped it'd be after getting glimpses of Tara and Alfie in Seeds of Love. The tension, the angst, the banter??? It was all perfect - Lola Lockhart did an amazing job of taking me through all of the emotions within a couple pages. I do love the fake dating thing but it takes something special to make it *really* work and Lola did a phenomenal job - this book was addictive and I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the UMS series!
I loved getting to know Tara's backstory and how she is so unapologetic about being herself. Alfie was her perfect compliment - broody, keeps to himself, and only has eyes for her. He takes her just as she is, which means everything to her after constantly being told she is "too much." Their chemistry was palpable throughout the entire novel and I was LIVING for it.
Overall, would HIGHLY recommend if you like fake dating, slow burn, tension, banter, brothers best friend, soft only for her!
Some of my favorite quotes:
"But you know what's worse than maybe hurting someone? Never giving them the chance to choose if you're worth the risk."
"You...are a masterpiece."
"I don't need lawyers to deal with men who don't understand the word 'no.'"
"I mean, it's beautiful that even something as cold and unyielding as ice can learn how to bend instead of shatter."
"But Tara... she makes everything brighter just by existing."
"Tara? She spills out of every container I try to put her in, colors outside every line I draw."
I am OBSESSSEDDDD! This book was everything I hoped it'd be after getting glimpses of Tara and Alfie in Seeds of Love. The tension, the angst, the banter??? It was all perfect - Lola Lockhart did an amazing job of taking me through all of the emotions within a couple pages. I do love the fake dating thing but it takes something special to make it *really* work and Lola did a phenomenal job - this book was addictive and I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the UMS series!
I loved getting to know Tara's backstory and how she is so unapologetic about being herself. Alfie was her perfect compliment - broody, keeps to himself, and only has eyes for her. He takes her just as she is, which means everything to her after constantly being told she is "too much." Their chemistry was palpable throughout the entire novel and I was LIVING for it.
Overall, would HIGHLY recommend if you like fake dating, slow burn, tension, banter, brothers best friend, soft only for her!
Some of my favorite quotes:
"But you know what's worse than maybe hurting someone? Never giving them the chance to choose if you're worth the risk."
"You...are a masterpiece."
"I don't need lawyers to deal with men who don't understand the word 'no.'"
"I mean, it's beautiful that even something as cold and unyielding as ice can learn how to bend instead of shatter."
"But Tara... she makes everything brighter just by existing."
"Tara? She spills out of every container I try to put her in, colors outside every line I draw."
February 25, 2025
POTENTIAL SPOILERS
Absolutely loved this book! An angst filled fake romance between Tara and Alfie leads them to feelings they struggle to say aloud. Tara steps in to help Alfie when his high-strung family are coming to town to show them that he doesn’t need to fit into their plans and schemes. What neither of them expect is to fall head over heels for each other.
This book made me feel happy and sad for different reasons throughout, and it really made me think about the way some people really choose to life their lives. The happy ending was perfect and I’m so glad Tara and Alfie got their happy ending they both needed!
Absolutely loved this book! An angst filled fake romance between Tara and Alfie leads them to feelings they struggle to say aloud. Tara steps in to help Alfie when his high-strung family are coming to town to show them that he doesn’t need to fit into their plans and schemes. What neither of them expect is to fall head over heels for each other.
This book made me feel happy and sad for different reasons throughout, and it really made me think about the way some people really choose to life their lives. The happy ending was perfect and I’m so glad Tara and Alfie got their happy ending they both needed!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2025
3.75 ⭐
Before I begin I want to thank the author, Lola Lockhart, for giving me this ARC.
This was such a cute and fun story. I really liked the vibes and the characters. I liked that this had so many different tropes wich kept me engaged. I do have to say I did not like the repetitiveness of the back and fort. At a certain point it's enough of it and they just need to make up their mind.
Overall I enjoyed reading this and definitely would recommend it if you like brothers best friend, fake dating, and forced proximity.
Before I begin I want to thank the author, Lola Lockhart, for giving me this ARC.
This was such a cute and fun story. I really liked the vibes and the characters. I liked that this had so many different tropes wich kept me engaged. I do have to say I did not like the repetitiveness of the back and fort. At a certain point it's enough of it and they just need to make up their mind.
Overall I enjoyed reading this and definitely would recommend it if you like brothers best friend, fake dating, and forced proximity.
February 24, 2025
Omg Lola!! Tara and Alfie had me locked the entire story. Finding your true self and being yourself is so important and not letting anyone else decide things for you was so important to be brought into this book! It really tells us so much about these 2 and how they found each other in the end! I love this entire story so much!
January 30, 2026
This was a cute read! Although the back and forth got abit annoying towards the end. FMC's inner dialogue would say that she wouldn't let herself be affected by the MMC anymore, but the second he opened his mouth she would melt again. Which is fine but she said it alot and didn't hold her ground very much haha.
Still a good and easy read!
Still a good and easy read!
February 17, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🤍fake dating
🤍brother’s best friend
🤍grumpy x sunshine
🤍forced proximity
💋Dramatic Thoughts💋
I’d like to thank Lola Lockhart for an eARC of Seeds of Betrayal in exchange for my honest review!!
Alfie and Tara got caught on a security camera breaking into a university building. They now have 60 hours of community service to do together before the end of the summer. Shouldn’t be a problem right? With the forced proximity of the community service and the fact that they end up fact dating to get Alfie’s family off his back, the lines start to blur and neither Alfie or Tara can stay away from each other!
This was different than my typical read but I definitely enjoyed it! Grumpy x sunshine is one of my favorite tropes and Alfie + Tara did it so well!
