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That Time We Faked It : Time on the Ice, Book 2
That Time We Faked It
by Rory Lector
(Time on the Ice Series - Book 3)
“I could do this. I could be single… right? Yes. Right. I was a strong, independent gay man with a collection of dildos varied enough to rival a sex shop. What could a man possibly give me that a pregnancy pillow and a vibrating cock couldn’t? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.”
Figure skater Cal Johnson was at the peak of his career, staring down the biggest competition of his life. On the surface, everything seemed perfect—his routines were sharp, his confidence unshakable, and his sarcastic wit fully intact. But beneath it all, he was lonely. His empty apartment was no match for the couples’ game nights his friends seemed to thrive on, and his signature humor could only mask so much. When he stumbled into a failing bar owned by the grumpiest lumberjack he’d ever met, he found a distraction too tempting to resist.
Wade Rossler had no time for love—or for anything, really. Between keeping his struggling bar afloat and dodging his family’s relentless meddling, he barely had a moment to breathe. When a chance encounter with the sassy skater turned into a lifeline for his business, Wade’s life took an unexpected turn. But a spur-of-the-moment lie to get his family off his back—claiming Cal as his boyfriend—meant their worlds collided in ways neither of them planned.
For Wade, it was supposed to be pretend they were together for a weekend, play the part, and move on. But for Cal, agreeing to the charade was about more than helping Wade. He understood the desire to prove something to family and an ex, even if it meant risking his own heart.
What began as a fake relationship quickly turned real as sparks flew and walls came down. Cal found himself drawn to Wade’s quiet strength, while Wade discovered a lightness he hadn’t felt in years. But with Cal’s career pulling him toward the spotlight and Wade’s past anchoring him in the shadows, they had to decide if the risk of falling was worth the reward.
That Time We Faked It is a funny, tender, and steamy story of unexpected love, healing old wounds, and building something real on a foundation of trust. Rory Lector delivers another heartfelt installment in the Time on the Ice series, reminding readers that sometimes love finds you when you least expect it—and in the last place you’d think to look.
(Time on the Ice Series - Book 3)
“I could do this. I could be single… right? Yes. Right. I was a strong, independent gay man with a collection of dildos varied enough to rival a sex shop. What could a man possibly give me that a pregnancy pillow and a vibrating cock couldn’t? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.”
Figure skater Cal Johnson was at the peak of his career, staring down the biggest competition of his life. On the surface, everything seemed perfect—his routines were sharp, his confidence unshakable, and his sarcastic wit fully intact. But beneath it all, he was lonely. His empty apartment was no match for the couples’ game nights his friends seemed to thrive on, and his signature humor could only mask so much. When he stumbled into a failing bar owned by the grumpiest lumberjack he’d ever met, he found a distraction too tempting to resist.
Wade Rossler had no time for love—or for anything, really. Between keeping his struggling bar afloat and dodging his family’s relentless meddling, he barely had a moment to breathe. When a chance encounter with the sassy skater turned into a lifeline for his business, Wade’s life took an unexpected turn. But a spur-of-the-moment lie to get his family off his back—claiming Cal as his boyfriend—meant their worlds collided in ways neither of them planned.
For Wade, it was supposed to be pretend they were together for a weekend, play the part, and move on. But for Cal, agreeing to the charade was about more than helping Wade. He understood the desire to prove something to family and an ex, even if it meant risking his own heart.
What began as a fake relationship quickly turned real as sparks flew and walls came down. Cal found himself drawn to Wade’s quiet strength, while Wade discovered a lightness he hadn’t felt in years. But with Cal’s career pulling him toward the spotlight and Wade’s past anchoring him in the shadows, they had to decide if the risk of falling was worth the reward.
That Time We Faked It is a funny, tender, and steamy story of unexpected love, healing old wounds, and building something real on a foundation of trust. Rory Lector delivers another heartfelt installment in the Time on the Ice series, reminding readers that sometimes love finds you when you least expect it—and in the last place you’d think to look.
433 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 1, 2025
Thank you, Rory for my copy of, That Time We Faked It. This is the 3rd book in the Time on the Ice series, I would highly recommend reading this series in order. That Time we Faked it overlaps in time with book 2, Maybe It's Time.
