Accidentally Checked By My Brother's Best Friend

Accidentally In Sports #3

by Abby Greyson

This is a dual POV, kisses only, sports romance and the third standalone in the Accidentally In Sports Series.

A Brooding Hockey Player. A Gorgeous Movie Star. And One Very Public Break-up.

Ava
Duncan James has always been the one person I couldn’t hide from.

He saw me. The real me I hid from everyone.

Ten years later, that hasn’t changed, but Duncan has.

The younger brother of my best friend is all grown up. And way too attractive for his own good, and mine.

With a crazy ex, I have a favor to Pretend to be my boyfriend.

Duncan
The moment I laid eyes on Ava Norris, I knew she was my person.

Now she’s asking the pretend I’m in love with her.

One I’m pretty sure I still am.

Fake dating never goes well in the movies. And if the ‘fake’ kisses are any indication, my heart’s about to be broken a second time.

Unless I can figure out a way to make her mine for real.


This is a sweet, kisses only, fake dating, off-limits, slow burn, grumpy/sunshine, he falls first, brother's best friend, age gap, all sizzle no spice romance with a happily ever after. Let yourself get swept up with Duncan and Ava. I hope you fall in love with the two of them and are left wanting more of the Accidentally In Sports Series! This book is a standalone but is interconnected with Accidentally In Love With My Best Friend’s Brother and Accidentally Falling For My Fake Wife.

Genres: Sports Romance, Romance, Hockey, Chick Lit, Fake Dating, Contemporary, Clean Romance

343 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 17, 2025

About the author

Best Selling, Award Winning Author Abby Greyson loves writing clean, kisses only, sweet and swoony romance stories that invite people to remember what it’s like to fall in love over and over and over again. Stories that make you laugh, root for the main characters and wonder what they are doing long after the book is finished.

On the days she isn’t reading or writing she enjoys spending lazy days watching the Buffalo Bills on a football Sunday.

Want to know when Abby’s new books are released?

Follow her on Amazon or BookBub.

Want updates and inside news? Join her newsletter at www.AbbyGreyson.com.

Reviews

[Willah]

DNF
Maybe my expectations were too high because of the 4,71 stars and the super positive reviews, but I was not feeling it.
I really like these kind of stories and the set-up was good, but for me the writing/ their thoughts didn't pull me into the story.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a few of Abby Greyson's books and have loved them all. I love Duncan and Ava together. The fact that Duncan had waited so long for Ava was just so romantic. I also really liked that this was a clean romance. Definitely recommend.

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

[The Swoony Awards]

This book has been nominated for a 2025 Swoony Award, to vote for it click here: Swoony Awards.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Chance for Love . . .

Broad-shouldered, handsome Duncan James finds out that actress Ava Norris, the woman he loved and lost years ago, broke off her engagement with actor Nathan Vaughn and is coming home. Duncan is the younger brother of her best friend and now a talented hockey player. But Ava needs help when her volatile ex is giving her trouble. Her agent recommends that she needs a fake boyfriend to make herself unavailable. So she asks Duncan to play that part and be hers. The problem is, he won’t be faking his feelings. Is there a chance he can convince her they belong together… for real? The addition of oh-so-wise 8-year-old Scarlett is a real bonus when she shares her own kind of relationship advice for the adults who just can’t seem to see things HER way! Adorable!!! You will absolutely love this one!!

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duncan and Ava's story is filled with some fabulous tropes! Brother's Best Friend, Fake Dating and He Falls First, being my top 3 of them all...

Ava's ex is scary dodgy! And Duncan grumpily agrees to fake date her to help get her ex off her back... But, having the history that they do, there's all the banter and sass to make this a really fun book. Add in their niece, Scarlett, and you've got even more laughs and enjoyment...

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

[The Squeaky Clean Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovveeee this book!