If you’re into a STEM romance, that’s equal parts sweet + spicy, this is the book for you!! 🫶🏼
💥Character Spotlight💥
Tara was literally so delightful! She was vibrant and unapologetically herself, regardless of people in her past who tried to dim her light. Alfie literally never wanted Tara to be anything but herself, and I loved him so much for that!
Wonderfully written, but AWFUL people - Alfie’s Family!! Lola’s ability to make me absolutely DESPISE an entire family was honestly so impressive because Alfie’s family was the WORST. Tara was incredible at standing her ground with these awful people, and that was a highlight of the book for me!!
💬Favorite Quotes💬
“I like your clothes though. They’re very... you.” “What’s that supposed to mean? You keep saying that.” “Bright. Unapologetic.” He steals back a fry. “Kind of impossible to ignore.”
“When I’m around you, it’s like...” I struggle for words that won’t reveal too much. “Like I can’t help but catch some of that light. You make it impossible to stay in the shadows.”
“For the girl who taught me that some stars are worth reaching for, even if you might get burned.”
🤍fake dating
🤍brother’s best friend
🤍grumpy x sunshine
🤍forced proximity
💋Dramatic Thoughts💋
I’d like to thank Lola Lockhart for an eARC of Seeds of Betrayal in exchange for my honest review!!
Alfie and Tara got caught on a security camera breaking into a university building. They now have 60 hours of community service to do together before the end of the summer. Shouldn’t be a problem right? With the forced proximity of the community service and the fact that they end up fact dating to get Alfie’s family off his back, the lines start to blur and neither Alfie or Tara can stay away from each other!
This was different than my typical read but I definitely enjoyed it! Grumpy x sunshine is one of my favorite tropes and Alfie + Tara did it so well!
If you’re into a STEM romance, that’s equal parts sweet + spicy, this is the book for you!! 🫶🏼
💥Character Spotlight💥
Tara was literally so delightful! She was vibrant and unapologetically herself, regardless of people in her past who tried to dim her light. Alfie literally never wanted Tara to be anything but herself, and I loved him so much for that!
Wonderfully written, but AWFUL people - Alfie’s Family!! Lola’s ability to make me absolutely DESPISE an entire family was honestly so impressive because Alfie’s family was the WORST. Tara was incredible at standing her ground with these awful people, and that was a highlight of the book for me!!
💬Favorite Quotes💬
“I like your clothes though. They’re very... you.” “What’s that supposed to mean? You keep saying that.” “Bright. Unapologetic.” He steals back a fry. “Kind of impossible to ignore.”
“When I’m around you, it’s like...” I struggle for words that won’t reveal too much. “Like I can’t help but catch some of that light. You make it impossible to stay in the shadows.”
“For the girl who taught me that some stars are worth reaching for, even if you might get burned.”
February 20, 2026
✦⚬───────────────────────────✧───────────────────────────⚬✦
ꜱᴛᴀʀᴛᴇᴅ/ꜰɪɴɪꜱʜᴇᴅ: 27 ᴊᴀɴ/28 ᴊᴀɴ
ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ: ꜰᴀᴋᴇ ᴅᴀᴛɪɴɢ, ᴄᴏʟʟᴇɢᴇ, ʙʀᴏᴛʜᴇʀ'ꜱ ʙᴇꜱᴛ ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅ, ꜰᴏʀᴄᴇᴅ ᴘʀᴏxɪᴍɪᴛʏ
✦⚬───────────────────────────✧───────────────────────────⚬✦
Rating 3.25/5 | Spice 4/5 on the romance.io scale (1= Glimpses and kisses, 2=Closed door, 3=Open door, 4=Explicit open door, 5=Explicit and plentiful)
It was a nice fast read, but I wanted a bit more. I read the 4th book in the series (can be read standalone) before this one and I did like that quite a bit more, so I maybe unfairly compare it to that one. This one felt a bit too young and maybe surface level for me. I didn't particularly care about either mc's, though I also didn't dislike either. It was just a bit too forgettable and too flat.
⊹₊ ˚‧┈┈┈┈⋆ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴꜱʜɪᴘ ⋆┈┈┈┈‧ ˚ ₊⊹
They both secretly liked eachother for 2 years. The book starts with them having drunkenly kissed, but it takes quite a while for anything to happen again, mostly because MMC doesn't want to go after his best friends sister. They know eachother as friends though.
They have to spend time together and as they share some of the same interests, they have good conversations. They both "don't do relationships" because of past experiences.
During the fake dating, I liked how supportive FMC was of MMC. As I said it takes a while for anything to happen between them, which I liked. But the miscommunication/3rd act breakup was annoying, especially because they both did something wrong but the only one who works to fix that part is MMC. FMC just decides to "run away" when MMC wants to talk about it.
⊹₊ ˚‧┈┈┈┈ꨄ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴍᴜᴛ ꨄ┈┈┈┈‧ ˚ ₊⊹
Explicit, open door. There are about 5 scenes, the first is the longest. To be honest though, they were a bit too similar to eachother, all vanilla in the bed. Nothing wrong with that, I just don't think the book needed 5 of those scenes.