I was excited to read Cal’s story but I was so not ready, my heart hurt for him and I wanted to hug him hard. Then enters Wade/Jack and my heart hurt for him too. I was rooting for their HEA even though they have both Sworn of Love for legitimate and heartbreaking reasons.
There are 2 side characters who literally made me want to scream, I need to know if they finally got the karma they truly deserved.
Things I ❤️
⛸️ Fake Dating
🍷 Sworn of Love
⛸️ Figure Skater
🍷 Bar Owner
⛸️ Age Gap
🍷 Hurt/Comfort
⛸️ Found Family
🍷 Interconnected Series
⛸️ Dual POV
🍷 Epilogue
⛸️ Fun Chapter names
I was excited to read Cal’s story but I was so not ready, my heart hurt for him and I wanted to hug him hard. Then enters Wade/Jack and my heart hurt for him too. I was rooting for their HEA even though they have both Sworn of Love for legitimate and heartbreaking reasons.
There are 2 side characters who literally made me want to scream, I need to know if they finally got the karma they truly deserved.
Things I ❤️
⛸️ Fake Dating
🍷 Sworn of Love
⛸️ Figure Skater
🍷 Bar Owner
⛸️ Age Gap
🍷 Hurt/Comfort
⛸️ Found Family
🍷 Interconnected Series
⛸️ Dual POV
🍷 Epilogue
⛸️ Fun Chapter names
March 5, 2025
Cal and Wade (or Jack, depending on the moment) were so cute together. I’ll always jump at the chance to read a large grumpy lumberjack man and the sassy and sarcastic ball of sunshine. The pairing is as old as time and I gobble it up every time.
Cal has been pretty closed off in the previous books but I had no clue his story would be so painful. He deserves all of the Viking hugs that he can stomach.
Wade, in all his grudgingly beautiful ways, is the perfect structure for someone like Cal to land.
I love that they didn’t shy away from Wade’s past like people usually do. 🥹
It wasn’t as impactful as the first two but it was definitely a fun read with a ton of emotion.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review 🖤
Cal has been pretty closed off in the previous books but I had no clue his story would be so painful. He deserves all of the Viking hugs that he can stomach.
Wade, in all his grudgingly beautiful ways, is the perfect structure for someone like Cal to land.
I love that they didn’t shy away from Wade’s past like people usually do. 🥹
It wasn’t as impactful as the first two but it was definitely a fun read with a ton of emotion.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review 🖤
March 6, 2025
Two beautifully written characters, both suffering from some major traumatic experiences both in the past and in the present. My heart broke multiple times for both of them. Cal was a very different person on the surface, which made him a very appealing character earlier in the series. Wade's family needed to learn a lot about themselves, and fortunately did so. This story was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, leading to a hard earned HEA.
February 15, 2025
I absolutely love this series. 😍
This didn’t quite hit the same as the first two, but it was definitely worth the read.
Loved what cal did for wades bar at the beginning and how quickly wade started to see through Cal’s walls.
I’m so happy that they got their happy ending and that cal finally got the family he deserved.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
🥰🥰🥰
🥹🥹
This didn’t quite hit the same as the first two, but it was definitely worth the read.
Loved what cal did for wades bar at the beginning and how quickly wade started to see through Cal’s walls.
I’m so happy that they got their happy ending and that cal finally got the family he deserved.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
🥰🥰🥰
🥹🥹
March 9, 2025
I loved this story until it got to maybe 3/4 through..when almost another plot twist was added...and hmm honestly it almost was overload on the twists and turns.
before this i had bawled my eyes out at parts as so emotionally written.
Cal and Wade are perfect together and their strength and love is beautiful and oh lol the whole found family and friends is gorgeous.
before this i had bawled my eyes out at parts as so emotionally written.
Cal and Wade are perfect together and their strength and love is beautiful and oh lol the whole found family and friends is gorgeous.
March 10, 2025
This one was a rollercoaster for me and made it hard to rate so I settled in the middle.