Where do I even start with why I loved this book?
How about 1. The reverse age gap. We don't see this often enough and I adored it!
2. All the healthy family relationships (present ones at least)
3. The dashes of hockey thrown in there and the team relationship
4. The swoooonnyyyy kisses and the growth of their relationship was paced soooo well 😍😍🔥🔥

And who doesn't love a grump who is a softy for his niece and the woman he loves??

100% loved this book

💋Swoony kisses
⚠️ Death of a sibling in the past, parent who was unfaithful to wife (past)

[CONNIEBENNETT26 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duncan and Ava’s Story will pull at your heart strings!
NHL goalie and a Movie Star!
I was immediately star struck to devour this book.
Duncan and Ava had a past with , love . But she didn’t want to believe.
Will their future be different?
I loved Duncan and Ava, absolutely sweetest characters.
I loved Abby Greyson writing style that flowed magically.
So looking forward to reading much more from Abby Greyson in the future.


“As a professional athlete, I encounter arrogance regularly, but Nathan, let’s just say he’s in a league of his own.”

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read an ARC of this book and loved it. This was such a sweet story! I’m always a sucker for a grumpy/sunshine hockey romance, and this one certainly delivered. It was fun seeing our FMC Ava grow and understand her feelings for Duncan throughout the book, and Duncan was the perfect brooding, secret cinnamon roll MMC. I think my favorite character was their niece, Scarlett, because she definitely kept everyone on their toes! I liked how Duncan’s hockey teammates were able to get through to him to open up a bit more to them, too. And the ending was so much fun! Definitely recommend for a fun, quick, sweet read.

[Lori Albertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet hockey/movie star romance. Ava and Duncan make a great couple! Happy endings are the best.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this couple! I really enjoy Hockey romance and she nailed the story! I loved Ava and Duncan! I wasn't sure how I would feel about her being a bit older - but loved it! Such a fun story!

[Janet Shearouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very cute book. Duncan was like a teddy bear in disguise. His teammates all called him 'The Denier' and they didn't just mean that he was a good goalie. He shut out everyone when the girl he liked rejected him, but you can see bits of his 'teddy bearness' peeking out with his niece, letting her call him 'Uncle Dunky' even though he doesn't like it. I liked Ava too, and how she eventually realized that making a mistake with her former fiance didn't mean she was a terrible person.
I received and ARC of this book, but all opinions are my own.

[Book Obsessed Goddess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously love reading Abby's books especially after I've read a dark romance haha. Her stories are always so sweet and cute they cleanse my soul haha Sadly though I'm late reading this ARC due to life being chaos and struggling to get caught up. But that's also why I knew I had to read hers next because I needed the positivity. The second it clicked that this was Sean (Bake My Day Series) costar that started his story i git so excited!! I completely forgot about that part of that series so it made me even more excited for this one!

Duncan
A loving uncle, professional athlete and a protective grump. Had his heart broken when he confessed to his brothers best friend and locked his heart away from everyone. Outside of his niece no one ever saw him smile, that is until Ava came back in town and everyone had to take a double take when they saw them together. He will do anything to protect her even if it means putting his heart on the line again.

Ava
The rumors revolving around Sean from "I'd Never Date My Brother's Best Friend" was with the amazingly talented actress Ava. She was in a longterm relationship and ready to be married when she called it all off. She is Best Friend's with David who is Duncan's brother. Her insecurities due to her past fool everyone except for Duncan. He's always been able to see through her. She plays so many characters that fall in love but never believed it was something she could trust herself to do. That is until Sean started asking too many questions and got her thinking. Running back to her home town to avoid the onslaught of press ,sent to her by her ex, she learns really fast that maybe she was wrong 10 years ago.

This fake fake dating story was so absolutely cute! I love when the grump is never a grump when it comes to his sunshine. The jokes and dabs had me laughing. His apron is absolutely adorable and we love a man who isn't afraid to wear pink. Him with his niece melted my heart and I'm so glad Scarlet was a big part of this story. Everyone could see what was happening even when the two of them tried to deny it.