⊹₊ ˚‧┈┈┈┈୨୧ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀꜱ ୨୧┈┈┈┈‧ ˚ ₊⊹
MMC
About: Alfie Spencer, 23~?, geology student
Appearance: Dark hair, dark eyes
FMC
About: Tara Hawkins, 21, environmental science major
Appearance: Blonde hair, blue eyes
⊹₊ ˚‧┈┈┈┈✦ ꜰᴇᴀᴛᴜʀᴇꜱ ✦┈┈┈┈‧ ˚ ₊⊹
Standalone
HEA
Vanilla smut
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ꜱᴛᴀʀᴛᴇᴅ/ꜰɪɴɪꜱʜᴇᴅ: 27 ᴊᴀɴ/28 ᴊᴀɴ
ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ: ꜰᴀᴋᴇ ᴅᴀᴛɪɴɢ, ᴄᴏʟʟᴇɢᴇ, ʙʀᴏᴛʜᴇʀ'ꜱ ʙᴇꜱᴛ ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅ, ꜰᴏʀᴄᴇᴅ ᴘʀᴏxɪᴍɪᴛʏ
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Rating 3.25/5 | Spice 4/5 on the romance.io scale (1= Glimpses and kisses, 2=Closed door, 3=Open door, 4=Explicit open door, 5=Explicit and plentiful)
It was a nice fast read, but I wanted a bit more. I read the 4th book in the series (can be read standalone) before this one and I did like that quite a bit more, so I maybe unfairly compare it to that one. This one felt a bit too young and maybe surface level for me. I didn't particularly care about either mc's, though I also didn't dislike either. It was just a bit too forgettable and too flat.
⊹₊ ˚‧┈┈┈┈⋆ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴꜱʜɪᴘ ⋆┈┈┈┈‧ ˚ ₊⊹
They both secretly liked eachother for 2 years. The book starts with them having drunkenly kissed, but it takes quite a while for anything to happen again, mostly because MMC doesn't want to go after his best friends sister. They know eachother as friends though.
They have to spend time together and as they share some of the same interests, they have good conversations. They both "don't do relationships" because of past experiences.
During the fake dating, I liked how supportive FMC was of MMC. As I said it takes a while for anything to happen between them, which I liked. But the miscommunication/3rd act breakup was annoying, especially because they both did something wrong but the only one who works to fix that part is MMC. FMC just decides to "run away" when MMC wants to talk about it.
⊹₊ ˚‧┈┈┈┈ꨄ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴍᴜᴛ ꨄ┈┈┈┈‧ ˚ ₊⊹
Explicit, open door. There are about 5 scenes, the first is the longest. To be honest though, they were a bit too similar to eachother, all vanilla in the bed. Nothing wrong with that, I just don't think the book needed 5 of those scenes.
⊹₊ ˚‧┈┈┈┈୨୧ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀꜱ ୨୧┈┈┈┈‧ ˚ ₊⊹
MMC
About: Alfie Spencer, 23~?, geology student
Appearance: Dark hair, dark eyes
FMC
About: Tara Hawkins, 21, environmental science major
Appearance: Blonde hair, blue eyes
⊹₊ ˚‧┈┈┈┈✦ ꜰᴇᴀᴛᴜʀᴇꜱ ✦┈┈┈┈‧ ˚ ₊⊹
Standalone
HEA
Vanilla smut
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June 6, 2025
Ich habe das Buch zur Rezension gewonnen. Kurz zur Handlung (Vorsicht Spoiler): Es geht um eine College Studentin, Tara, Anfang 20, die von ihrer Familie und ihrem Bruder sehr beschützt aufgewachsen ist. Sie ist smart und charmant und findet den besten Freund ihres großen Bruders eigentlich schon lange toll, auch wenn der grüblerisch und in sich gekehrt ist. Alfie kommt aus betuchtem Haus und einer Familie in der es kaum Liebe aber dafür einen Haufen Manipulation gibt. Auch er findet Tara mehr als gut, glaubt aber nicht, dass er eine gesunde Beziehung führen kann, so wie er aufgewachsen ist. im Sommer kommen sich beide bei einer gemeinsamen Sozialarbeit näher. Als Alfies Familie zu Besuch kommt, um ihn in eine Beziehung mit einem Mädchen mit guten Verbindungen zu drängen, erfindet er die Notlüge, dass er eine Freundin hat. Die Familie will diese kennenlernen und Tara bietet sich als Fake Freundin an. Es fliegen ordentlich die Funken und die beiden verlieben sich ineinander, ihren Familien zum Trotz, die beide die Beziehung nicht gutheißen. Am Ende gibt es jedoch ein Happy End.
Insgesamt hat mir das Buch sehr gut gefallen, die Charaktere sind gut gestaltet und die Chemie der beiden stimmt einfach. Der Schreibstil ist sehr flüssig und man ist schnell mitten im Geschehen. Ich finde es ist ein richtiges Wohlfühl-Buch. Natürlich sind Handlung und Ende nicht überraschend und wer spannende plot twists erwartet ist hier auch falsch. Aber es ist eine rührige und emotionale Geschichte, die Freude macht. Mein Hauptkritikpunkt ist die Übersetzung ins Deutsche. Englische Redewendungen sollte an einfach idR. nicht Wort für Wort übersetzen, das klingt merkwürdig. Ich würde empfehlen das Buch in englisch zu lesen.
Insgesamt jedoch 3,5-4/5 Sternen.
Insgesamt hat mir das Buch sehr gut gefallen, die Charaktere sind gut gestaltet und die Chemie der beiden stimmt einfach. Der Schreibstil ist sehr flüssig und man ist schnell mitten im Geschehen. Ich finde es ist ein richtiges Wohlfühl-Buch. Natürlich sind Handlung und Ende nicht überraschend und wer spannende plot twists erwartet ist hier auch falsch. Aber es ist eine rührige und emotionale Geschichte, die Freude macht. Mein Hauptkritikpunkt ist die Übersetzung ins Deutsche. Englische Redewendungen sollte an einfach idR. nicht Wort für Wort übersetzen, das klingt merkwürdig. Ich würde empfehlen das Buch in englisch zu lesen.
