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Havenbrook #4
Faker
They say fake it till you make it, and I’ve been a faker my whole damn life. But it was a lot easier pretending I didn't want my best friend before I needed her to be my wife.
Just as I’m on the brink of making my dreams a reality, tragedy strikes. One minute I’m chasing a record deal, and the next, I’m temporary guardian of my niece and nephew.
In order to prove to the judge I’m the best fit, I need to show stability. I need…a wife.
Even though Natalie Haven swore she left Havenbrook for good, she comes the second I call—no questions asked.
But Nat’s always been too big for this small town, and she’s only back long enough to help me fool everyone. Trouble is, we’re starting to fool ourselves.
It was easier faking it with half a world between us. Now that we're playing house by day and sharing a bed every night, it’s impossible to deny how much I want her. And how much I love calling her my wife.
Pretending to love Nat is the easiest lie I’ve ever told. Because the truth is I never stopped. The real problem is figuring out how to let her go when it’s all over.
*This book was originally published as Small Town Pretender in 2021 and significantly edited and updated in 2025*
Just as I’m on the brink of making my dreams a reality, tragedy strikes. One minute I’m chasing a record deal, and the next, I’m temporary guardian of my niece and nephew.
In order to prove to the judge I’m the best fit, I need to show stability. I need…a wife.
Even though Natalie Haven swore she left Havenbrook for good, she comes the second I call—no questions asked.
But Nat’s always been too big for this small town, and she’s only back long enough to help me fool everyone. Trouble is, we’re starting to fool ourselves.
It was easier faking it with half a world between us. Now that we're playing house by day and sharing a bed every night, it’s impossible to deny how much I want her. And how much I love calling her my wife.
Pretending to love Nat is the easiest lie I’ve ever told. Because the truth is I never stopped. The real problem is figuring out how to let her go when it’s all over.
*This book was originally published as Small Town Pretender in 2021 and significantly edited and updated in 2025*
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2025
98 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Brighton Walsh
52 books2,248 followersAward-winning USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Brighton Walsh spent nearly a decade as a professional photographer before taking her storytelling in a different direction and reconnecting with her first love: writing. When she’s not lost in her own made up worlds, she’s probably either reading or shopping—maybe even both at once. She lives in the Midwest with her real life hero of a husband, her two kids—both taller than her—and her dog who thinks she’s a queen. Her boy-filled house is the setting for dirty socks galore, frequent dance parties (okay, so it's mostly her, by herself, while her children look on in horror), and more laughter than she thought possible. Visit her online at brightonwalsh.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 21, 2025
ARC kindly provided for the author in exchange for an honest review
Nat & Asher will ALWAYS have a special place in my heart because theirs was the story that introduced me to Brighton Walsh and made me fall in love with her writing. That's why I was so happy to read this improved version of Faker because I enjoyed it just as much as the first time! Their love story is beautiful, funny, and full of love. Plus, the plot of this book is so entertaining that I read it even faster than the first time. I also think it's the perfect ending to Havenbrook because the author gave me the best updates on all the characters in the series, beautiful moments with the Haven sisters, their love interests, and also the friendship between Nat, Asher, and Nash!
Nat is, without a doubt, my favorite character in this series, and of the Haven sisters: I LOVE her strong, daring, and confident personality. I love that she always knows what she wants, that she doesn't care what people think of her, and that she loves being a photographer and traveling the world. BUT Nat hates feeling trapped, and that's what Havenbrook has ALWAYS meant to her, along with the constant pressure of living up to her family's expectations. That's why her friendship with Nash and Asher is so important to Natalie, because they have always been her refuge, a safe place, and freedom.
Asher is one of the best male characters I've ever read: a musician on the cusp of fulfilling his dreams when a huge tragedy changes his life, and he suddenly finds himself back in Havenbrook, taking care of June and Owen, his 4-year-old niece and 8-month-old nephew. Ash goes through a lot in this book, and Brighton shows us his grief, his desperation to keep the kids safe, and especially his desire to fulfill his sister and brother-in-law's last wish. This makes me love him a little more because he's such a loyal, sweet, and loving man to June and Owen, and that's why I love that he always has the Havens by his side.
Nat & Asher have been best friends since he arrived at Havenbrook and their connection has always been special, that's why when Asher needs to protect Owen & June, he asks Nat to pretend to be a couple in love and engaged. And from that moment on, Natalie begins to see a different side of the man who was always her best friend and her safe place, she begins to doubt the most common interactions she has with Asher and also gets completely involved in taking care of the two little ones, showing a very different side of her personality and melting my heart because Nat is the sweetest, funniest, and most adorable with the children. In addition, the natural way in which Asher, Nat, Owen & June become a family makes this book a true hug to the heart because, even without realizing it, they create a loving place in which it is impossible for Nat & Asher to continue ignoring what they feel.
💍Nat: 5/5
💍Asher: 5/5
💍Plot: 5/5
💍Love story: 5/5
💍Secondary charcters: 5/5
💍Universe: 5/5
💍Cover: 5/5
🌶️: 2/5
ARC amablemente proporcionada por la autora a cambio de una reseña honesta
Nat & Asher SIEMPRE van a tener un lugar especial en mi corazón porque la suya fue la historia con la que conocí a Brighton Walsh y con la que me enamoré de su escritura, por eso me hizo muy feliz leer esta versión mejorada de Faker porque lo disfruté tanto como la primera vez! Su historia de amor es hermosa, divertida y llena de sentimientos, además, la trama de este libro es tan entretenida que la leí aún más rápido que la primera vez, también creo que es el cierre perfecto para Havenbrook porque la autora me dio las mejores actualizaciones sobre todos los personajes de la serie, momentos hermosos de las hermana Haven, de sus intereses amorosos y también de la amistad entre Nat, Asher & Nash!
Nat es, sin lugar a dudas, mi personaje favorito de esta serie, y de las hermanas Haven: AMO su personalidad fuerte, atrevida y segura de si misma, me encanta que siempre sepa lo que quiere, que no le importe lo que la gente piensa de ella y que ame con locura ser fotógrafa y viajar por el mundo. PERO Nat odia sentirse atrapada, y eso es lo que Havenbrook SIEMPRE ha significado para ella, además de la constante presión de cumplir las expectativas de su familia, por eso es que su amistad con Nash & Asher es tan importante para Natalie, porque en ellos siempre han sido su refugio, lugar seguro y libertad.
Asher es una de los mejores personajes masculinos que he leído: un musico que está a punto de cumplir sus sueños cuando una gran tragedia cambia su vida, y repentinamente se ve de regreso en Havenbrook y a cargo de June & Owen, sus sobrinos de 4 años y 8 meses. Ash pasa por mucho a lo largo de este libro y Brighton nos muestra su duelo, su desesperación por mantener a salvo a sus sobrinos y especialmente por cumplir el ultimo deseo de su hermana y su cuñado, lo cual me hace amarlo un poco más porque es un hombre muy leal, dulce y amoroso con June & Owen y por eso me encanta que tenga a los Haven a su lado siempre.