What I liked: I'll start by saying I really liked the story! The idea of an ice skater who has been burned in the past and a lonely bar owner with past grief was a really nice premise for characters and I truly enjoyed watching their relationship progress. I also really liked the characters in general and their personalities and how they balanced each other out. There were also a few tear jerker moments that were done so well and written so beautfully. The hurt/comfort was amazing. So much cuddling and being carried around with a healthy dose of caretaking. And i'm a sucker for an MC who lets his tears flow freely. All my favorite things! I also really liked the pacing. I thought the book was the perfect length for thier story and had enough details for it to feel like you were really living in the moments with the characters. They were just so sweet together.
What I didn't like: There would be really sweet moments and then there would be a really over the top moment. It gave me a bit of whiplash between wow this is really realistic and wow this is really fake. I also felt like there were a lot of microtropes thrown in there just to throw them in that I think in the context they were written would have worked better if done a little differently. There were also a lot of things that just felt unresolved for me. For example, Wade tells Cal that he'll tell him about his knee injury later, but never does, and obviously it was implied after time passage that he was told but I was looking for it and never got it. A lot about Wade's injury/illness/past felt underdeveloped to me. His arthritis really didn't play a factor and could have been left out. I feel like a lot of time was devoted to explaining and resolving Cal's past but we didn't get enough of Wade's. Lastly, I know Cal's *dramatic moment* towards the end was explained as a defense mechanism but that last one was just a little too much for me personally. It was abrupt and over the top and given where the characters were in thier development it felt like a real insult to Wade.
So overall, the story was really good and very enjoyable if you don't mind glaringly unrealistic moments.
What I liked: I'll start by saying I really liked the story! The idea of an ice skater who has been burned in the past and a lonely bar owner with past grief was a really nice premise for characters and I truly enjoyed watching their relationship progress. I also really liked the characters in general and their personalities and how they balanced each other out. There were also a few tear jerker moments that were done so well and written so beautfully. The hurt/comfort was amazing. So much cuddling and being carried around with a healthy dose of caretaking. And i'm a sucker for an MC who lets his tears flow freely. All my favorite things! I also really liked the pacing. I thought the book was the perfect length for thier story and had enough details for it to feel like you were really living in the moments with the characters. They were just so sweet together.
What I didn't like: There would be really sweet moments and then there would be a really over the top moment. It gave me a bit of whiplash between wow this is really realistic and wow this is really fake. I also felt like there were a lot of microtropes thrown in there just to throw them in that I think in the context they were written would have worked better if done a little differently. There were also a lot of things that just felt unresolved for me. For example, Wade tells Cal that he'll tell him about his knee injury later, but never does, and obviously it was implied after time passage that he was told but I was looking for it and never got it. A lot about Wade's injury/illness/past felt underdeveloped to me. His arthritis really didn't play a factor and could have been left out. I feel like a lot of time was devoted to explaining and resolving Cal's past but we didn't get enough of Wade's. Lastly, I know Cal's *dramatic moment* towards the end was explained as a defense mechanism but that last one was just a little too much for me personally. It was abrupt and over the top and given where the characters were in thier development it felt like a real insult to Wade.
So overall, the story was really good and very enjoyable if you don't mind glaringly unrealistic moments.
February 21, 2025
I love Time on Ice series to bits. The first two books were great and I was sad when they ended. This one, the third book in the series, felt a bit different. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't come to love the story as much as I loved the first two books.
Wade was the most loving, precious teddy bear, disguised as a grumpy bar man, ever. His failing business had him stressed, but Cal appeared and all his problems seemed to go away. Wade's backstory and his loss broke my heart the most. Poor man had to recover and live on after all that tragedy and hardship. Would have loved to see more glimpses of the young Wade.
Cal, on the other and, was sassy and self-assured, only on the outside. Inside, he struggled with mommy and daddy issues, strived for perfection on ice and felt unlovable. If not his friend group (yay glimpses of MCs from other books!), Cal would have broken down completely.
I loved the relationship between Wade and Cal, their mutual support and respect for each other, which later turned to love. They lifted each other up, helped overcome personal insecurities and found true love.
The book felt too long for me, it could have easily been 100 pages shorter. I felt like the new storyline towards the end, relating to Cal's family, was brought in rather out of nowhere and unraveled quite easily. Speaking of easy, most of issues that were brought up in this books seemed to resolve quite easily, from bar stuff to family issues.