Tea time is back!!! I have loved all the easter eggs in this book. Nothing that's needed to understand but little rewards if you've read her other books. I kept getting excited every time I found one.

I seriously loved every second of this book! The brothers best friend being a girl was such a fun change from the norm. Thank you again for letting me be part of your ARC team!!

[Amanda McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I begin, I would like to thank Abby Greyson for allowing me to read a copy of her upcoming book, Accidentally Checked By My Brother’s Best Friend, which is the third book of her Accidentally In Sports series and will be available on Amazon on March 17th, 2025.

Duncan James was the only person that Ava Norris couldn’t hide her real self from. A decade later, he still does, but Duncan himself has changed. Her best friend’s younger brother has grown up and he is too handsome for their own sakes. When dealing with a crazy ex, she asks him if he would agree to fake-date her to get the guy off her back. Duncan has known that Ava is his person for a long time, and he doesn’t think that his feelings for her have gone away. Fake dating is for romance movies, and he doesn’t want to get his heart broken a second time. As Ava and Duncan spend more time together, will their relationship as friends develop as something more romantic with a potential future?

This book was really cute. You have Ava Norris, a talented, guarded, kind, and beautiful young actress that loves spending time with her family and grieves the loss of her sister from several years ago. You have Duncan James, a broody, considerate, sweet, and handsome professional hockey player that is devoted to spending time with his family, baking dog treats, and harbors feelings for his brother’s best friend. The interactions between the main characters were funny, thoughtful, and sweet. Scarlett was a hoot, and it was great seeing familiar faces from the previous books in the series. The dogs were cute, and I loved seeing how gentle and sweet both Ava and Duncan were to their niece. The author’s discussion about grief, loss, and dealing with unresolved feelings / conflict was thoughtful and full of heart. I enjoyed seeing Ava and Duncan not only become friends with the potential for something more, but also grow more confident in themselves and heal from wounds in their pasts. Overall, if you like cute dogs, great family dynamics, complex characters, and sweet fake dating / hockey player x actress second chance / reverse age-gap romance, then I would highly recommend this book. Here’s the link with more information: Amazon.com: Accidentally Checked By My Brother's Best Friend: A Sweet, Fake Dating, Hockey RomCom (Accidentally In Sports Book 3) eBook : Greyson, Abby: Kindle Store

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolute delight! Written well with wonderful characters who show their vulnerability, their hurts, their needs, their care and especially their love with moments of angst over true feelings, a tad bit of danger in regards to the ex, and lots of humor and caring between not just the two main characters but including their adorable “too old for her age” niece, his brother/her best friend, agents and teammates. For the hockey fans, there is some actual ice time with teammate jeering and banter to enjoy within this clean wholesome only swoon-worthy kisses romance.

After being let down easily but handed a broken heart several years ago, the grumpy NHL Colorado Wolverines goalie Duncan ‘The Denier’ James has just found out that the woman, the twin sister to his brother’s deceased wife and aunt to his own precious niece, actress Ava Norris and the woman who broke his heart, has just broken her engagement with actor Nathan Vaughn and will be coming to Maple Ridge where he lives. He’s tried to avoid her since the “let-down” but then he’s asked to do the unbelievable…be her “fake” boyfriend…how will his heart handle this?

I couldn’t resist loving both Duncan and Ava but little Scarlett is definitely the star of this book. She’s the eight year old niece and goddaughter of both Duncan and Ava and has absolutely everyone wrapped around her finger. Here’s one of my favorite scenes with her in Duncan’s (she calls him ‘Uncle Dunky’) arms as she (he calls her ‘Red’) is giving him relationship advice regarding Ava: “I’m serious!” She chastises. I just can’t with her! Her following words, however, nearly have me tripping. “If you want the two of you to be real, you need to be extra nice to her. Show her you appreciate her.” “Red, me and Aunt Ava are pretending—” A small hand covers my mouth and squeezes my lips together. I can’t stop my eyebrows from shooting to my hairline. “Why do you insist on lying to me?” She says, her nose pushed up against mine. God help the man who falls in love with this girl; they’re going to have their hands full. “Just. Be. Nice.” “Yes, ma-am,” I mumble through my squished-together lips and give a two-finger salute.” Trust me, you’re going to love these two together!.