Insgesamt jedoch 3,5-4/5 Sternen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2025
I absolutely binge read this book in hours. Hours. I was so excited to finally get to Tara and Alfie's story, and once I started I couldn't stop. I love them. Thank you, Lola Lockhart for the ARC. I read Seeds of Love and was so excited to read Seeds of Betrayl!
One night of mishaps leave Tara and Alfie with community service hours as reparations for damages that occurred. The forced proximity ramps up the slow burn between Tara and Alfie, and the banter between them is *chef's kiss*. She's the bright and bubbly to his dark and broody, and I love the balance they have. When Alfie asks Tara to be his fake date as he faces his oppressive, rich family, they both begin to realize that they may not be faking it after all. Tara begins to see a side of Alfie that he only shows her - a softer, more creative side. I would love to be able to flip through his sketchbook! Alfie learns about parts of Tara's past that she hasn't shared with anyone. The tension builds and builds until it finally reaches the point of no return, and that moment everything happens is explosive. There's just the small problem of Troy - Tara's older brother and Alfie's best friend. He has made sure everyone knows his sister is off limits. And Alfie's family will stop at nothing to try and tear down Tara's optimistic personality.
Seeds of Betrayl has some of my favorite tropes- forced proximity, fake dating, slow burn, grumpy/sunshine. Once again, Lola Lockhart has written two amazing characters you can't help but root for. FIVE FANTASTIC STARS! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
One night of mishaps leave Tara and Alfie with community service hours as reparations for damages that occurred. The forced proximity ramps up the slow burn between Tara and Alfie, and the banter between them is *chef's kiss*. She's the bright and bubbly to his dark and broody, and I love the balance they have. When Alfie asks Tara to be his fake date as he faces his oppressive, rich family, they both begin to realize that they may not be faking it after all. Tara begins to see a side of Alfie that he only shows her - a softer, more creative side. I would love to be able to flip through his sketchbook! Alfie learns about parts of Tara's past that she hasn't shared with anyone. The tension builds and builds until it finally reaches the point of no return, and that moment everything happens is explosive. There's just the small problem of Troy - Tara's older brother and Alfie's best friend. He has made sure everyone knows his sister is off limits. And Alfie's family will stop at nothing to try and tear down Tara's optimistic personality.
Seeds of Betrayl has some of my favorite tropes- forced proximity, fake dating, slow burn, grumpy/sunshine. Once again, Lola Lockhart has written two amazing characters you can't help but root for. FIVE FANTASTIC STARS! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 15, 2025
Seeds of Betrayal by Lola Lockhart is the kind of college romance that grabs you from page one and doesn’t let go. It’s packed with delicious tension, stolen moments, and the kind of slow burn that has you flipping pages way past bedtime.
The story kicks off with a rule breaking disaster—trespassing, a forbidden kiss, and a security camera catching it all. Now, our sunshiney heroine is stuck doing community service with Alfie Spencer, the grumpy, brooding, infuriatingly hot geology nerd who also happens to be her brother’s best friend. As if that weren’t enough? He ropes her into a fake relationship to keep his elite, overbearing family at bay.
And wow—the chemistry between these two is off the charts. Alfie is the ultimate grump, but underneath that guarded exterior is a man who is secretly obsessed with her in all the best ways. Every look, every touch, every unspoken moment between them feels electric. The fake dating setup only adds to the angst, because the lines between real and pretend blur fast, and when feelings start creeping in? Total emotional chaos in the best way.
Lockhart does an incredible job balancing romance that will make you swoon with raw emotion, making Seeds of Betrayal both heart pounding and heart wrenching. If you love forbidden romance, tension so thick you could cut it with a knife, and a grumpy x sunshine dynamic that hurts in all the right ways, this book is perfect.
Thank you to Lola Lockhart for the ARC of this book!
The story kicks off with a rule breaking disaster—trespassing, a forbidden kiss, and a security camera catching it all. Now, our sunshiney heroine is stuck doing community service with Alfie Spencer, the grumpy, brooding, infuriatingly hot geology nerd who also happens to be her brother’s best friend. As if that weren’t enough? He ropes her into a fake relationship to keep his elite, overbearing family at bay.
And wow—the chemistry between these two is off the charts. Alfie is the ultimate grump, but underneath that guarded exterior is a man who is secretly obsessed with her in all the best ways. Every look, every touch, every unspoken moment between them feels electric. The fake dating setup only adds to the angst, because the lines between real and pretend blur fast, and when feelings start creeping in? Total emotional chaos in the best way.
Lockhart does an incredible job balancing romance that will make you swoon with raw emotion, making Seeds of Betrayal both heart pounding and heart wrenching. If you love forbidden romance, tension so thick you could cut it with a knife, and a grumpy x sunshine dynamic that hurts in all the right ways, this book is perfect.
Thank you to Lola Lockhart for the ARC of this book!
February 25, 2025
The tension 🤤 I knew to expect some moody and broody moments in this book but the tension was absolutely delicious.
I loved Tara and Alfie's story. In many ways, it had relatable aspects to both sides, which made both characters likeable and you wanted the best for both of them.
I don't think miscommunication is a bad trope if it's done this way. I would almost call it misinterpretation. Lola writes it in such a way that it's relatable!! I have had similar conversations with my husband because we have already chosen how the other person is going to react without actually asking or following through. I really appreciated how these scenes were portrayed. Because honestly, who hasn't this happened to?
The run down:
Alfie doesn't want to admit to himself that he likes his best friend's younger sister. Especially when his rich family already has a "match" for him.
Tara is sick of the world making decisions for her, making her feel less than and labelling her as fragile and emotionally unstable. She is out to make her own way, the way she wants to do it.
When a messy spontaneous impromptu make-out session in a laboratory destroys years of research, being a nepo baby comes in handy. With a price.