Nat & Asher han sido mejores amigos desde que él llegó a Havenbrook y su conexión siempre ha sido especial, por eso es que cuando Asher necesita proteger a Owen & June, le pide a Nat que finjan ser una pareja enamorada y comprometida. Y a partir de ese momento Natalie empieza a ver un lado diferente del hombre que siempre fue su mejor amigo y su lugar seguro, empieza a dudar de las interacciones más comunes que tiene con Asher y también se involucra por completo en el cuidado de los dos pequeños dejando ver un lado muy diferente de su personalidad y derritiéndome el corazón porque Nat es la más dulce, divertida y adorable con los niños. Además, la naturalidad con la que Asher, Nat, Owen & June se convierten en una familia hace que este libro sea un verdadero abrazo al corazón porque, aún sin que ellos se den cuenta, crean un lugar amoroso en el que es imposible para Nat & Asher seguir ignorando lo que sienten.
💍Nat: 5/5
💍Asher: 5/5
💍Trama: 5/5
💍Historia de amor: 5/5
💍Personajes secundarios: 5/5
💍Universo: 5/5
💍Portada: 5/5
🌶️: 2/5
Nat & Asher will ALWAYS have a special place in my heart because theirs was the story that introduced me to Brighton Walsh and made me fall in love with her writing. That's why I was so happy to read this improved version of Faker because I enjoyed it just as much as the first time! Their love story is beautiful, funny, and full of love. Plus, the plot of this book is so entertaining that I read it even faster than the first time. I also think it's the perfect ending to Havenbrook because the author gave me the best updates on all the characters in the series, beautiful moments with the Haven sisters, their love interests, and also the friendship between Nat, Asher, and Nash!
Nat is, without a doubt, my favorite character in this series, and of the Haven sisters: I LOVE her strong, daring, and confident personality. I love that she always knows what she wants, that she doesn't care what people think of her, and that she loves being a photographer and traveling the world. BUT Nat hates feeling trapped, and that's what Havenbrook has ALWAYS meant to her, along with the constant pressure of living up to her family's expectations. That's why her friendship with Nash and Asher is so important to Natalie, because they have always been her refuge, a safe place, and freedom.
Asher is one of the best male characters I've ever read: a musician on the cusp of fulfilling his dreams when a huge tragedy changes his life, and he suddenly finds himself back in Havenbrook, taking care of June and Owen, his 4-year-old niece and 8-month-old nephew. Ash goes through a lot in this book, and Brighton shows us his grief, his desperation to keep the kids safe, and especially his desire to fulfill his sister and brother-in-law's last wish. This makes me love him a little more because he's such a loyal, sweet, and loving man to June and Owen, and that's why I love that he always has the Havens by his side.
Nat & Asher have been best friends since he arrived at Havenbrook and their connection has always been special, that's why when Asher needs to protect Owen & June, he asks Nat to pretend to be a couple in love and engaged. And from that moment on, Natalie begins to see a different side of the man who was always her best friend and her safe place, she begins to doubt the most common interactions she has with Asher and also gets completely involved in taking care of the two little ones, showing a very different side of her personality and melting my heart because Nat is the sweetest, funniest, and most adorable with the children. In addition, the natural way in which Asher, Nat, Owen & June become a family makes this book a true hug to the heart because, even without realizing it, they create a loving place in which it is impossible for Nat & Asher to continue ignoring what they feel.
💍Nat: 5/5
💍Asher: 5/5
💍Plot: 5/5
💍Love story: 5/5
💍Secondary charcters: 5/5
💍Universe: 5/5
💍Cover: 5/5
🌶️: 2/5
ARC amablemente proporcionada por la autora a cambio de una reseña honesta
Nat & Asher SIEMPRE van a tener un lugar especial en mi corazón porque la suya fue la historia con la que conocí a Brighton Walsh y con la que me enamoré de su escritura, por eso me hizo muy feliz leer esta versión mejorada de Faker porque lo disfruté tanto como la primera vez! Su historia de amor es hermosa, divertida y llena de sentimientos, además, la trama de este libro es tan entretenida que la leí aún más rápido que la primera vez, también creo que es el cierre perfecto para Havenbrook porque la autora me dio las mejores actualizaciones sobre todos los personajes de la serie, momentos hermosos de las hermana Haven, de sus intereses amorosos y también de la amistad entre Nat, Asher & Nash!
Nat es, sin lugar a dudas, mi personaje favorito de esta serie, y de las hermanas Haven: AMO su personalidad fuerte, atrevida y segura de si misma, me encanta que siempre sepa lo que quiere, que no le importe lo que la gente piensa de ella y que ame con locura ser fotógrafa y viajar por el mundo. PERO Nat odia sentirse atrapada, y eso es lo que Havenbrook SIEMPRE ha significado para ella, además de la constante presión de cumplir las expectativas de su familia, por eso es que su amistad con Nash & Asher es tan importante para Natalie, porque en ellos siempre han sido su refugio, lugar seguro y libertad.
Asher es una de los mejores personajes masculinos que he leído: un musico que está a punto de cumplir sus sueños cuando una gran tragedia cambia su vida, y repentinamente se ve de regreso en Havenbrook y a cargo de June & Owen, sus sobrinos de 4 años y 8 meses. Ash pasa por mucho a lo largo de este libro y Brighton nos muestra su duelo, su desesperación por mantener a salvo a sus sobrinos y especialmente por cumplir el ultimo deseo de su hermana y su cuñado, lo cual me hace amarlo un poco más porque es un hombre muy leal, dulce y amoroso con June & Owen y por eso me encanta que tenga a los Haven a su lado siempre.
Nat & Asher han sido mejores amigos desde que él llegó a Havenbrook y su conexión siempre ha sido especial, por eso es que cuando Asher necesita proteger a Owen & June, le pide a Nat que finjan ser una pareja enamorada y comprometida. Y a partir de ese momento Natalie empieza a ver un lado diferente del hombre que siempre fue su mejor amigo y su lugar seguro, empieza a dudar de las interacciones más comunes que tiene con Asher y también se involucra por completo en el cuidado de los dos pequeños dejando ver un lado muy diferente de su personalidad y derritiéndome el corazón porque Nat es la más dulce, divertida y adorable con los niños. Además, la naturalidad con la que Asher, Nat, Owen & June se convierten en una familia hace que este libro sea un verdadero abrazo al corazón porque, aún sin que ellos se den cuenta, crean un lugar amoroso en el que es imposible para Nat & Asher seguir ignorando lo que sienten.