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

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️

The third installment in Abby’s Accidentally in Sports is a wonderful addition to this sweet, romantic collection of books. In this story we get to see friends become more, a very persistent ex, fake dating turn real, and so many more tropes we all love. I loved how both MCs were famous in their own ways, but how vastly different their fame treated them. They are able to be themselves with each other, imperfect, broken, and healing.

Ava is a talented actress, with a big heart, but is somewhat guarded. She is still grieving the loss of her sister and has struggled to let people in and see the real her. The one person she can still be herself around, without feeling judged and isn’t family, is Duncan. When a former ex comes back and won’t leave her alone, she asks Duncan to pretend to be her boyfriend. But Duncan isn’t the same kid she once knew. He has grown into a handsome man that allows her to feel safe and cherished.

Duncan has known Ava was his perfect match for some time. Always having to watch her from afar, he’s always enjoyed having a part of her the rest of the world doesn’t get to see. When she approaches him about fake dating, he isn’t sure if he can handle only pretending with Ava. But he would do anything for her, so he agrees. This is his chance to show Ava how good they are together and how cherished he can make her feel. I loved Duncan’s broodiness, devotion, and possessiveness for the people he cares for.

Abby never disappoints in her sizzling, low spice romance books. She truly delivers characters that capture your heart and have chemistry that drips off the pages. With no cursing and nothing but kisses, she is still able to pull at heartstrings of romance lovers. Heartwarming, sweet stories pull readers in and hold their attention until the very end. Abby’s books are always a feel good read for me and books I always enjoy!

As always, review any author notes before reading.

Tropes:
💙Grumpy x Sunshine
🏒Hockey Player MMC
💙Celebrity FMC
🏒Fake Dating
💙Age Gap
🏒Brother’s Best Friend
💙Damsel in Distress

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Brooding Hockey Player. A Gorgeous Movie Star. And One Very Public Break-up.

Ava
Duncan James has always been the one person I couldn’t hide from.

He saw me. The real me I hid from everyone.

Ten years later, that hasn’t changed, but Duncan has.

The younger brother of my best friend is all grown up. And way too attractive for his own good, and mine.

With a crazy ex, I have a favor to ask: Pretend to be my boyfriend.

Duncan
The moment I laid eyes on Ava Norris, I knew she was my person.

Now she’s asking the impossible: pretend I’m in love with her.

One problem: I’m pretty sure I still am.

Fake dating never goes well in the movies. And if the ‘fake’ kisses are any indication, my heart’s about to be broken a second time.

Unless I can figure out a way to make her mine for real.

This contemporary brothers' best friend fake dating off-limits slow burn hockey rom com is page-turning with exceptional world-building and characters that are grumpy/sunshine, alpha, exuding power, humorous, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with accidentally being checked in by my brother's best friend, a sweet, fake dating, hockey rom com, sweet, kisses only, slow burn, he falls first, age-gap, all sizzle, no spice romance with a happily ever after, Duncan and Ava's story, celebrity romance, drama, humor, heartfelt emotions, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with accidentally being checked by my brother's best friend, and a sweet, fake dating hockey rom com that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly lustful and unforgettable.

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

[Britt Galbraith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duncan has loved Ava since he first met her. Too bad she was 5 years old and his brother's best friend. When he is drafted into the NHL, he confesses his feelings to her and she rejects him. She spends the next few years rising to stardom in Hollywood, while he focuses on his hockey career.

Now Ava is back in town, post public breakup to a famous actor. She needs protection & their agents suggest fake dating. On top of that, their precocious 8 year old niece (Scarlett) is determined to bring them together for real.