There is tension, suspense, spicy that is amazing and just a brilliant storyline. I knew after reading book one of this series, this one would be just as great, but wow!! Tara and Alfie may have overtaken Freddie and Alex.
I loved Tara and Alfie's story. In many ways, it had relatable aspects to both sides, which made both characters likeable and you wanted the best for both of them.
I don't think miscommunication is a bad trope if it's done this way. I would almost call it misinterpretation. Lola writes it in such a way that it's relatable!! I have had similar conversations with my husband because we have already chosen how the other person is going to react without actually asking or following through. I really appreciated how these scenes were portrayed. Because honestly, who hasn't this happened to?
The run down:
Alfie doesn't want to admit to himself that he likes his best friend's younger sister. Especially when his rich family already has a "match" for him.
Tara is sick of the world making decisions for her, making her feel less than and labelling her as fragile and emotionally unstable. She is out to make her own way, the way she wants to do it.
When a messy spontaneous impromptu make-out session in a laboratory destroys years of research, being a nepo baby comes in handy. With a price.
There is tension, suspense, spicy that is amazing and just a brilliant storyline. I knew after reading book one of this series, this one would be just as great, but wow!! Tara and Alfie may have overtaken Freddie and Alex.
June 4, 2025
Ich wusste nicht, wie sehr ich ein Fake-Dating-Märchen mit Grumpy-meets-Sunshine-Vibes gebraucht habe, bis Tara und Alfie mir das Herz verdreht haben. Von der ersten Begegnung an war da dieses Knistern, nicht laut oder aufgesetzt, sondern still und ehrlich.
Tara ist nicht das typische Sonnenschein-Mädchen. Sie ist weich und wild, verletzlich und mutig, manchmal ein bisschen verloren, aber immer voller Wärme. Und Alfie, der so tut, als hätte er das Herz auf Eis gelegt, ist eigentlich nur jemand, der vergessen hat, wie man jemanden wirklich reinlässt. Die beiden zusammen sind Chaos mit Herz. Kein künstliches Drama, sondern zwei Menschen, die sich im richtigen Moment begegnen und trotzdem nicht wissen, ob sie mutig genug sind, das auszuhalten.
Es war nicht die große Action, die mich gepackt hat, sondern diese kleinen Augenblicke. Wenn sich zwei Blicke treffen und mehr sagen als Worte. Wenn man spürt, dass jemand gerade die Mauer runterlässt, ohne dass es ausgesprochen wird. Es ging um Vertrauen, um das Zulassen von Nähe, um das Wachsen aneinander, ganz leise und trotzdem intensiv.
Nicht jede Szene hat mich komplett mitgerissen. An ein paar Stellen hätte ich mir noch mehr Tiefe gewünscht oder weniger Eile. Aber das, was zwischen Tara und Alfie passiert, ist so greifbar und aufrichtig, dass ich ihnen jede Sekunde abgenommen habe. Ich wollte, dass sie es schaffen. Für sich selbst und füreinander.
Tara ist nicht das typische Sonnenschein-Mädchen. Sie ist weich und wild, verletzlich und mutig, manchmal ein bisschen verloren, aber immer voller Wärme. Und Alfie, der so tut, als hätte er das Herz auf Eis gelegt, ist eigentlich nur jemand, der vergessen hat, wie man jemanden wirklich reinlässt. Die beiden zusammen sind Chaos mit Herz. Kein künstliches Drama, sondern zwei Menschen, die sich im richtigen Moment begegnen und trotzdem nicht wissen, ob sie mutig genug sind, das auszuhalten.
Es war nicht die große Action, die mich gepackt hat, sondern diese kleinen Augenblicke. Wenn sich zwei Blicke treffen und mehr sagen als Worte. Wenn man spürt, dass jemand gerade die Mauer runterlässt, ohne dass es ausgesprochen wird. Es ging um Vertrauen, um das Zulassen von Nähe, um das Wachsen aneinander, ganz leise und trotzdem intensiv.
Nicht jede Szene hat mich komplett mitgerissen. An ein paar Stellen hätte ich mir noch mehr Tiefe gewünscht oder weniger Eile. Aber das, was zwischen Tara und Alfie passiert, ist so greifbar und aufrichtig, dass ich ihnen jede Sekunde abgenommen habe. Ich wollte, dass sie es schaffen. Für sich selbst und füreinander.
February 20, 2025
Looking for another book to add to your TBR list?
Looking for a fake dating brother's best friend trope?
Looking for a college setting?
Seeds of Betrayal might be the perfect book for you!
We met the main characters, Tara and Alfie, in Seeds of Love (...which is NOT required to read before this book...). They get stuck with community service at their university for their recklessness (and covering up for their friend). The catch? They must do the community service...together. Not only does Tara have a LITTLE crush on her brother's best friend...but he does NOT want to talk about what happened THAT night. I'll let you read the rest of their story and how a little white lie ended up getting them to fake date.
I have to say that I was an ARC reader for the first book, but this book exceeded my expectations. The plot flowed better, the characters were interesting and relatable, and overall, it was an improvement over the first book in this series. I just want to applaud the author for that. I cannot wait to read book 3!
The ONE " complaint " I have is right at the beginning, it was a bit " fast " if you didn't know the characters (literally, just the first... two chapters). I was also curious to know what Ethan had done.
Thank you again, Lola, for letting me be your reader. <3
Looking for a fake dating brother's best friend trope?
Looking for a college setting?
Seeds of Betrayal might be the perfect book for you!
We met the main characters, Tara and Alfie, in Seeds of Love (...which is NOT required to read before this book...). They get stuck with community service at their university for their recklessness (and covering up for their friend). The catch? They must do the community service...together. Not only does Tara have a LITTLE crush on her brother's best friend...but he does NOT want to talk about what happened THAT night. I'll let you read the rest of their story and how a little white lie ended up getting them to fake date.