💍Nat: 5/5
💍Asher: 5/5
💍Trama: 5/5
💍Historia de amor: 5/5
💍Personajes secundarios: 5/5
💍Universo: 5/5
💍Portada: 5/5
🌶️: 2/5
April 18, 2025
I was graciously gifted an ARC of the rewrite and am providing my honest review.
I LOVE ASHER AND NATALIE SO MUCH!
Childhood best friends
Marriage of convenience
Musician/songwriter and photographer
One bed
Need I say more?
Asher and Natalie(Nat) along with Nash were the terrible trio of Havenbrook growing up. Asher and Nat got out as soon as they turned adult age to pursue their passions in life. Nat has never stayed in Havenbrook for longer than a day or so except for when Nash used their "drop everything" code word. A couple months later Asher calls her after he receives heartbreaking news and puts in his "drop everything" request that requires her to 1) marry him 2) take care of 2 children and 3) stay in Havenbrook until his next court hearing.
I love their friendship and how it allows them to easily fall into a faux relationship. But I love even more how they fall for one another unknowingly. (We get to love Nash even more)
I have come to adore the entire Haven family from the doting mother, kickass Gran and even the uptight father. (While his daughters recently started living for themselves rather than his approval, let's remember he did raise some badass women... with help of course.) I love how the sisters' relationships mend and flourish throughout and all the significant others easily mesh into the mix.
While I'm sad the series has come to an end, I've enjoyed the journey through the Haven sisters' lives and how they found their own happiness and strength... and their handsome men!
I LOVE ASHER AND NATALIE SO MUCH!
Childhood best friends
Marriage of convenience
Musician/songwriter and photographer
One bed
Need I say more?
Asher and Natalie(Nat) along with Nash were the terrible trio of Havenbrook growing up. Asher and Nat got out as soon as they turned adult age to pursue their passions in life. Nat has never stayed in Havenbrook for longer than a day or so except for when Nash used their "drop everything" code word. A couple months later Asher calls her after he receives heartbreaking news and puts in his "drop everything" request that requires her to 1) marry him 2) take care of 2 children and 3) stay in Havenbrook until his next court hearing.
I love their friendship and how it allows them to easily fall into a faux relationship. But I love even more how they fall for one another unknowingly. (We get to love Nash even more)
I have come to adore the entire Haven family from the doting mother, kickass Gran and even the uptight father. (While his daughters recently started living for themselves rather than his approval, let's remember he did raise some badass women... with help of course.) I love how the sisters' relationships mend and flourish throughout and all the significant others easily mesh into the mix.
While I'm sad the series has come to an end, I've enjoyed the journey through the Haven sisters' lives and how they found their own happiness and strength... and their handsome men!
March 7, 2025
This series has been extensively reworked from the previous release and I’ve been loving getting to binge them.
Nat and Asher are probably my favorite. I love their shared history, the way they know each other so well, and the fact that they can push each other’s buttons perfectly. They’re both so similar and it was a damn delight reading them go from best friends to more. Of course, it’s always fun to read the sister dynamic, but even more when the boys are included.
Plot wise, it’s good. There are a few moving parts, but it’s mostly focused on Nat and Asher and how they’re going to navigate this new reality together. The angsty times don’t last very long (thank you, Nash) and the future take slash epilogue was satisfying.
Overall, this is a great series to binge read and I can’t flail enough about how much I love Brighton’s worlds and characters. If you haven’t read her stuff yet, I would change that immediately.
**Huge thanks to Brighton for providing the arc free of charge**
Nat and Asher are probably my favorite. I love their shared history, the way they know each other so well, and the fact that they can push each other’s buttons perfectly. They’re both so similar and it was a damn delight reading them go from best friends to more. Of course, it’s always fun to read the sister dynamic, but even more when the boys are included.
Plot wise, it’s good. There are a few moving parts, but it’s mostly focused on Nat and Asher and how they’re going to navigate this new reality together. The angsty times don’t last very long (thank you, Nash) and the future take slash epilogue was satisfying.
Overall, this is a great series to binge read and I can’t flail enough about how much I love Brighton’s worlds and characters. If you haven’t read her stuff yet, I would change that immediately.
**Huge thanks to Brighton for providing the arc free of charge**
March 13, 2025
Can I be besties with Gran?! She is my hero!!
Asher and Nat were the perfect ending to this series!!
Nat and Asher are child hood besties who are there for each other no matter what. When tragedy strikes Asher, he uses one word on Nat and she is there for him more than she ever thought she would be. Nat is the free spirited wild child, but she drops it all for Asher. I love the way they love each other and just want what’s best for each other!
Best friends to husband and wife? Sign me up!!
I also loved seeing the relationship between the 4 girls grow! 🥰
Asher and Nat were the perfect ending to this series!!
Nat and Asher are child hood besties who are there for each other no matter what. When tragedy strikes Asher, he uses one word on Nat and she is there for him more than she ever thought she would be. Nat is the free spirited wild child, but she drops it all for Asher. I love the way they love each other and just want what’s best for each other!
Best friends to husband and wife? Sign me up!!
I also loved seeing the relationship between the 4 girls grow! 🥰
March 20, 2025
Sweet and emotional end to the series
5 Stars
The final Haven sister meets her match in this, the last book of the Havenbrook series. Well, I say meets her match but she’s already met him - since he’s been her best friend and partner in crime, all their lives. This is a reissue of Small Town Pretender - adapted and updated and now in first person viewpoint. The series follows four sisters from a small town in Mississippi. Of course, they’re all going to appear in each other’s books - but each stands completely alone and you don’t need to have read any of the others to read, understand and enjoy this (or any of the other) books in the series.
Nat is the youngest Haven sister and - in her mind at least - the outcast wild child of the siblings. A photographer by trade, she spends her life jetting around the world - never settling and definitely never in her home town of Havenbrook. And I’m going to be honest - I wasn’t sure I’d like her. Or at least I didn’t think that I would feel any kinship with her. But I was pleasantly surprised. Her feelings felt real but she wasn’t a stubborn wanderluster but genuinely conflicted. I liked her a lot.
Asher is a musician - again not my preferred occupation for my heroes - on the brink of superstardom when he’s called back to his small town. His first call to help him out is to his best friend, Nat. Asher is a stand up guy and just an all round sweetheart - but he has just enough cockiness to make him a little edgy. I felt his emotions, loved how tried to talk himself out of being in love with Nat and just all round was rooting for him to get his happily ever after.
I flat out love, love, loved Nat and Asher as a couple. I actually loved them even when they were just friends. Sometimes I feel that the friends to lovers trope can have the couple’s relationship changing completely when they cross that line. What was perfect about Ash and Nat is that they were still best friends, teased each other, irritated each other but just took their friendship to that next level. But that’s not to say that they were without passion. It was hot - and probably even more so because they knew each other so well.