Expect:
- Broody Hockey goalie with a heart of gold
- Protective MMC
- Fake dating
- Hilarious 8 year old niece
- Happy ending

Content:
- Kisses only
- No profanity
- The fade-to-black scene after the wedding (no spice, only kisses described)

Possible triggers:
- Her ex-boyfriend gets super creepy with calling & texting non-stop, and nearly hits her with his car when he comes to try to make her take him back. She gets really scared of him.
- Characters talk about grief from losing a family member

My favorite parts:
- Basically every scene with Duncan and his niece, Scarlett, who calls him Uncle Dunky
- He wears a pink apron from Scarlett
- Duncan & Scarlett visit the animal shelter together regularly
- Duncan hand-bakes doggy treats for the dogs at the shelter
- Not going to lie, Scarlett steals the show!
- Duncan instinctively protects Ava
- Every time Duncan kisses the top of Ava's head
- Every time Duncan tucks Ava into his side
- Ava in awe watching him play hockey
- HIs teammates rallying around him

What wasn't my jam:
- The timing & type of wedding (hey, some people might really like it!)
- The fade-to-black scene after the wedding. (Again, some people don't mind following characters into the honeymoon suite, but I don't like it).

[thisBandherbooks ✨☀️🌻Buffy🌻☀️✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ Arc Review ✨ Happy Release Day ✨

💜 hockey romance
⭐️ reverse age gap
💜 fake dating
⭐️ dual pov
💜 grumpy sunshine
⭐️ slow burn
💜 he falls first
⭐️ brothers best friend
💜 happily ever after

Duncan has always been the one person Ava couldn’t hide her true self from. She hid the real her from everyone else and it’s now been 10 years and nothing much has changed except for Duncan. He’s changed. My best friends little brother is all grown up and also gorgeous. I need a favor from him. I need him to pretend to be my boyfriend.
Duncan shouldn’t have a problem faking being in love with her, he’s pretty sure he still is.
Will fake dating someone he’s actually in love with cause his heart to be broken again? Or can he make her his this time, for good?

🏒 This was adorable!!! Ava and Duncan were so stinkin perfect for each other. I loved their banter. Their sweet and hilarious moments make this such a fun and easy read. But it’s a well rounded read as there’s also some deeper and more moving moments when trying to discuss their grief and their past feelings.
I couldn’t put it down and read this in one sitting! The characters are just so lovable. I especially love the scenes with the dogs and scenes with Scarlett in them. It was also nice getting to revisit with old characters from previous books in the series.
Overall this was a great book full of heart and I definitely recommend! @authorabbygreyson has done it again!

This is a stand alone in the interconnected ‘Accidentally In Sports series! I’ve read a lot of Abby’s books and all in this series and this one is my favorite so far!

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being famous is not all it is cracked up to be especially when you have a very public breakup with the man you were supposed to marry. Ava Norris has fled back home to get away from it all, but her nasty ex is not going to make it easy.

Hockey player Duncan James is definitely broody. His name on the ice as his team's goalie is the Denier. You will soon learn that his broodiness is part of his charm. Right now the only female in his life that can make him show his teeth is his 8 year old spunky little niece, Scarlett. Now he arrives at his brother's house to find Ava. This reunion is not going to be an easy one.

Ava broke Duncan's heart many years ago. Now he has to put this aside and play the part of fake boyfriend to protect her from her maniacal ex. He is not really sure how to pretend when deep in his heart he wants it to be real.

Ava was famous, but she was also down to earth and kind. I loved her character. She was just a regular person who just so happened to be famous. Fame had not changed her. I really liked this about her. Duncan wanted to be a grump, but he is actually a giant cinnamon roll. His love for his niece was enough to make him irresistible. Even though these two are the two main characters, the star of the book is definitely Scarlett. This little bundle of energy who knows everything there is to know about hockey will steal her way into your heart.