I have to say that I was an ARC reader for the first book, but this book exceeded my expectations. The plot flowed better, the characters were interesting and relatable, and overall, it was an improvement over the first book in this series. I just want to applaud the author for that. I cannot wait to read book 3!
The ONE " complaint " I have is right at the beginning, it was a bit " fast " if you didn't know the characters (literally, just the first... two chapters). I was also curious to know what Ethan had done.
Thank you again, Lola, for letting me be your reader. <3
February 26, 2025
Rating: 4.75/5
OH MY GOD!!! This book was soooo cute. I’m so happy that I was able to go back into the UMS universe because I’ve been (not so) patiently waiting for the second book ever since I put down Seeds of Love and let’s just say it definitely did not disappoint.
The forced proximity mixed with the forbidden romance was a perfect mix I didn’t know I needed. The yearning between them was just perfect since they’ve wanted each other but never been able to get together because Troy was so adamant that it was forbidden. It made the kind of “F it” moment so giggling and feet kicking worthy.
I loved how Tara and Alfie just saw and understood each other for exactly who they are. It just made the pairing even more perfect since you could see how they knew and admired each other. I also loved how Alfie just knew when Tara needed space from him and when it had been long enough that he just needed to push her a tiny bit.
The Alex and Freddie (the couple from the first book) had me squealing whenever they popped up on the page and it made me so excited to see them in all the future books in this series. Also I CANT WAIT for Ethan’s and Troy’s books because I love me a broody or a comic relief main male character.
Thank you so much to the author Lola Lockhart for the E-ARC of this book
OH MY GOD!!! This book was soooo cute. I’m so happy that I was able to go back into the UMS universe because I’ve been (not so) patiently waiting for the second book ever since I put down Seeds of Love and let’s just say it definitely did not disappoint.
The forced proximity mixed with the forbidden romance was a perfect mix I didn’t know I needed. The yearning between them was just perfect since they’ve wanted each other but never been able to get together because Troy was so adamant that it was forbidden. It made the kind of “F it” moment so giggling and feet kicking worthy.
I loved how Tara and Alfie just saw and understood each other for exactly who they are. It just made the pairing even more perfect since you could see how they knew and admired each other. I also loved how Alfie just knew when Tara needed space from him and when it had been long enough that he just needed to push her a tiny bit.
The Alex and Freddie (the couple from the first book) had me squealing whenever they popped up on the page and it made me so excited to see them in all the future books in this series. Also I CANT WAIT for Ethan’s and Troy’s books because I love me a broody or a comic relief main male character.
Thank you so much to the author Lola Lockhart for the E-ARC of this book
February 19, 2025
It was so fun to jump back into the fun at Mountain Springs University! Tara and Alfie are our lovely couple for this book and I enjoyed seeing how their story played out. Alfie is a bit of a loner in their group, very quiet and broody, dealing with a lot of family trauma/drama. Tara is his best friends little sister, who is very outgoing, colorful, and bubbly, and.. he’s always had his eye on but knows she’s off limits. During a group night of fun, one thing leads to another, and the two of them find themselves in a bit of a predicament which ended up with some damage being done on campus and the two of them to blame. Now they’ve gotta work together over the summer but keep a respectful distance. Nothing’s going to happen, right? 👀
Overall, the story was cute, fun, and relatable. There were quite a few places that I felt were a little rushed (towards 80% and beyond), and some aspects of the story that were left open and unfinished. I found myself getting a little frustrated with the main characters because there was a huge miscommunication trope happening and I don’t really like that as much. However, I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next book(s) in the series!
🦋 Fake dating
🔭 Best friend’s brother
🦋 Grumpy x Sunshine
🔭 Dual POV
🦋 Found Family
Overall, the story was cute, fun, and relatable. There were quite a few places that I felt were a little rushed (towards 80% and beyond), and some aspects of the story that were left open and unfinished. I found myself getting a little frustrated with the main characters because there was a huge miscommunication trope happening and I don’t really like that as much. However, I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next book(s) in the series!
🦋 Fake dating
🔭 Best friend’s brother
🦋 Grumpy x Sunshine
🔭 Dual POV
🦋 Found Family
February 25, 2025
I was so honored to get to read this book, the second in the series. I fell in love with book 1, and this one also. It is full of all of my favorite tropes.
Tara is tired of everyone trying to protect her and decide for her what’s best. She’s an adult and wants everyone to see her as such.
Alfie doesn’t want to do what his family wants of him and enjoys his research with his geodes and rocks. He is trying to avoid a forced marriage with someone he doesn’t care about and to get his family off his back. Oh, and he’s Tara’s brother’s best friend.
Alfie and Tara agree to fake date to get his family off his back. Tara handles his family like no other, always standing up for him. The two have a connection, but continue to tell themselves it’s not real. But the spark and the attraction is there and strong.
I loved watching Tara find her voice and start to use it. Letting people know she is done having them “protect her” and that she wants to make her own decisions. She doesn’t need anyone else to do it for her.
The chemistry and banter between the two was my favorite. There is so much tension between the two as the “fake date” and try to ignore any feelings building up.
5⭐️
2.5🌶️
Tara is tired of everyone trying to protect her and decide for her what’s best. She’s an adult and wants everyone to see her as such.
Alfie doesn’t want to do what his family wants of him and enjoys his research with his geodes and rocks. He is trying to avoid a forced marriage with someone he doesn’t care about and to get his family off his back. Oh, and he’s Tara’s brother’s best friend.