Another couple of things I don’t usually go for in a romance are 1) grief / tragedy - I want happy stories - and 2) children. And yet here comes this story with both those things. I’m not going to lie, the loss of Asher’s sister and brother-in-law was brutal. It was handled with care and the grief was never gratuitous or too much - but I still cried. And the kids were absolutely adorable. They were around a lot but they were just cute without being annoying and I actually really enjoyed them, too.
So this book, on the face of it, shouldn’t really be one that I enjoyed all that much - but I really, really did. I loved Asher and Nat, the kids, the whole family - and the story and small town life just gave me all the feels. This is Brighton Walsh at her best and it was such a wonderful end to an amazing series. Definitely 5 stars for this one.
March 12, 2025
Book 4 in the Havenbrook series centers on youngest Haven sister, Nat. This book, as with the others in the series, has been reworked by Brighton with a new title, cover, some revised content and dual POV narrative so a reread was definitely required!
Natalie and Asher have been best friends for 20 years. When he calls; she comes running. They’ve always been there for each other. But….a fake marriage so Asher can gain custody of his niece and nephew? And here begins the next chapter for Nat and Asher.
I’ve enjoyed feisty Nat in the previous books and she certainly shines here. She’s a wanderlust, photographer, desperate to never stay for long in her hometown of Havenbrook. Asher is a singer/songwriter destined for greatness in Nashville. One tragic event changes their lives. Now….will they FINALLY realize their friendship has grown into something much more? I loved this couple. Their deep friendship that finally comes into its own.
All of the Haven sisters are back….and have surprises of their own! I love these women. Hard. Plus they express their opinions of course of Nat’s life choices as she’s the youngest of them. It’s great sisterly banter. Add in her grumpy dad, her meddlesome mom and spitfire of a gran, and Nat has some future life choices to make. Will Asher be a part of it? Will she be able to leave Havenbrook again and never look back? Well since we always get a HEA with Brighton’s books you can guess which choice Nat makes. Finally.
I’ve enjoyed all of the Havenbrook books, each story of the Haven sisters finding love and THIS book is no exception. You’ll love Nat and Asher’s journey too.
Natalie and Asher have been best friends for 20 years. When he calls; she comes running. They’ve always been there for each other. But….a fake marriage so Asher can gain custody of his niece and nephew? And here begins the next chapter for Nat and Asher.
I’ve enjoyed feisty Nat in the previous books and she certainly shines here. She’s a wanderlust, photographer, desperate to never stay for long in her hometown of Havenbrook. Asher is a singer/songwriter destined for greatness in Nashville. One tragic event changes their lives. Now….will they FINALLY realize their friendship has grown into something much more? I loved this couple. Their deep friendship that finally comes into its own.
All of the Haven sisters are back….and have surprises of their own! I love these women. Hard. Plus they express their opinions of course of Nat’s life choices as she’s the youngest of them. It’s great sisterly banter. Add in her grumpy dad, her meddlesome mom and spitfire of a gran, and Nat has some future life choices to make. Will Asher be a part of it? Will she be able to leave Havenbrook again and never look back? Well since we always get a HEA with Brighton’s books you can guess which choice Nat makes. Finally.
I’ve enjoyed all of the Havenbrook books, each story of the Haven sisters finding love and THIS book is no exception. You’ll love Nat and Asher’s journey too.
March 13, 2025
I think Brighton saved the best for last, because I fell head over heels for Nat & Asher’s story. If you’ve read the series, you’ll remember Nat is the youngest Haven sister who has a desire for stretching her wings and exploring the world as a photographer. She is part of a friendship trio that includes Nash (her sister Rory’s man) and Asher.
Asher receives devastating news regarding his sister and brother in law, and when he texts Nat the word “downpour” she comes running to his side to help him pick up the pieces left behind (a young niece and baby nephew to be exact). The two strike up a marriage of convenience in order to secure custody of the two children, and along the way the lines start to blur from “best friends forever” to “til death do us part”.
What I love so much about this story is that Nat and Asher know each other in every single way, and never intimately. They are both thrust into this world of guardianship without having the slightest clue, but their intuition takes over beautifully as they navigate this new life together. These two have such chemistry and I love when a cataclysmic event forces them to see each other in a way that has been bubbling under the surface.
I also feel this book has best spice and the best plot driven conflict: he doesn’t want to clip her wings, and she is struggling to determine if Havenbrook is meant to be her home base or a temporary stopping point. And the kids, gosh, June and Owen welcome Asher and Natalie into their upside down world with open arms and the way Asher and Natalie grow into their roles is beautiful. The Haven family comes full circle in many ways, and it was bittersweet to close out this series.
Asher receives devastating news regarding his sister and brother in law, and when he texts Nat the word “downpour” she comes running to his side to help him pick up the pieces left behind (a young niece and baby nephew to be exact). The two strike up a marriage of convenience in order to secure custody of the two children, and along the way the lines start to blur from “best friends forever” to “til death do us part”.
What I love so much about this story is that Nat and Asher know each other in every single way, and never intimately. They are both thrust into this world of guardianship without having the slightest clue, but their intuition takes over beautifully as they navigate this new life together. These two have such chemistry and I love when a cataclysmic event forces them to see each other in a way that has been bubbling under the surface.
I also feel this book has best spice and the best plot driven conflict: he doesn’t want to clip her wings, and she is struggling to determine if Havenbrook is meant to be her home base or a temporary stopping point. And the kids, gosh, June and Owen welcome Asher and Natalie into their upside down world with open arms and the way Asher and Natalie grow into their roles is beautiful. The Haven family comes full circle in many ways, and it was bittersweet to close out this series.
March 18, 2025
I am so sad to come to the end of the Havenbrook series. I've been immersed in this small town and loved getting to know all the couples and their friends and family.
Nat and Asher were the perfect ending to the series. They had the sweetest friendship that spanned over 20 years, so naturally when he needed a wife to get custody of his niece and nephew, he didn't hesitate to "downpour" Nat to get her back to Havenbrook and by his side. The genuine love and connection these two had was so special, and that translated into insane chemistry once they were under the same roof and sharing a bed. I think they may have been the hottest, spiciest couple of the series and the "wifey" vibe Asher was putting off every chance he got was a whole vibe.
I love that Nat found her home, not in a place, but in her person, Asher. He was down bad for that woman, but she was just as gone for him. They adapted so naturally to family life that it was clear that's where they both belonged.
I'm gonna miss Gran too! She knew all along with all 4 of the sisters where their hearts were leading them and was just ornery enough to drop little hints without pushing too much. Daddy Haven speaking up on Nat and Asher's behalf made my heart so happy because I was not a fan of his throughout the series. He redeemed himself just a little with each sister. Momma Haven is my soul sister. I loved her and the champion she was for her family so much. The characters and stories Brighton weaved with this series were all remarkable and I will definitely be revisiting them all.