I had some issues with Cal's behaviour throught the book, since sassy young adults with parent issues aren't usually my cup of tea. Also, what's up with Wade's family, their comments on Wade's life and not firing his ex from their company after what he did to him? I saw the upcoming drama with the ex from miles away.
All in all, I really enjoy Rory's writing and storytelling, really excited to see what's next!
Thanks to the author for the ARC of this book.
Wade was the most loving, precious teddy bear, disguised as a grumpy bar man, ever. His failing business had him stressed, but Cal appeared and all his problems seemed to go away. Wade's backstory and his loss broke my heart the most. Poor man had to recover and live on after all that tragedy and hardship. Would have loved to see more glimpses of the young Wade.
Cal, on the other and, was sassy and self-assured, only on the outside. Inside, he struggled with mommy and daddy issues, strived for perfection on ice and felt unlovable. If not his friend group (yay glimpses of MCs from other books!), Cal would have broken down completely.
I loved the relationship between Wade and Cal, their mutual support and respect for each other, which later turned to love. They lifted each other up, helped overcome personal insecurities and found true love.
The book felt too long for me, it could have easily been 100 pages shorter. I felt like the new storyline towards the end, relating to Cal's family, was brought in rather out of nowhere and unraveled quite easily. Speaking of easy, most of issues that were brought up in this books seemed to resolve quite easily, from bar stuff to family issues.
I had some issues with Cal's behaviour throught the book, since sassy young adults with parent issues aren't usually my cup of tea. Also, what's up with Wade's family, their comments on Wade's life and not firing his ex from their company after what he did to him? I saw the upcoming drama with the ex from miles away.
All in all, I really enjoy Rory's writing and storytelling, really excited to see what's next!
Thanks to the author for the ARC of this book.
February 20, 2025
3.75 stars from me, rounding up for GR.
I was really excited to read this book and am grateful I had the chance to read it in advance. I have thoroughly enjoyed the last two books in the series, especially "Maybe It's Time." However, this one didn't quite meet my expectations.
The book started off strong, and Cal and "Jack" Wade were compelling and likable main characters. They had great chemistry, and I was really enjoying the story. But around the 80% mark, things started to feel a bit overwhelming. Suddenly, a lot of events unfolded that seemed too much to handle in such a short span.
That said, I appreciated the elements involving Wade and his first love, Sam. I got a bit emotional towards the end,
Overall, I think the book had all the right elements, but they weren't quite sewn together well. It could have benefited from a bit less plot density. While I didn't love this one, Rory is a great writer, and I'll definitely be back for any future books in the series!
I was really excited to read this book and am grateful I had the chance to read it in advance. I have thoroughly enjoyed the last two books in the series, especially "Maybe It's Time." However, this one didn't quite meet my expectations.
The book started off strong, and Cal and "Jack" Wade were compelling and likable main characters. They had great chemistry, and I was really enjoying the story. But around the 80% mark, things started to feel a bit overwhelming. Suddenly, a lot of events unfolded that seemed too much to handle in such a short span.
That said, I appreciated the elements involving Wade and his first love, Sam. I got a bit emotional towards the end,
Overall, I think the book had all the right elements, but they weren't quite sewn together well. It could have benefited from a bit less plot density. While I didn't love this one, Rory is a great writer, and I'll definitely be back for any future books in the series!
March 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This is the third book in the series, and just like the first two, I absolutely loved it!
I couldn’t wait to get to know Cal more, who is a force to be reckoned with. Seeing his development and getting to know him better in this book was quite emotional, revealing that behind his smiley and bubbly exterior, there’s so much more to him than it seems. I loved how we delved into the layers of his character.
Then you have Wade, Mr. Lumberjack, who’s grumpy and just trying to keep his head above water while following his own path, and dealing with his own struggles.
Watching the growth between Cal and Wade from their first meeting to the last page was spot on. Their personalities couldn’t be more different, yet they complement each other so well. They both represent everything they didn’t know they needed. The mix of fake dating and the struggle of not blurring the lines, even when those lines inevitably get blurred, was just chef’s kiss.
