Faking It with the Forbidden Chief

by N.J. Monroe

This is a spicy, friends-to-lovers, small-town romance with a colorful supporting cast of meddling townsfolk and family, lots of spicy swooniness, humor, and a heaping spoonful of HEA. All books in this series can be read as a standalone.

Friends with secret benefits…. In a town where secrets don’t exist.

Ciara Sinclair has held a piece of my heart for as long as I can remember, but she’s my brother’s sister-in-law and off-limits. Or was. Thanks to one impulsive night… she’s my forbidden addiction.

Now we’re sneaking around town, pretending we’re not dating while craving each other every minute of every day. She thinks she’s unlovable. I’ll break every one of her rules to prove her wrong.

But Ciara’s keeping secrets bigger than our affair.

When my police investigation points straight to her…

And her daughter’s custody hangs by a thread…

I’m forced to choose between protecting the woman I love and revealing a secret of my own that changes everything.

A steamy, small-town romance featuring a protective police chief, a single mom with secrets, and a love worth risking everything for.

288 pages, Paperback

Published February 16, 2025

Reviews

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything!!! I loved the writing style. It was fun and unique. The characters are full of personality. While the writing style might not be for everyone, I highly recommend giving this a read. It’s so good!!!!!.

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

[Terra Oenning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowsa this book is absolutely fantastic and will definitely have you engrossed from the beginning until the end. It's a small town romance with sisters husband's brother and single mom taboo. I throughly enjoyed this book its suspense and heartbreak and and action packed and chemistry and romance and so much more. I couldn't put it down as the story had me engrossed and just falling in love with the characters. Great Book!.

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

[Nicole K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faking It with the Forbidden Chief by NJ Monroe is an engaging romance that captivates readers from the start. The story revolves around a strong and independent protagonist who finds herself entangled in a passionate relationship with a chief from a neighboring tribe. The chemistry between the characters is electric, and Monroe does an excellent job of developing their dynamic, making it both believable and compelling.

The writing style is fluid and immersive, allowing readers to easily visualize the settings and feel the emotions of the characters. Monroe’s attention to detail brings the cultural aspects of the story to life, enriching the narrative and providing depth to the characters' backgrounds. The plot is well-paced, with a mix of tension, romance, and moments of humor that keep the reader engaged throughout.

Overall, Faking It with the Forbidden Chief is a delightful read for anyone who enjoys a steamy romance with a touch of adventure. NJ Monroe has crafted a story that not only entertains but also explores themes of love, loyalty, and the complexities of cultural differences. It's definitely worth picking up if you're in the mood for a captivating love story!

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW this was a great book. The book cover caught my attention and I knew that I had to read it. It was a steamy page turner and the suspense was intense. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn't even put it down literally. Jordan and Ciara were intrigued with each other a long time ago until they ran into each other again later in life in their hometown where he was chief. They were not to be together as she was off limit to me. The chemistry and the physical attraction was sizzling hot and sexual tension. But he couldn't fight the temptation any longer in this moment. Was he falling in love with her or will someone will find out their little secret about their relationship.
I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones

[Jane Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a good book. I love how they finally get together after all the hard things happened to her.

[Alina Bădică · Rating 3 out of 5]

Faking It with the Forbidden Chef was an engaging and spicy read with a strong romantic dynamic. One of the things I really liked was Jordan’s persistence, he didn’t back down when Ciara tried to end things, and he never gave up on her.
Ciara’s reluctance to go public with their relationship made a lot of sense given her past. After getting pregnant at 17 and raising her daughter alone while being bullied by the entire town, she lived under constant threat from her child’s paternal grandparents, who made it clear they could take her daughter away if she ever stepped out of line. That fear shaped many of her choices, so I completely understood her hesitations.
What I loved most about Jordan was how he found a way to help Ciara break free from that fear, showing her she didn’t have to live in the shadows anymore. Their journey together was heartwarming, even if the author’s occasional direct interjections in the story were a bit distracting. For example, early on in the book, the author breaks the fourth wall by inserting a conversation with Ciara:
“Writer: Ahem, Ciara? If I may?
Ciara: What? Who’s that?
Writer: It’s me. The Writer.I mean, all of this is great for backstory and all, but can we get to the good stuff? The ‘getting jiggy with it with the doc’ good stuff. The sexy, dimpled, tattooed pediatric surgeon doc, to be exact. I mean, I wrote a God for you. Let’s give the readers what they want.”

While this style choice didn’t bother me too much, it did take me out of the story at times.
Overall, this book is great for readers who enjoy steamy romance with a touch of drama. It’s a solid pick for anyone looking for a fun, sexy read with an emotional core.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ciara is a wonderful single mother, stretching herself thin to make sure her daughter is happy and loved. Unfortunately, she has long been the target of the small town gossips because she was a single mother at 17, taking the brunt of it despite the father being a run away dead beat but from an influential family. She has stood strong on her own, with help from her family, but feels she cannot make any false steps for fear she’ll lose custody of Niamh. Jordan has been interested in Ciara for years and is willing to play the long game to get her to see they belong together. Lots of emotional ups and downs, feels and angst. I wanted to yell at all the people who were so casually mean to and hurtfully gossipy about Ciara, who as a nurse only worked hard to help people. A good read, a few tears.

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

[Louisa Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a brilliant next chapter in the Pine Blossom Lake series, I love the Kelly's and the Sinclair's.

Ciara Kelly has spent years being the topic of brutal gossip in her small town, when she was 16 she got pregnant and the father disappeared, hidden away by his rich and powerful family.