Nat and Asher were the perfect ending to the series. They had the sweetest friendship that spanned over 20 years, so naturally when he needed a wife to get custody of his niece and nephew, he didn't hesitate to "downpour" Nat to get her back to Havenbrook and by his side. The genuine love and connection these two had was so special, and that translated into insane chemistry once they were under the same roof and sharing a bed. I think they may have been the hottest, spiciest couple of the series and the "wifey" vibe Asher was putting off every chance he got was a whole vibe.
I love that Nat found her home, not in a place, but in her person, Asher. He was down bad for that woman, but she was just as gone for him. They adapted so naturally to family life that it was clear that's where they both belonged.
I'm gonna miss Gran too! She knew all along with all 4 of the sisters where their hearts were leading them and was just ornery enough to drop little hints without pushing too much. Daddy Haven speaking up on Nat and Asher's behalf made my heart so happy because I was not a fan of his throughout the series. He redeemed himself just a little with each sister. Momma Haven is my soul sister. I loved her and the champion she was for her family so much. The characters and stories Brighton weaved with this series were all remarkable and I will definitely be revisiting them all.
March 19, 2025
Every book in this series “Havenbrook” by @brightonwalsh is absolutely a 5 star read. Complete with romance, rowdiness, and southern charm, this series has everything you look for in a small down romance.
Charmer: Will and Finn’s story. I love a second chance romance and this one was perfect. The doubt snd fear at starting new felt incredibly real, and Will’s personal struggles with finding balance in her life were so relatable on a romantic and personal level. Absolutely loved!
Trouble Maker: Rory and Nash’s story. Going in I knew, I was going to love Rory. As an oldest daughter myself, I completely relayed to the pressure she felt growing up. I loved Nash’s carefree attitude and how it helped Rory to open up and love herself. Adored!
Heart Breaker: Mac and Hudson’s story. As a wild child, outdoors lover, Mac spoke to me. I remember doing tons of the same things she did while I was growing up, and reading it filled me with feelings of nostalgia and joy. Hudson’s relentless devotion to her, every part of her, made me swoon immediately. 10/10.
Faker: Nat and Asher’s story. Nat is the sister I felt through the rest of the series that I would be the least similar to, but I was wrong. So many parts of her story, where she traversed learning new roles and abilities within the family she chose, spoke to me in ways I’m just learning myself and a hopeful mom-to-be. I can’t wait to experience those things myself in real life, puke and all.
Overall series, HIGHLY recommend. You get a little bit of everything with these characters, you won’t be disappointed
Charmer: Will and Finn’s story. I love a second chance romance and this one was perfect. The doubt snd fear at starting new felt incredibly real, and Will’s personal struggles with finding balance in her life were so relatable on a romantic and personal level. Absolutely loved!
Trouble Maker: Rory and Nash’s story. Going in I knew, I was going to love Rory. As an oldest daughter myself, I completely relayed to the pressure she felt growing up. I loved Nash’s carefree attitude and how it helped Rory to open up and love herself. Adored!
Heart Breaker: Mac and Hudson’s story. As a wild child, outdoors lover, Mac spoke to me. I remember doing tons of the same things she did while I was growing up, and reading it filled me with feelings of nostalgia and joy. Hudson’s relentless devotion to her, every part of her, made me swoon immediately. 10/10.
Faker: Nat and Asher’s story. Nat is the sister I felt through the rest of the series that I would be the least similar to, but I was wrong. So many parts of her story, where she traversed learning new roles and abilities within the family she chose, spoke to me in ways I’m just learning myself and a hopeful mom-to-be. I can’t wait to experience those things myself in real life, puke and all.
Overall series, HIGHLY recommend. You get a little bit of everything with these characters, you won’t be disappointed
March 19, 2025
I’m obsessed! Asher and Nat’s love story is so ridiculously swoony and full of heart. I absolutely inhaled this book. Every moment between these two best friends, turned fake engaged and married had me grinning while I read. A fake engagement, forced proximity romance is basically my idea of romance perfection, so I knew it was going to be good. Add in the heartbreaking reason for these friends to be married and it makes every moment that much more achingly beautiful. I loved the way Nat comes to love the town she’s been trying to avoid and the friend who knows her better than anyone. And the way Asher loved Nat is next-level bbf, complete with romance, spice and total adoration.
When Asher’s sister and brother-in-law die in an accident, Asher is suddenly guardian and father of two young children. Reeling from grief and needing to put his blossoming music career on hold, Asher reaches out to his best friend Avery. He needs her to pretend to be his fiancé to help him fight for custody of his niece and nephew who were placed in his care. Nat has been trying to avoid her small home town since she graduated but when Asher calls with his drop everything request, suddenly her priority shifts. Slowly she discovers that not only is she falling in love with her fake husband and kids, but also with the town she’d left behind. This book is filled with romance and spice and heartbreaking love and the overarching foundation friendship and family. I loved every single second of this book I couldn’t get enough! 100% recommend. 5 stars. 2.5 peppers.
When Asher’s sister and brother-in-law die in an accident, Asher is suddenly guardian and father of two young children. Reeling from grief and needing to put his blossoming music career on hold, Asher reaches out to his best friend Avery. He needs her to pretend to be his fiancé to help him fight for custody of his niece and nephew who were placed in his care. Nat has been trying to avoid her small home town since she graduated but when Asher calls with his drop everything request, suddenly her priority shifts. Slowly she discovers that not only is she falling in love with her fake husband and kids, but also with the town she’d left behind. This book is filled with romance and spice and heartbreaking love and the overarching foundation friendship and family. I loved every single second of this book I couldn’t get enough! 100% recommend. 5 stars. 2.5 peppers.
March 6, 2025
This was a solid small town romance story. It’s part of the four interconnected standalones of Brighton’s Havenbrook series which she has re-worked and is re-releasing.
I enjoyed Nat and Ash as characters and I really like the premise of best friends to lovers. I liked that Nat had one of those “ok I didn’t really look at him like this before and now it’s hitting me” kind of moments and it was cute how Ash has always kind of liked her but pushed it away. It was nice to read them come together.
I think this book was maybe just a little too mellow for me? The relationship was a bit too smooth and the conflict point or point of contention was hammered in a lot and thus a little predictable. I would have liked just somehow something more to the story, maybe them talking about their feelings more with each other or something. It was good, a solid read like I said, but nothing particularly gripping or especially interesting for me in this one. However, there was a nice romance here with some heart-warming moments as well as some spice.
Happy to have read it and it was a nice escape as I always want with my reads, the writing is good and the characters are good. Overall a positive read - if you like the tropes and small town you’ll like this!
3/5 ⭐️
I received an advance copy of the book and have left my honest, influence-free review
I enjoyed Nat and Ash as characters and I really like the premise of best friends to lovers. I liked that Nat had one of those “ok I didn’t really look at him like this before and now it’s hitting me” kind of moments and it was cute how Ash has always kind of liked her but pushed it away. It was nice to read them come together.