This delightful romance was the perfect evening read to wind down my day and leave me with a smile on my face. It was the perfect romcom with a lovable cast of characters.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ruth R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duncan a professional hockey player . He and his teamates are going back home after they played three games .
His niece phoned him to congratulate him for the game,she told him that her aunt was going to stay with them because she broke up with her fiance .
Duncan knew Ava from teenage because she was his brother best friend,then her sister married his brother.
At his brother’s wedding he asked her to date him but she looked him like she’s pitting him,
From that moment he became another person.
Ava was an actress, after her breakup she went to her brother in law and her niece house, they went to see a game of Duncan when the game finished they went to wait for him near his locker room,David and Scarlett went to the washroom so she left alone when the journalists saw her,they put their phones on her face to ask questions about her breaking up. She was shocked,when Duncan saw the commotion he took her from there and went in a small space so they were smashed together until they hear a clicking of a camera.
Caroline her agent said that she talked with Duncan’s agent and they thought better they fake dating.she said that social media loved them together and to keep her ex in distance.
The day after, she went to his house to ask him if he could help about the faking,he didn’t accept and she went out almost crying and she found Nathan outside,when he was going to her Duncan was behind her and told him that they are dating.

Woow I loved the whole story,
It’s a good and clean book that I really recommend.

[Terry T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a sweet brother's best friend, fake dating, off limits, grumpy/sunshine, age-gap, hockey romcom with no cliffhanger.
Some of the lines I really like --- “Promise me that you won’t fall into the ease of what you and Nathan have. You deserve someone who will treasure you, Ava. A man who loves you more than they love themselves wouldn’t hesitate to do anything for you.” --- “I’m pretty secure in my masculinity. Not to mention my skill on the ice.” --- Did I say how much I hate small cars? --- “Uncle Duncan, you aren’t an actor. How will you feel about fake kissing?” --- "Everyone wants to date the ‘brooding goalie’ whose eyes radiate adoration every time he looks at his niece. That alone makes him pretty swoon-worthy in the hearts of every woman who’s witnessed it.” --- “To be honest, I’m a bit terrified of what she’s going to be like as a teenager,” --- “And why are you making sure that you look pretty? Today, you took forever to get ready. Was that just pretend?” --- “Are you ready to marry this hunka, hunka, Burning Love?” --- “I’ve never been more ready to let someone be my Teddy Bear or Love Me Tender, in my entire life.” ---
Scarlett is an adorable, precious, funny 8 year old who surprises you with what she says and does.
What's Scarlett up to? What's Nathan up to? These and other questions will all be answered.
I loved Ava and Duncan's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and can't wait to read her next book.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accidentally Checked by My Brother's Best Friend is the third book in the Accidentally in Sports series. I personally had not read the previous book in the series and found that I was able to enjoy this one just fine as a standalone.

A hockey player. A movie star. Fake dating. He falls first. Brother's Best Friend. I love every single one of these tropes individually. Put them together? Yes, this one was definitely right up my alley. Duncan and Ava were so sweet together. He had a crush on her when they were younger, but she broke his heart when she turned him down and now things between them are a little tense. When she needs an escape from Hollywood after a bad breakup, she finds herself coming face to face with him once again... and when a photographer catches a picture of them together and rumors start flying, it seems like fake dating is the perfect way to get her ex to back off... but there is certainly nothing fake about these feelings! I couldn't help but enjoy these two together. Abby Greyson never fails to write stories that make me smile and this one was certainly no exception... it might just be my new favorite of hers so far!

Accidentally Checked by My Brother's Best Friend is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.