As always with Rory Lector’s books, there’s a perfect blend of fluff, banter, and spice, alongside deeper storylines that really tug at my heartstrings. Found family is at the core of this series, and it’s everything!
This is the third book in the series, and just like the first two, I absolutely loved it!
I couldn’t wait to get to know Cal more, who is a force to be reckoned with. Seeing his development and getting to know him better in this book was quite emotional, revealing that behind his smiley and bubbly exterior, there’s so much more to him than it seems. I loved how we delved into the layers of his character.
Then you have Wade, Mr. Lumberjack, who’s grumpy and just trying to keep his head above water while following his own path, and dealing with his own struggles.
Watching the growth between Cal and Wade from their first meeting to the last page was spot on. Their personalities couldn’t be more different, yet they complement each other so well. They both represent everything they didn’t know they needed. The mix of fake dating and the struggle of not blurring the lines, even when those lines inevitably get blurred, was just chef’s kiss.
As always with Rory Lector’s books, there’s a perfect blend of fluff, banter, and spice, alongside deeper storylines that really tug at my heartstrings. Found family is at the core of this series, and it’s everything!
March 8, 2025
story of cal and wade
This is a fake relationship to more romance, featuring Cal Johnson and Wade Rossler, and is book three of the Time On The Ice series.
For me, these two were all fireworks when they first met, Wade being Mr Grumpy Lumberjack and Cal a bright sparkly sheer-shirt-wearing angel.
I loved how Cal swooped in and helped Wade save his bar and with every kind act of help, it chipped away at the walls Wade had around his heart for so long.
These two are both a little broken from their pasts. It was so beautiful to see them try and trust each other to find love again.
We get to see cameos from the guys from book one and two, yay! And Wade’s family are over involved in a very loving way.
Ps. Cal’s birth mother and Wade’s ex are horrid people.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 3 of series
MM romance
Fake relationship
Bar owner x figure skater
Size difference
Grumpy / Sunshine
Insomniac
Ex military
Age gap (32/22)
MC with Auto-immune
Hurt / Comfort
Living with grief
Horrible mother
Spicy times & dirty talk
Jacob’s leader piercing
Calls him pretty boy
Mis communication
Found family
HEA
This is a fake relationship to more romance, featuring Cal Johnson and Wade Rossler, and is book three of the Time On The Ice series.
For me, these two were all fireworks when they first met, Wade being Mr Grumpy Lumberjack and Cal a bright sparkly sheer-shirt-wearing angel.
I loved how Cal swooped in and helped Wade save his bar and with every kind act of help, it chipped away at the walls Wade had around his heart for so long.
These two are both a little broken from their pasts. It was so beautiful to see them try and trust each other to find love again.
We get to see cameos from the guys from book one and two, yay! And Wade’s family are over involved in a very loving way.
Ps. Cal’s birth mother and Wade’s ex are horrid people.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 3 of series
MM romance
Fake relationship
Bar owner x figure skater
Size difference
Grumpy / Sunshine
Insomniac
Ex military
Age gap (32/22)
MC with Auto-immune
Hurt / Comfort
Living with grief
Horrible mother
Spicy times & dirty talk
Jacob’s leader piercing
Calls him pretty boy
Mis communication
Found family
HEA
March 3, 2025
4 Stars 🌟
3 Spice🌶️
Tropes and Points:
- 1st Person, DUAL POV
- Medium Angst
- Hurt/ Comfort & Caretaking
- Sassy Figure Skater x Lumberjack bartender
- Age gap
- Fake Dating
- Both sworn off love
When one MC sweeps into the other MC's life like a beautifully chaotic hurricane, stirring things up and making things more colourful and vibrant, I will be sat the entire time.
Cal was a force of nature. A sassy, confident, selfless sweetheart, who secretly didn't want anyone to know he was a sweetheart and those are the best kind! Of course every bright light like that needs their balance which is the wonderfully grumpy, reserved and secret softy Wade.
I loved these two together and how they took care of one another in their moments of need and when their grief became too much. This is a hurt/comfort story, but it doesn't feel weighed down by too much heaviness.