I think this book was maybe just a little too mellow for me? The relationship was a bit too smooth and the conflict point or point of contention was hammered in a lot and thus a little predictable. I would have liked just somehow something more to the story, maybe them talking about their feelings more with each other or something. It was good, a solid read like I said, but nothing particularly gripping or especially interesting for me in this one. However, there was a nice romance here with some heart-warming moments as well as some spice.
Happy to have read it and it was a nice escape as I always want with my reads, the writing is good and the characters are good. Overall a positive read - if you like the tropes and small town you’ll like this!
3/5 ⭐️
I received an advance copy of the book and have left my honest, influence-free review
March 17, 2025
🔥 Faker by Brighton Walsh is the ultimate fake-dating romance that delivers ALL the tension, all the chemistry, and all the swoon! From the very first page, I was hooked—this book is packed with sharp banter, undeniable attraction, and the kind of fake relationship that feels way too real.
The push and pull? Deliciously intense. The slow build-up? Full of electric moments that had me grinning like crazy. And when the fake starts to feel real? Oh. My. Heart. The emotions hit hard, the longing is palpable, and the romance? Absolutely addictive.
Brighton Walsh has a way of writing characters that feel so authentic—flawed, passionate, and impossible not to fall for. The dynamic between the leads is fire, with just the right amount of sass, tension, and melt-your-heart sweetness that had me swooning HARD.
✨ If you love fake dating that turns into something so much more, with off-the-charts chemistry, hilarious moments, and a romance that will have you giddy, then Faker is a book you NEED in your life.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Unputdownable, steamy, and full of heart—this is fake dating at its absolute BEST!
The push and pull? Deliciously intense. The slow build-up? Full of electric moments that had me grinning like crazy. And when the fake starts to feel real? Oh. My. Heart. The emotions hit hard, the longing is palpable, and the romance? Absolutely addictive.
Brighton Walsh has a way of writing characters that feel so authentic—flawed, passionate, and impossible not to fall for. The dynamic between the leads is fire, with just the right amount of sass, tension, and melt-your-heart sweetness that had me swooning HARD.
✨ If you love fake dating that turns into something so much more, with off-the-charts chemistry, hilarious moments, and a romance that will have you giddy, then Faker is a book you NEED in your life.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Unputdownable, steamy, and full of heart—this is fake dating at its absolute BEST!
March 13, 2025
This one is so emotional and heartfelt. I love Nat, who is independent and full of wanderlust and Asher, who is musician and amazing uncle. But their lives are thrown into turmoil when Asher suddenly becomes the guardian to his niece and nephew. These best friends might just become lovers in the process and the journey there is written perfectly. I loved seeing them grow together and do what needs to be done for Asher’s niece and nephew, while also realizing their own feelings for each other. There are so many cute 🥰 and funny 🤣 moments with the kids as well that had me smiling. Brighton writes such refreshing dialogue that is so realistic and witty. I love how assertive and outspoken Nat is and how she is a mama bear type for those she cares about.
Besides best friends to lovers we also have marriage of convenience and an only one bed situation. If you love an epic “my wife” moment and a sweet love declaration moment, then you will not be disappointed in this one.
I read this book upon its original release and also read an early edition of the updated version.
Besides best friends to lovers we also have marriage of convenience and an only one bed situation. If you love an epic “my wife” moment and a sweet love declaration moment, then you will not be disappointed in this one.
I read this book upon its original release and also read an early edition of the updated version.
March 19, 2025
Brighton Walsh takes readers back to Havenbrook with Faker! I really love this series and this was a great read.
Nat and Asher's friendship was so wonderful, and I loved how she stepped up to help him. I was curious how their relationship would grow from close friends to falling in love with Asher's niece and nephew and a marriage of convenience involved. Their relationship and the story as a whole were both nicely paced. I grew to like both Nat and Asher quite a bit and they became two of my favorite characters in Havenbrook. This small-town romance had a nice balance of emotion, drama, and romance.
It was also nice to see other characters from previous books in the series and to find out what has been happening with them. I really hope there will be more Havenbrook in the future, but I will read whatever Brighton Walsh writes!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
Nat and Asher's friendship was so wonderful, and I loved how she stepped up to help him. I was curious how their relationship would grow from close friends to falling in love with Asher's niece and nephew and a marriage of convenience involved. Their relationship and the story as a whole were both nicely paced. I grew to like both Nat and Asher quite a bit and they became two of my favorite characters in Havenbrook. This small-town romance had a nice balance of emotion, drama, and romance.
It was also nice to see other characters from previous books in the series and to find out what has been happening with them. I really hope there will be more Havenbrook in the future, but I will read whatever Brighton Walsh writes!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
March 20, 2025
This is book four in the small town series featuring Asher and Nat. Asher and Nat are childhood besties who have always been there for each other so when Asher calls up Nat with a request she drops everything to help him. This one was sad but also so good. I felt so many emotions for Asher with everything he was going through. I got to watch Nat fall in love with her life again. It had the excitement of a fake engagement and forced proximity, but the tenderness between them was the real star of the show. This whole series has that small town southern charm kind of feel that makes you feel just so good after reading. I am still hoping for some side characters to find their way into stories but I haven’t completely checked out all of Walsh’s series so they might already be there. I look forward to diving into more.
March 25, 2025
Awesomeness updated
This is a reread for me as the author did some updates. Nat and Asher have been friends for their whole lives. Nat doesn't really like being home in Havenbrook. She loves to travel taking photos of the world. When tragedy strikes the small town of Havenbrook, especially her best friend Asher, she returns home immediately.
Asher lives to make music when tragedy hits his family, and he ends up as a guardian to his niece and nephew. When the in-laws lay a custody claim, Asher has to think fast at the initial hearing and says he's engaged. His new fiancé, Nat, unbeknownst to her.
They get "fake" married and begin a new life. A married life of convenience.
Will they become more or will they lose it all? Love this small town. We get great characters, interfering family, precocious children and more.
This is a reread for me as the author did some updates. Nat and Asher have been friends for their whole lives. Nat doesn't really like being home in Havenbrook. She loves to travel taking photos of the world. When tragedy strikes the small town of Havenbrook, especially her best friend Asher, she returns home immediately.
Asher lives to make music when tragedy hits his family, and he ends up as a guardian to his niece and nephew. When the in-laws lay a custody claim, Asher has to think fast at the initial hearing and says he's engaged. His new fiancé, Nat, unbeknownst to her.
They get "fake" married and begin a new life. A married life of convenience.
Will they become more or will they lose it all? Love this small town. We get great characters, interfering family, precocious children and more.