**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series. Really enjoyed reading it and recommend it to everyone. The H and h were friends in high school and before the H becomes a hockey player he asks the h to marry him and she refuses. The h goes out California and becomes a famous actress. They don’t see each other for years except infrequently. The h’s sister married the h’s best friend who happens to be the H’s brother. The h’s has a daughter and dies in the birth leaving the husband to raise the child alone. The H has a close relationship with his niece while the h sees her niece infrequently. When the h has a messy breakup with her fiancé she comes to visit her brother in law and niece. Thus the H and h will be seeing each other frequently. The H dreads this while the niece is over joyed because she wants her aunt and uncle to get together. The h’s manager comes up with the idea that the H and h should fake a relationship to put off the aggressive ex fiancé. In the end the fake relationship becomes real and they get their HEA. You also get to read about their wedding that is so cute because the niece and her father are unable to be present physically but participate in it virtually and we get to hear the niece’s comments which has the people present laughing. So cute! Hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author but was not required to post any reviews. This is a voluntary, honest response I had after reading this book.

Abby has done it again bringing to life two people who will quickly become favorites of yours as well in
books!

Duncan has been in love with his brother’s best friend since he can remember. He always followed them around even though he was younger. When his brother married her twin, he told Ava he loved her but she shut him down. They both left to pursue their dreams and he only saw her rarely after that. However, fate brings them together after she flees to escape the media after her breakup of her famous boyfriend and he is traded to the professional team back in his home town where he sees her and still has an overwhelming desire to protect her from them when they find out where she is. Having a precocious 8 year old niece they love and the fact she is living with his brother and niece only adds to the fun. She asks him to be her pretend boyfriend to try and get her ex to leave her alone but to him it’s hard to try to pretend when he still loves her! As they spend time together she sees him in a completely different light and likes what she sees but wonders if she can get him to feel for her like he used to before she broke his heart.

This is a no spice sweet story of one person finally getting the opportunity to be around someone he always wanted and the other who though she liked him years ago never considered him someone she would marry and want to be with.

I enjoyed the banter between them and the niece they share is adorable and will give you a lot of smiles with what she comes up with!

I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend you get and read this wonderful story of a second chance for love with two people who finally come to the realization that yes they can, in fact, be happy with each other!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duncan is a broody NHL goalie who falls in love with his Brother’s best friend Ava Norris. Not only Duncan Ava’s best friend’s brother but he is also the brother in law of her late twin sister. Years ago, during his brother’s wedding, Duncan confessed his love for Ava but she rejected him. Now that Ava’s engagement to actor Nathan Vaughn is over and she is returning home, Duncan has to face his unresolved feelings for her. When their agents suggest they fake date to distract the press from their break up and protect her from her increasingly unhinged ex-fiancé.

One of the sweetest aspects of this story is their adorable niece Scarlett. She is like a tiny match maker encouraging them to get together. Her wisdom and humorous comments add to the story and emotional depth of the story. Abby Greyson does an amazing job of balancing romance with deeper emotional themes in her books and this one did not disappoint.

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️

Tropes:
Reverse Age Gap
Second Chance Romance
Brother’s Best Friend
Grumpy vs Sunshine
Fake Dating
Hockey Player
Damsel In Distress
Celebrity FMC
Slow Burn
He Falls First
Closed Door

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review

[Kiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accidentally Checked By My Brother’s Best Friend by Abby Greyson is a fake dating, sports romance that just hits you in the feels.

** I would like to express my thanks to ☆ Abby Greyson ☆ for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review **

Broody, to the max, and hiding his true feelings. A fake façade, running from her own feelings. This book was a perfect blend of subtle looks and sizzling moments. Duncan was a perfect man, a family guy, showing emotion to only the one he loves, and committed. Ava was lost and looking for where to go. The history and the emotions of both the characters were to die for. Though in the book as fake dating goes, the set up of this story was great.
I loved how protective Duncan was of Ava, and I loved the character growth that Ava had. I loved the banter, I loved the history of all the characters, and the deep conversations of the family. I love when authors create family units, and this was one of these books that didn’t make me feel exasperated by the characters, but I loved the interactions everyone had.

I recommend this book if you want a sweet sports romance with fake dating. Can’t wait for the next one.