Alfie and Tara agree to fake date to get his family off his back. Tara handles his family like no other, always standing up for him. The two have a connection, but continue to tell themselves it’s not real. But the spark and the attraction is there and strong.
I loved watching Tara find her voice and start to use it. Letting people know she is done having them “protect her” and that she wants to make her own decisions. She doesn’t need anyone else to do it for her.
The chemistry and banter between the two was my favorite. There is so much tension between the two as the “fake date” and try to ignore any feelings building up.
5⭐️
2.5🌶️
March 11, 2025
After reading the first book Seeds of Love, I obivously had to read this second book asap! I finished it in like a day and a half and just couldn't put it down!
When I heard this was a fake dating story, I knew I was in for a treat! It's one of my favorite tropes at the moment! This time we follow Tara and Alfie. They both stay at the university to keep working and researching. They end up kissing once in a university building while the sprinklers went off. It was not their fault but they took the blame for it. They have to do community service as a punishment. However, Alfie tries to convince himself he doesn't want to date Tara because of his awful family.
But then Alfie's very rich and influential family is coming to town and they haven been trying to arrange a match for him for years. In a moment of bewilderment he tells his family he has a girlfriend. They obviously want to meet her, and Alfie has to come up with a plan. And who better to ask Tara - his best friend's sister.
With their previous kiss, Tara not backing down when his family interrogates her, and even though they are complete opposites, they cannot deny their attraction to each other.
Will they be able to admit their feelings, tell Tara's brother, and survive Alfie his family wrath? Read it now in this amazing contemporary romance, fake dating, forced proximity, opposites attract, set in a university setting with stem students now!
This is one of my favorite parts:
When I heard this was a fake dating story, I knew I was in for a treat! It's one of my favorite tropes at the moment! This time we follow Tara and Alfie. They both stay at the university to keep working and researching. They end up kissing once in a university building while the sprinklers went off. It was not their fault but they took the blame for it. They have to do community service as a punishment. However, Alfie tries to convince himself he doesn't want to date Tara because of his awful family.
But then Alfie's very rich and influential family is coming to town and they haven been trying to arrange a match for him for years. In a moment of bewilderment he tells his family he has a girlfriend. They obviously want to meet her, and Alfie has to come up with a plan. And who better to ask Tara - his best friend's sister.
With their previous kiss, Tara not backing down when his family interrogates her, and even though they are complete opposites, they cannot deny their attraction to each other.
Will they be able to admit their feelings, tell Tara's brother, and survive Alfie his family wrath? Read it now in this amazing contemporary romance, fake dating, forced proximity, opposites attract, set in a university setting with stem students now!
This is one of my favorite parts:
February 25, 2025
Lola Lockhart you did it again!! I absolutely adored Tara and Alfie. Their chemistry was outstanding and their encounters left me giggling and wanting to yell out of frustration and everything in between. Plus, fake dating. Need I say more. If you’re a fan of that and
- brother’s best friend
- forbidden romance
- stem romance
- grumpy x sunshine
- forced proximity
then you should definitely check this one out. Even though this is book two in the University of Mountain Springs series, you don’t need to read Seeds of Love to read this (but it was so nice to see alex and Freddie again).
I will say though that by the end of the book things did seem a little repetitive. They would do something real, one of them would freak out and say that it couldn’t be real, the other would get offended and then the whole cycle would repeat but with the roles reversed. I understand it was to further demonstrate Alfie’s issues with love & his family and Tara’s need to be the one in control of her life and decisions but, like I said, it began to feel repetitive
Huge thank you to Lola Lockhart for the ARC
- brother’s best friend
- forbidden romance
- stem romance
- grumpy x sunshine
- forced proximity
then you should definitely check this one out. Even though this is book two in the University of Mountain Springs series, you don’t need to read Seeds of Love to read this (but it was so nice to see alex and Freddie again).
I will say though that by the end of the book things did seem a little repetitive. They would do something real, one of them would freak out and say that it couldn’t be real, the other would get offended and then the whole cycle would repeat but with the roles reversed. I understand it was to further demonstrate Alfie’s issues with love & his family and Tara’s need to be the one in control of her life and decisions but, like I said, it began to feel repetitive
Huge thank you to Lola Lockhart for the ARC
February 1, 2026
💘 One reckless night, one fake relationship, and two emotionally guarded hearts slowly falling apart… for each other.
📖 Seeds of Betrayal by Lola Lockhart
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️
Genre: College Romance
Tropes:
🙈 Brother’s Best Friend
💑 Fake Relationship
🎓 College
🤓💬 Nerding Out Together
🏠 Found Family
🌧️☀️ Grumpy × Sunshine
🏡 Forced Proximity
After one impulsive night of breaking into a building and sharing a kiss, Tara and Alfie end up doing community service together for their university. Being forced to spend time together slowly breaks down their walls, and they begin opening up to each other bit by bit.
When Alfie admits that his family is pressuring him into an arranged marriage, Tara agrees to help him by pretending to be his girlfriend—and that’s when things start getting complicated.
I really, really loved this book. It was so sweet and comforting to read. I loved watching both Tara and Alfie grow, especially as they worked through their insecurities, anxiety, and past struggles. Their character development felt genuine and meaningful.
The slow burn in this was so good. The tension had me stressed in the best way. They both clearly want each other, but keep holding back, and it made every moment between them feel even more intense and emotional.
Overall, this was such a heartwarming, soft college romance that I flew through and truly enjoyed.