March 4, 2025
Rated 4.5 Stars
The thing you're adamant you don't want is oftentimes the exact thing you need. This was my greatest takeaway from this book.
I loved Faker. Nat and Asher's story was awesome. It was lighthearted with tones of grief. It was steamy. It was filled with love and laughter and family. I loved seeing this side of Nat and watching her and Asher move from friends to lovers. Their journey was a beautiful yet bittersweet one as it brings one of my fave series to a close. I have truly enjoyed my revisit of this series, these characters and their town. I highly recommend it as well as the rest of the series especially to those who love small town romance featuring sisters and the protective men who love them.
Copy provided by author
The thing you're adamant you don't want is oftentimes the exact thing you need. This was my greatest takeaway from this book.
I loved Faker. Nat and Asher's story was awesome. It was lighthearted with tones of grief. It was steamy. It was filled with love and laughter and family. I loved seeing this side of Nat and watching her and Asher move from friends to lovers. Their journey was a beautiful yet bittersweet one as it brings one of my fave series to a close. I have truly enjoyed my revisit of this series, these characters and their town. I highly recommend it as well as the rest of the series especially to those who love small town romance featuring sisters and the protective men who love them.
Copy provided by author
March 15, 2025
4.5/5⭐️
Nat is a free spirit but returns to support Asher in Havenbrook during a difficult period in his life. To her surprise, he suggests a marriage of convenience to assist him in his goal of obtaining custody of his niece (June) and nephew (Owen).
As their marriage continues, what was an arrangement turns into more. I enjoyed seeing their relationship veer from friendship to attraction and to deep love for one another. The scenes with June and Owen were so heartwarming as well. Being a parent is a huge thing and it can either tear a marriage apart or make it stronger!
I enjoyed seeing the other sisters here too with their other halves. And dear Nash, he really became the best friend they needed in the last act!
Nat is a free spirit but returns to support Asher in Havenbrook during a difficult period in his life. To her surprise, he suggests a marriage of convenience to assist him in his goal of obtaining custody of his niece (June) and nephew (Owen).
As their marriage continues, what was an arrangement turns into more. I enjoyed seeing their relationship veer from friendship to attraction and to deep love for one another. The scenes with June and Owen were so heartwarming as well. Being a parent is a huge thing and it can either tear a marriage apart or make it stronger!
I enjoyed seeing the other sisters here too with their other halves. And dear Nash, he really became the best friend they needed in the last act!
March 17, 2025
Review:
✨Faker✨
Havenbrook #4
By Brighton Walsh
✨ Single Dad (kind of)
✨ Small Town Romance
✨ Friends to Lovers
⭐ 5/5
Asher and Nat
The story follows Natalie and Asher. Best friends and always there for each other. When a tragedy happens in Asher’s life and changes it permanently, Nat is there for him and to help.
But in more ways than she would have imagined.
But for their happy end both have to change. She is very restless, never wanting to stay in her hometown for long, and he too, had a career that was meant to be more.
But how fate molded them together and made them see how they really felt was sweet.
Everything came together in that story, as it was the last one in this series.
It was the most emotional book at some points and it brought it all to a full circle.
✨Faker✨
Havenbrook #4
By Brighton Walsh
✨ Single Dad (kind of)
✨ Small Town Romance
✨ Friends to Lovers
⭐ 5/5
Asher and Nat
The story follows Natalie and Asher. Best friends and always there for each other. When a tragedy happens in Asher’s life and changes it permanently, Nat is there for him and to help.
But in more ways than she would have imagined.
But for their happy end both have to change. She is very restless, never wanting to stay in her hometown for long, and he too, had a career that was meant to be more.
But how fate molded them together and made them see how they really felt was sweet.
Everything came together in that story, as it was the last one in this series.
It was the most emotional book at some points and it brought it all to a full circle.
March 19, 2025
marriage of convenience/fake dating "my wife" is my jam. i don't know why, but i can't get enough of this trope! add in best friends to husband and wife makes it even better. i loved the friendship between nat and asher. and add in their trio of nash. when asher gets devasting news, he says one word to nat and shes there for them. i loved watching these two grow. i loved that they both needed to stretch their wings and leave their hometown but were still able to come back. i loved that they found homes in each other and not just a place. this series was the first i read of brighton's and this book is what made me want to read the series. thank you brighton for gifting me an advanced copy
March 21, 2025
📚🌶🌶
Faker is the fourth and final book of the Havenbrook series! This has been an amazing series and I am so sad it's already the end. Brighton Walsh has continued to maintain the town and story for each couple throughout this series. I instantly loved Natalie and Asher and thought they were the ultimate couple in this series!!
Asher was right on the edge of finally getting that record deal when something terrible happened. Now he is the temporary guardian for his niece and nephew, but he has to show that he is stable enough to keep them. He knows how to instantly show stability is to have a wife and Natalie comes back into town to help out. All they have to do is fool everyone until they start to fool themselves.
Faker is the fourth and final book of the Havenbrook series! This has been an amazing series and I am so sad it's already the end. Brighton Walsh has continued to maintain the town and story for each couple throughout this series. I instantly loved Natalie and Asher and thought they were the ultimate couple in this series!!
Asher was right on the edge of finally getting that record deal when something terrible happened. Now he is the temporary guardian for his niece and nephew, but he has to show that he is stable enough to keep them. He knows how to instantly show stability is to have a wife and Natalie comes back into town to help out. All they have to do is fool everyone until they start to fool themselves.
April 26, 2025
This was such a great one, because aside from Nash and Asher’s romance, you get this heartbreaking story that brings them together. There’s a lot of sacrifice but also unconditional love here, between Asher and his young niece and nephew, and between Asher and Nat, who’s been friends forever. It’s this foundation of friendship that shows just how much Nat cares for Asher and wants to help him keep his little family together. This was an emotional read, but I loved how these two characters showed that real love is about putting aside your own selfish needs to make others happy and that family truly is everything.
May 23, 2025
3.75⭐️
Tropes:
Best friends to lovers
Marriage of convenience
Unexpected guardianship
Small town
Loved 🥰:
- the “my wife” moments 🥵🥵 Brighton really knows how to write them
- the easy chemistry between Asher & Nat and how easily their romance bloomed
- fast paced & easy to read
Liked ☺️:
- seeing all the family again and getting little snippets of the other previous couple
Why it wasn’t rated higher (for me personally)🤷🏻♀️:
- I felt with how good Asher & Nat’s friendship, the miscommunication at the end just didn’t make sense to me & I really wanted it not to be there
Spice:
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range & Rep:
Adult romance
Positive therapy rep
Discussions around grief
Tropes:
Best friends to lovers
Marriage of convenience
Unexpected guardianship
Small town
Loved 🥰:
- the “my wife” moments 🥵🥵 Brighton really knows how to write them
- the easy chemistry between Asher & Nat and how easily their romance bloomed
- fast paced & easy to read
Liked ☺️:
- seeing all the family again and getting little snippets of the other previous couple
Why it wasn’t rated higher (for me personally)🤷🏻♀️:
- I felt with how good Asher & Nat’s friendship, the miscommunication at the end just didn’t make sense to me & I really wanted it not to be there
Spice:
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range & Rep:
Adult romance
Positive therapy rep
Discussions around grief
March 17, 2025
Instant Family, Instant Obsession
I'm not ashamed to admit that I binge-read this entire series in a week - and I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat! Nat and Asher's story is a game-changer, tackling the beautiful chaos of blended families and best friends-turned-lovers. It's a rare gem in the romance world, and I am HERE. FOR. IT. The emotional depth, the sizzling chemistry, and the adorable insta-family moments all combined to create a reading experience that was equal parts heartwarming and panty-melting. Loved it!