The banter between them both and the ridiculous situations they got into, were incredibly sweet, and gave everything it needed to! Plus a fake dating trope is always the best time🥰🥂
More reviews on Instagram: @swoonyandspicy 🌶️❤️
3 Spice🌶️
Tropes and Points:
- 1st Person, DUAL POV
- Medium Angst
- Hurt/ Comfort & Caretaking
- Sassy Figure Skater x Lumberjack bartender
- Age gap
- Fake Dating
- Both sworn off love
When one MC sweeps into the other MC's life like a beautifully chaotic hurricane, stirring things up and making things more colourful and vibrant, I will be sat the entire time.
Cal was a force of nature. A sassy, confident, selfless sweetheart, who secretly didn't want anyone to know he was a sweetheart and those are the best kind! Of course every bright light like that needs their balance which is the wonderfully grumpy, reserved and secret softy Wade.
I loved these two together and how they took care of one another in their moments of need and when their grief became too much. This is a hurt/comfort story, but it doesn't feel weighed down by too much heaviness.
The banter between them both and the ridiculous situations they got into, were incredibly sweet, and gave everything it needed to! Plus a fake dating trope is always the best time🥰🥂
More reviews on Instagram: @swoonyandspicy 🌶️❤️
March 1, 2025
I was so excited to see we were getting Cal’s story and this was didn’t disappoint. I actually stayed up way too late so I could finish it! This one is a bit different from the others in the series. Instead of hockey we get figure skating and only one of the MCs is an athlete. This one also had a lot less pining and most of the angst is external to the relationship.
This story took me through a whole range of emotions. There was plenty of laughter, a few tears, and everything in between. It had a good amount of spice, an age gap, hurt/comfort, and a ton of found family. While this is the 3rd in the series, I think it could easily be read as a stand alone.
I didn’t see an obvious MC to continue this series, but I’ve really enjoyed Lector’s books so far, and I can’t wait to read whatever comes next!
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review
This story took me through a whole range of emotions. There was plenty of laughter, a few tears, and everything in between. It had a good amount of spice, an age gap, hurt/comfort, and a ton of found family. While this is the 3rd in the series, I think it could easily be read as a stand alone.
I didn’t see an obvious MC to continue this series, but I’ve really enjoyed Lector’s books so far, and I can’t wait to read whatever comes next!
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review
March 7, 2025
"𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓁𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝓂𝓎 𝒫𝓇𝒾𝓃𝒸𝑒 𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓇𝓂𝒾𝓃𝑔-𝒾𝓃 𝓅𝓁𝒶𝒾𝒹."
I loved this book!
Such an emotional roller coaster. LOTS of tears but my heart is just so full now.
Cal & Wade have been through a lot. There’s a lot of healing in this book! Wade is just perfect for Cal. He’s so caring. He’s protective and wouldn’t let Cal slip into that darkness.
ᴀᴛ ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴘᴏɪɴᴛ, ɪ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴘʀᴇᴛᴛʏ ꜱᴜʀᴇ ɪ'ᴅ ᴠᴇᴇʀᴇᴅ ɪɴᴛᴏ ꜱᴛᴀʟᴋᴇʀ ᴛᴇʀʀɪᴛᴏʀʏ.
Cal is great too! He was so hurt and just wanted to be loved and omg I wanted to hug him. The friendships in this book were amazing as well.
"𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞.”
The plot is great! Honestly this is just an amazing romance book. First time read from this author and I’ll be reading more!
"𝚁𝚞𝚗, 𝚗𝚘𝚠, 𝙿𝚛𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚢 𝚋𝚘𝚢."
🇹🇷🇴🇵🇪🇸
🍃Fake boyfriends
🪓A grumpy lumberjack
⛸️A sassy figure skater
🤍Family chaos,
🍃Slow-burning romance
🪓Emotional
⛸️Spice
🤍Agegap
🍃Hurt/comfort
I loved this book!
Such an emotional roller coaster. LOTS of tears but my heart is just so full now.
Cal & Wade have been through a lot. There’s a lot of healing in this book! Wade is just perfect for Cal. He’s so caring. He’s protective and wouldn’t let Cal slip into that darkness.