Jordan Sinclair has always had a soft spot for Ciara, now he's back in town for good and his brother just married her sister the sparks are flying.

Having a secret romance in a small town is never easy and when you're accused of stealing from a patient at the hospital life just gets even harder.

This is another beautiful romance set in this picturesque small town where everyone knows everything but those who love you will have your back no matter the cost.

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

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really sweet and easy read! The title is a little misleading though, as there is no fake relationship but rather a secret one. I really enjoyed this author's writing style and was completely cracking up during the prologues. Definitely enjoy that this is written in the way people actually speak and not the more formal/stiff language a lot of authors use. I did really enjoy the characters including the larger group of friends and family. This is the first book of the series I've read, but now I certainly want to dive into the rest! Oh and it's spicy too, wink wink.

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

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ciara and Jordan have a friend with benefits relationship but if truth be told they are really crazy about each other and wants more especially Jordan. As their relationship begins to grow out of what they have secrets plague Ciara that could jeopardize all she holds dear. Will Jordan be able to help her get out of her predicaments and will it finally lead them along the path to the happiness they deserve. This heartfelt story had me all caught up in Jordan and Ciara.

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

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Police Chief Interest

At seventeen Ciara was ostracized by the town for being pregnant and rumors have kept her from forming significant relationships. Jordan, the police chief just happens to be in love with her but getting her accept more than a hookup will take time. The chemistry between them was on fire, right from the start. This plot was emotional, tense with jealousy and spicy hot. I loved how Jordan would not give up and wanted to help her as well as protect her. This was a wonderful read!.

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

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the emotions and a dang good story to boot . This book is so well written with perfectly well crafted characters . Police Chief Jordan is smitten with Ciara and she’s all in love with him. She hasn’t got very good relations with her child’s grandparents . They’re that down on her they don’t realise that they don’t care themselves.Niamh’s dad is dead beat and his parents are just down on a mum who is dead on her feet. They can’t see that they are just as bad as her dad. Jordan would love to be a dad to her and loves on her mother so.Jordan Sinclair way to go. Now all this is all well and good but revealing there feelings are getting better received and ooh whole lot wetter as they at last have their pleasures ignite and both in sync as her cheeks are in the pink from their heat. This indeed was a beautiful story and phew it go ramped up in a delightful way . What a story too yay! Grandparents are given home truths and what do you know ,they actually came through! Well written dream of a book . I enjoyed the storyline and the storytelling divine

[Julie Juhl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faking It with the Forbidden Chief: A Small Town, Single Mom, Fake Dating Romance by NJ Monroe is book 3 of Pink Blossom Lake series. This was a great book! I thought the storyline was original and made it a fun read. Ciara and Jordan have amazing chemistry, sizzling passion and lots of ups and downs in their story. Will they get their happily ever after, I guess you will have to read the book.

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

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series and this book was a great addition to it. Main characters were likeable and relatable. They shared caring and compassion between them. Storyline had just the right amount of drama and suspense. Loved the chemistry that developed between characters. Some roadblocks to overcome to achieve their HEA. Definitely recommend.

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

[PW · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book description is an excellent introduction to the story. Ciara is a fantastic character who is a loving mother determined not to her small town beat her down. Jordan is the local police chief who has been attracted to Ciara for a while. This love story took me on their journey in an opinionated small town. Enjoy!.

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

[Esme Greiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ciara, is a single mom with a complicated past, and Jordan, the protective police chief who has secretly loved her for years. Their fake dating arrangement turns into a passionate connection, but hidden truths and a custody battle threaten their happiness. Will they find that what started out fake turns into so much more?

[Sharon Rudolph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I loved this book!! I laughed and I cried with the characters. Their storyline grabbed me from the very beginning! My heart broke for Ciara and all she had to go through. I would love to read more about this family!

[Jim H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious

While the story has a serious overtone, it is funny in places. I laughed a lot. Place name are hilarious.

[Sheila M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this well-written small town forbidden romance from the talented NJ Monroe. I always know I am in for a good time when I read one of her books. Faking It with the Forbidden Chief is about Ciara and Jordan and is no exception. Ciara is a good single mother to her 11-year-old daughter Niamh, despite Niamh’s father being a deadbeat dad that has no part in their life. Ciara supports herself and her daughter by being a nurse. Ciara has a horrible relationship with the wealthy grandparents of her daughter. They are so busy spewing hatred at Ciara while on their sanctimonious high horse that they do not realize that they are not good grandparents. Ciara puts up with it because she is afraid they will seek custody and take Niamh away from her, like they constantly threaten. Ciara has had a secret crush on Jordan Sinclair, the local police chief for a long time. “He’s wearing his uniform and looking so freaking gorgeous my breath catches in my throat.” Jordan likewise has had feelings for Ciara for a while. ”She’s my every fantasy come to life.” Their secret affair highlights the intense chemistry between them.

There are so many good things about this book. The story is an emotional journey for the MCs as they both have some self-discovery to do individually and as a couple, and the author does a good job of sharing their growth. There are plenty of angst, drama, humor and big feelings thrown in. This book is spicy. The dirty talk? OH my! You will need a fan and a tall glass of something cold to drink. There is a lot of humor and funny one-liners sprinkled throughout the book, especially when Ciara discusses the Matchmaking Mafia Cronies. There are also some delightful supporting characters. Overall, this is a great book.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faking It with the Forbidden Chief is book 3 of the Pink Blossom Lake Series. I absolutely love a forbidden, sneak-around, romance! A book that'll make you feel many emotions. I adore the characters in this series and their amazing storylines that Monroe creates! Enjoy Jordan and Ciara's story, because I did!