I'm not ashamed to admit that I binge-read this entire series in a week - and I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat! Nat and Asher's story is a game-changer, tackling the beautiful chaos of blended families and best friends-turned-lovers. It's a rare gem in the romance world, and I am HERE. FOR. IT. The emotional depth, the sizzling chemistry, and the adorable insta-family moments all combined to create a reading experience that was equal parts heartwarming and panty-melting. Loved it!
March 21, 2025
“In the mood to get in a little trouble with me?”
“Always.”
The last book of the Havenbrook series had one of my favorite tropes - marriage of convenience. Natalie has been best friends with Asher & Nash for her entire life, so when Ash’s sister and her husband pass away unexpectedly leaving him as the sole guardian for two small children, she immediately drops her jet-setting lifestyle as a photographer to return to their hometown to help for a while. She wasn’t expecting to actually end up marrying him to keep the kids’ wealthy but estranged paternal grandparents from taking them away, against his late sister and brother in-law’s wishes. Sexual tension grows between the two friends until the fake marriage starts to feel anything but. Natalie suddenly doesn’t feel as suffocated by the thought of staying in Havenbrook more permanently if she has their little makeshift family to do it with, but Asher is afraid he would be clipping her wings if he asks her to stay. Seeing Asher and Nat navigate caring for two young children with almost zero experience was adorable and funny and sometimes heartbreaking all the same time. They of course have help from the Haven family along the way. I love the way the family rallies around each other when they go through difficult times. This entire series has been so good. I have loved all of these characters, even Richard Haven had grown on me by the end. Gran was my favorite though. I’m so glad I read these and this one was a perfect ending to the series.
“Always.”
The last book of the Havenbrook series had one of my favorite tropes - marriage of convenience. Natalie has been best friends with Asher & Nash for her entire life, so when Ash’s sister and her husband pass away unexpectedly leaving him as the sole guardian for two small children, she immediately drops her jet-setting lifestyle as a photographer to return to their hometown to help for a while. She wasn’t expecting to actually end up marrying him to keep the kids’ wealthy but estranged paternal grandparents from taking them away, against his late sister and brother in-law’s wishes. Sexual tension grows between the two friends until the fake marriage starts to feel anything but. Natalie suddenly doesn’t feel as suffocated by the thought of staying in Havenbrook more permanently if she has their little makeshift family to do it with, but Asher is afraid he would be clipping her wings if he asks her to stay. Seeing Asher and Nat navigate caring for two young children with almost zero experience was adorable and funny and sometimes heartbreaking all the same time. They of course have help from the Haven family along the way. I love the way the family rallies around each other when they go through difficult times. This entire series has been so good. I have loved all of these characters, even Richard Haven had grown on me by the end. Gran was my favorite though. I’m so glad I read these and this one was a perfect ending to the series.
March 19, 2025
Nat's story was definitely worth the wait!
This book in the series had more of the rom com aspects and family banter that we love, with some more emotional themes with Asher becoming a guardian to his niece and nephew unexpectedly.
I loved that we had more of the friends to lovers trope mixed in with the marriage of convenience. It was done so well, and I loved seeing Nat come back to Havenbrook and planting roots.
This book in the series had more of the rom com aspects and family banter that we love, with some more emotional themes with Asher becoming a guardian to his niece and nephew unexpectedly.
I loved that we had more of the friends to lovers trope mixed in with the marriage of convenience. It was done so well, and I loved seeing Nat come back to Havenbrook and planting roots.
April 6, 2025
I loved everything about this book. I adore Nat and Asher's fall into romance from being best friends. I was obsessed at how they fell into caring for his sister's kids. Despite the sadness of that piece of the story, their journey into realizing their love for each other past friendship was perfect and obviously spicy, which we love. A great way to end this series and I think my favorite book in this series!
March 20, 2025
I NEVER thought Nats book would be the one to make me the most emotional over but there I was, crying at 2am over fictional characters again. There’s just something about found family, a literal forced found family, built on grief, commitment, and love that turns into love you didn’t expect that gets me. Also, I was extra pleased to see a social worker written in a positive light - so thank you once again Brighton for giving us a GOOD name.
Asher and Nat’s chemistry was there from the beginning, both platonically but also romantically, and it was very clear they were going to build upon the foundation they already had. The trust, loyalty, and even dependability they showed and had on one another is something you don’t find often, so it was clear they were meant to be together. The conflict made sense and yes yes it could’ve been dealt with sooner and with a conversation, I’m glad it was short and sweet, and is why I didn’t knock my rating.
I’m sad the series is over (again) but loved the flow of it and since I never read the OG I can only say that I this is the Brighton writing that I’ve come to know and love. I cannot wait to see what projects she gives us next!!
*extra special thanks to Brighton and her team for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Asher and Nat’s chemistry was there from the beginning, both platonically but also romantically, and it was very clear they were going to build upon the foundation they already had. The trust, loyalty, and even dependability they showed and had on one another is something you don’t find often, so it was clear they were meant to be together. The conflict made sense and yes yes it could’ve been dealt with sooner and with a conversation, I’m glad it was short and sweet, and is why I didn’t knock my rating.
I’m sad the series is over (again) but loved the flow of it and since I never read the OG I can only say that I this is the Brighton writing that I’ve come to know and love. I cannot wait to see what projects she gives us next!!
*extra special thanks to Brighton and her team for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
April 25, 2025
I love a heroine that knows what she wants and that’s Nat to a T! Normally I don’t like books with grief but this one is handled so well and with such care that you can’t help but fall in love with the story! Friends to lovers is one of my favourite tropes and it’s done so so so well! Another great read
July 22, 2025
Faker is a heartfelt, slow-burn romance featuring fake dating, friends-to-lovers, and two friends who discover their true feelings for each other in the throes of grief. Natalie and Asher’s chemistry is undeniable, and their emotional journey is both tender and satisfying. Set in the charming town of Havenbrook, this story delivers plenty of heart, heat, and small-town feels.
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