ᴀᴛ ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴘᴏɪɴᴛ, ɪ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴘʀᴇᴛᴛʏ ꜱᴜʀᴇ ɪ'ᴅ ᴠᴇᴇʀᴇᴅ ɪɴᴛᴏ ꜱᴛᴀʟᴋᴇʀ ᴛᴇʀʀɪᴛᴏʀʏ.
Cal is great too! He was so hurt and just wanted to be loved and omg I wanted to hug him. The friendships in this book were amazing as well.
"𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞.”
The plot is great! Honestly this is just an amazing romance book. First time read from this author and I’ll be reading more!
"𝚁𝚞𝚗, 𝚗𝚘𝚠, 𝙿𝚛𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚢 𝚋𝚘𝚢."
🇹🇷🇴🇵🇪🇸
🍃Fake boyfriends
🪓A grumpy lumberjack
⛸️A sassy figure skater
🤍Family chaos,
🍃Slow-burning romance
🪓Emotional
⛸️Spice
🤍Agegap
🍃Hurt/comfort
February 16, 2025
*****ARC REVIEW*****
what a beautiful book. I love the world that Rory Lector has built here and, having loved spitfire Cal in book 1, I was so excited to get to read his story early.
Cal is charming, witty, fun, and protects himself fiercely. When he meets “Jack” (Wade), we get to watch his walls slowly come down as he opens himself to trust and love.
Wade was so patient and kind. Even when Cal continuously pushed him away (and even physically ran from him).
This is a story of love, loss, hurt, comfort, grief, and the heaviness of expectations (whether internal or external). I thoroughly enjoyed this third instalment to the series.
what a beautiful book. I love the world that Rory Lector has built here and, having loved spitfire Cal in book 1, I was so excited to get to read his story early.
Cal is charming, witty, fun, and protects himself fiercely. When he meets “Jack” (Wade), we get to watch his walls slowly come down as he opens himself to trust and love.
Wade was so patient and kind. Even when Cal continuously pushed him away (and even physically ran from him).
This is a story of love, loss, hurt, comfort, grief, and the heaviness of expectations (whether internal or external). I thoroughly enjoyed this third instalment to the series.
February 20, 2025
When I found out that Cal was getting his own book, I happy danced. I loved Cal from the start and being able to get to know him more was absolutely beautiful.
Cal has decided to do a love detox and here comes Wade, the lumberjack bar owner who says he is ok being single until Cal.
I loved getting to know more about Cal and hearing his story and seeing what he is going through and what he goes through just makes me love him more. Wade is this amazing character and seeing what he went through to get to where he is makes you see why he is perfect for Cal.
Throw in fake dating that has you wondering when it stopped being fake, a found family that makes us all want them in our life, two side characters that you want to punch, and a love story that brings tears to your eyes and a smile to your face. Cal and Wade will stick with you for a loooong time.
Thank you Rory Lector for this ARC, this review was entirely my own.
Cal has decided to do a love detox and here comes Wade, the lumberjack bar owner who says he is ok being single until Cal.
I loved getting to know more about Cal and hearing his story and seeing what he is going through and what he goes through just makes me love him more. Wade is this amazing character and seeing what he went through to get to where he is makes you see why he is perfect for Cal.
Throw in fake dating that has you wondering when it stopped being fake, a found family that makes us all want them in our life, two side characters that you want to punch, and a love story that brings tears to your eyes and a smile to your face. Cal and Wade will stick with you for a loooong time.
Thank you Rory Lector for this ARC, this review was entirely my own.
April 11, 2025
2.5
Much less good than the previous ones, and I'll explain why.
1. The book was too long, it could have been significantly shorter.
2. Their relationship just didn't work for me, something didn't work out there.
3. "The Betrayal" is written very poorly, and I'm still not convinced that nothing happened there.
4. The reunion with the father - something like that needs to be written properly, here it felt like something the author simply tried to push at the end and quickly.
I gave up on the last chapters, I got bored.
Much less good than the previous ones, and I'll explain why.
1. The book was too long, it could have been significantly shorter.
2. Their relationship just didn't work for me, something didn't work out there.
3. "The Betrayal" is written very poorly, and I'm still not convinced that nothing happened there.
4. The reunion with the father - something like that needs to be written properly, here it felt like something the author simply tried to push at the end and quickly.