[Suzanne Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duncan is a Hockey player/goalie. His brother David is a baseball player.
Duncan's niece Scarlett has nicknamed him Uncle Dunky. Duncan is really a good guy. He is a fixer/helper, he doesn't like to see people he loves sad or hurt. However when they were younger Duncan fell in love with Ava, but she thought he was too much younger than she was.
Ava is an actress and has done sappy movies. She and her twin sister grew up with them. David married Fiona, but Fiona passed away. Ava and David are best friends and Duncan and Fiona were besties. Duncan and Ava re-enter each other's lives. They are Scarlett's auntie and uncle, and they are her God parents. Duncan still is in love with Ava. Somewhere she realizes she is in love with Duncan. This is where communication is so important. Neither of them gives up to the other how they really feel. Everyone around them knows how they feel about each other but they don't admit to it.
This is a very funny, warm hearted story. I absolutely love @AuthorAbbyGreyson stories and how we are learning about a whole circle of people connected in some way. Come lose yourself in these amazing stories. I can't wait for the next one!!

[Hannah & Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accidentally Checked By My Brother's Best Friend by Abby Greyson
Rating: 4.5

Overview: When pro football player Adam learns his visa has expired, his only shot at staying in the country is a fake marriage. Enter Susie, a bestselling romance author with writer’s block and a confusing love triangle involving Adam—her brother’s teammate—and an online crush named Chase. But when Chase offers her a marriage of convenience, things get complicated fast. With secrets, sparks, and one very real connection, Susie must decide if love is worth risking everything.


Our Thoughts: Adam and Susie are a fun couple who instantly connected and built a great friendship, which led to their relationship! It was fun to see Josh and Brie's story from another angle as they happened simultaneously. We love a sweet sport romance and you will find it wil this book! The cherry on top is that Adam fell first!

Perfect if you Like:
Sports Romance
MMC Saving the Day
Second Chance at Love

#AccidentallyCheckedByMyBrother'sBestFriend #AbbyGreysonr #standalone #book #bookrecs #bookrecommendations #bookreviews #readwithushm #sisterswhoread

[ChriseBee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake dating is a great trope and Abby Greyson uses it well. There's so much to explore when characters are breaking down emotional barriers. The witty banter and swoony moments are the best as well. Duncan and Ava are perfect at fake dating - funny, loveable, and adorable as the grumpy/sunshine couple. Theirs is a realistic scenario that's everything sweet.

I received an advanced reader copy and thank Abby Greyson for the chance to be on her review team.

I enjoyed this story so much. Duncan and Ava have to carefully examine their buried emotions and face facts. Yet, they don't have to face the fears that arise alone. Duncan's hockey teammates tease and support him equally. David provides useful insight to apply to sports and personal life. Their agents meddle but have their clients' best interests at heart.

The process of Duncan trying to work out his problems was written so effectively. This emphasized that sometimes there is considerable mental work required to reach solutions and it can be confusing and frustrating. I appreciate a story that has life lessons scattered throughout, and this story taught them in an unforced way.

Then Abby sprinkled in dogs and baking - loved it. When the book ended, I wanted more of Duncan and Ava. I was smiling and chuckling until my cheeks ached. I felt very satisfied with how their story progressed because it was so sweet and natural.

[Jeffrey Aitken · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is a heartfelt and engaging contemporary romance.

One of the novel’s strongest elements is its character development.

The novel presents Duncan as a brooding yet loyal hero and portrays Ava’s journey from emotional avoidance to vulnerability. Their interactions are rich with tension, making every scene between them interesting.

The side characters add warmth and humour, grounding the story in strong family dynamics.

Greyson’s writing style is immersive, blending sharp dialogue, vivid descriptions, and well-paced storytelling.

The dual POV structure allows readers to connect with both protagonists on a deeper level.

The Tea Time gossip segments add a fun, modern touch.

While the novel excels in emotional depth, a few sections could benefit from tighter pacing, particularly Ava’s introspections.

Nonetheless, Accidentally Checked By My Brother’s Best Friend is an enjoyable and well-crafted romance that will delight fans of second chance love stories and sports romance.