Thank you Booksirens and Lola Lockhart for this ARC. 💖📚
📖 Seeds of Betrayal by Lola Lockhart
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️
Genre: College Romance
Tropes:
🙈 Brother’s Best Friend
💑 Fake Relationship
🎓 College
🤓💬 Nerding Out Together
🏠 Found Family
🌧️☀️ Grumpy × Sunshine
🏡 Forced Proximity
After one impulsive night of breaking into a building and sharing a kiss, Tara and Alfie end up doing community service together for their university. Being forced to spend time together slowly breaks down their walls, and they begin opening up to each other bit by bit.
When Alfie admits that his family is pressuring him into an arranged marriage, Tara agrees to help him by pretending to be his girlfriend—and that’s when things start getting complicated.
I really, really loved this book. It was so sweet and comforting to read. I loved watching both Tara and Alfie grow, especially as they worked through their insecurities, anxiety, and past struggles. Their character development felt genuine and meaningful.
The slow burn in this was so good. The tension had me stressed in the best way. They both clearly want each other, but keep holding back, and it made every moment between them feel even more intense and emotional.
Overall, this was such a heartwarming, soft college romance that I flew through and truly enjoyed.
Thank you Booksirens and Lola Lockhart for this ARC. 💖📚
February 25, 2025
this was my first book by Lola Lockhart, and will not be my last. I was fortunate to receive an arc in exchange for a honest review. This book follows broody, Alfie and colourful full of life Tara. Lola’s writing of these characters are magic, she makes you fall in love with them from the beginning, and watching them expand to their full potential is heart warming. I’m a sucker for brothers best friend, and fake dating and this one met my expectations over and above many times. Alfies family was a real treat, but wow did it make Tara grow as an individual. The chemistry, the humour, and the mother effing sketch book ughhhhhhhhhhh.
Alfie was just so misunderstood, and I’m so happy he finally stands up for what he wants and needs. I just knew from the start that Alfie would steal all our hearts.
Highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick college romance read with a brothers best friend 🤭
Tropes:
🫢Brothers best friend
🔥Slow burn
🤭Fake dating
🔥Found family
☀️ Grumpy / sunshine
⭐️“Some people burn so bright, they turn the darkness into stars.”⭐️
Alfie was just so misunderstood, and I’m so happy he finally stands up for what he wants and needs. I just knew from the start that Alfie would steal all our hearts.
Highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick college romance read with a brothers best friend 🤭
Tropes:
🫢Brothers best friend
🔥Slow burn
🤭Fake dating
🔥Found family
☀️ Grumpy / sunshine
⭐️“Some people burn so bright, they turn the darkness into stars.”⭐️
February 26, 2025
Ok!!! I love a cute college romance ESPECIALLY when it also has some sizzling off-limits dating.
Seeds of Betrayal is Book 2 in the University of Mountain Springs series. You can check out Seeds of Love first or read this as a standalone (but trust me, book 1 is 👌👌). In this book we read about fun, bright, colourful college student Tara as she is forced to do community service with her brothers broody best friend Alfie after they get caught on camera in a drunken make out session at their school.
What to expect:
🪻Fake Dating
🪻Grumpy Sunshine
🪻 Forced Proximity
🪻 College Romance
I really enjoyed this read from start to finish. I loved the entire friends group and can’t wait to read about whoever’s story we get in the next book. I literally want to be friends with Tara and Alex and have games nights with the whole crew. Tara and Alfie’s chemistry is sizzling from page 1 straight through to the end and you can’t not root for them.
Thank you so much @lolalockhartauthor for this eARC and the opportunity to review this book. I will be waiting patiently for the next book!
Seeds of Betrayal is Book 2 in the University of Mountain Springs series. You can check out Seeds of Love first or read this as a standalone (but trust me, book 1 is 👌👌). In this book we read about fun, bright, colourful college student Tara as she is forced to do community service with her brothers broody best friend Alfie after they get caught on camera in a drunken make out session at their school.
What to expect:
🪻Fake Dating
🪻Grumpy Sunshine
🪻 Forced Proximity
🪻 College Romance
I really enjoyed this read from start to finish. I loved the entire friends group and can’t wait to read about whoever’s story we get in the next book. I literally want to be friends with Tara and Alex and have games nights with the whole crew. Tara and Alfie’s chemistry is sizzling from page 1 straight through to the end and you can’t not root for them.
Thank you so much @lolalockhartauthor for this eARC and the opportunity to review this book. I will be waiting patiently for the next book!
March 17, 2025
After previously having read the first in the series, Seeds of Love, I was already familiar with Alfie and Tara.
Broody Alfie, best friends with Tara's brother, has been stealing glances from across the room since the first day he met her.
Tara has a crush on Alfie, but all she ever gets is one word answers, and her over protective brother thinking he knows what's best for her.
When crossing the line one night gets caught on camera, they're forced to spend time together in sweet torture trying to deny their attraction to each other.
This is absolutely my favourite book in the series so far. I love the fact that Tara shows she as intelligent as Alfie and can be a total rock nerd with him and still make it sexy! And Alfie, in all his black and grey, overshadowed by his family expectations for his future. Still paying such close attention to everything Tara and is entranced by the chaos she brings with her.
I'm already waiting for the next in the series with this great found family group.
Broody Alfie, best friends with Tara's brother, has been stealing glances from across the room since the first day he met her.
Tara has a crush on Alfie, but all she ever gets is one word answers, and her over protective brother thinking he knows what's best for her.
When crossing the line one night gets caught on camera, they're forced to spend time together in sweet torture trying to deny their attraction to each other.
This is absolutely my favourite book in the series so far. I love the fact that Tara shows she as intelligent as Alfie and can be a total rock nerd with him and still make it sexy! And Alfie, in all his black and grey, overshadowed by his family expectations for his future. Still paying such close attention to everything Tara and is entranced by the chaos she brings with her.
I'm already waiting for the next in the series with this great found family group.
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