I gave up on the last chapters, I got bored.
March 18, 2025
This was an emotional roller coaster of a ride.
The author has a lovely way with words that is almost poetic.
What started as a fake relationship becomes so much more as they slowly get to know one another.
There's equal amounts of tears and angst coupled with laughter and humor.
Cal has been hurt so much, he just wants to belong and to be loved.
Wade was perfect for Cal, he was so protective of him, especially from Cal himself.
I also really enjoyed the found family aspect.
The author has a lovely way with words that is almost poetic.
What started as a fake relationship becomes so much more as they slowly get to know one another.
There's equal amounts of tears and angst coupled with laughter and humor.
Cal has been hurt so much, he just wants to belong and to be loved.
Wade was perfect for Cal, he was so protective of him, especially from Cal himself.
I also really enjoyed the found family aspect.
May 19, 2025
I struggled with this one. The other 2 books gives Cal an almost innocent like ability. This book he just frustrated me so much. Sure I felt so bad for the situation with his parents but the hell he kept putting Wade through was ridiculous. Esp for someone that wanted real love so desperately.
Also side note…the spice in this one is subpar compared to the first 2 books. There’s no spice at all til like probably 75% through & even those few spice scenes were just meh 🫤
Also side note…the spice in this one is subpar compared to the first 2 books. There’s no spice at all til like probably 75% through & even those few spice scenes were just meh 🫤
January 25, 2026
Cal was so easy to fall in love with
I think of all three of the Time on the Ice series, That Time We Faked It and Cal are my favourites.
I fell in love with Cal over the first 2 books and this one just cemented him in my heart.
Following as both Cal and Wade as they started to let down their walls, learnt to trust and let each other in was just wonderful.
Highly recommended.
I think of all three of the Time on the Ice series, That Time We Faked It and Cal are my favourites.
I fell in love with Cal over the first 2 books and this one just cemented him in my heart.
Following as both Cal and Wade as they started to let down their walls, learnt to trust and let each other in was just wonderful.
Highly recommended.
February 25, 2025
I did enjoy Cal and Wade's story. I did chuckle a lot in this book. The chemistry between the characters was great and both had to deal with personal drama throughout the book.
Loss in different circumstances and finding a way to be loved the way you are.
Thank you for providing me with this ARC!
Loss in different circumstances and finding a way to be loved the way you are.
Thank you for providing me with this ARC!
January 27, 2026
I didn’t like this as much as the other 2.
It felt kind of forced which I didn’t enjoy and while I enjoy the fake dating love story the miscommunications kept really annoying me.
They were a sweet couple and I loved that the friendships from the previous books were present but I just didn’t love it.
It felt kind of forced which I didn’t enjoy and while I enjoy the fake dating love story the miscommunications kept really annoying me.
They were a sweet couple and I loved that the friendships from the previous books were present but I just didn’t love it.
March 6, 2025
That Time We Faked It is the third book in the Time on the Ice series and I do suggest reading in order. This is a fun, hurt/comfort, age gap, sweet story about Cal and Wade. I really enjoyed this storyline and the wonderful characters.
March 12, 2025
I’ve loved this whose series, and this book was a perfect wrap-up. So emotional, you can’t help but love Cal and Wade.
December 30, 2025
Engaging romance
March 2, 2025
Just like Rory’s other books this one was so good! I think it’s my favourite one so far actually. Cal and Wade (Jack) were so good together. I loved Cal and his sass and I loved Wade and his unwillingness to let Cal go. They both need hugs after all the things they’ve gone through. I’m so happy they both go their happy ending with each other. Another thing I loved about this book was Wade’s family. They were a bit overbearing at times but I loved them. It was also great seeing Tyler, Hunter, Shane and Eli. All in all I really enjoyed this roller coaster of a book!
March 7, 2025
Rory Lector continues to give me exactly what I need. I’m saying this now I need one book every year.
I could not wait for Cal’s story from the moment he glided onto the pages in One More Time I knew he was going to be special, and He was and Wade was just the sweetest cherry on top.
But in all seriousness, this strangers to friends to fake dating to lover is a wild ride and so heart warming.
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