As a vet on the Bangor Badgers, I’m no stranger to doing whatever it takes to earn us a win.
One thing I never thought I’d do to help boost ticket sales?
Fake a relationship with our irresistible and sharp-tongued social media manager, Reese Jaynes.
Her dream came true in the form of a viral video, but there’s just one problem…
It’s a lie.
And now millions of viewers think she’s landed the un-landable Badger—me.
When she asks me to keep up the act in order to help give the Badgers the attention they deserve, I can’t possibly say no.
We’re no strangers to fiery debates, but her quick wit and sexy mouth are two things I’ll never be able to resist.
Soon I find myself a little too comfortable playing the role of the doting boyfriend, and the more time I spend with her, the more I realize there’s nothing fake about how well we fit together.
But overnight fame demands a steep price, and when the Badgers’ moral ethics come under fire, I start to wonder where Reese’s heart truly lies?
I’ve never fallen like this before so when things get rocky, I’m the first one to break. And my mistakes might lose me the one thing I never knew I needed—her.
Samantha Whiskey is a wife, mom, lover of her dogs and romance novels. No stranger to hockey, hot alpha males, and a high dose of awkwardness, she tucks herself away to write books her PTA will never know about.
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I always enjoy Samantha’s hockey series and this was another good read, but I just didn’t quite connect with the characters as much as usual. Reese and Nash fake a relationship to help boost the team’s social media views but it quickly becomes apparent both have feelings for each other. I liked how the story moved along at a fast pace but felt we missed a little of their relationship growing, and there was more telling than showing. This book gives some great background to BFFs Pax and Monroe and I can’t wait for their story next!
I love how every MMC in this series is a green flag _______________________ What do you get when two people want to date each other, start as "faking" and now are in love? It is a masterpiece of miscommunication. Let me tell you, I'm not one that likes that trope, AT ALL. But Samantha here, you overdid yourself. I loved every part of this. The way they stopped faking literally two weeks in but didn't admit it to themselves or the other. The way anyone around them could see how they felt for each other but them. How the feelings bouled over... Perfection.
This was a short read, but even in this amount of pages, you can see that Nash is a green flag ex-fuckboy. Because the moment he kisses Resse, he's done for. Down bad king if I'm honest. He was the best brother and son anyone could wish for. His relationship with his sister got me in my feels. And that 'love you' moment was anything I could ask for.
Resse was such a sweet and hardworking woman. Even in college, she was helping her sister, she'd drop fun things to immediately do her job, never taking a break. You can tell that the moment she started forgetting to record with Nash she was also done for. Both were so deep into each other, it was almost funny seeing them figure it out.
Samantha, don't think I didn't notice Clay and that agent hint. Also, Pax and Monroe have me on the edge of my seat, and I can't wait for June to read more about them!
So first off, let me just say I love this little friend group on the Badgers and they are such an adorable little found family.
Second, Nash and Reese were adorable. This is fake dating and reformed playboy and them deciding if they were real or fake was a cute way to drive the story.
This one is on the shorter side so it reads fast but it’s a great way to get lost in some very likeable characters for a few hours.
✨ Hockey Romance ✨ Frenemies to Lovers ✨ Fake Dating ✨ Reformed Playboy ✨ Workplace Romance
This book was such a sweet read. Nash and Reese have a love hate relationship but one heated night and those barbs turn into a challenge that sets both of them on a path they never anticipated.
As a social media manager Reese is all about the perfect shot and for a chance at viral video but she didn’t expect that video to be of her and Nash! Now a fake relationship is what they need to keep the numbers going up. All that time together and it leads to a night of passion that has them discovering that maybe it isn’t fake after all.
This new series is full of some beautiful steam and even more hilarity. I love Reese and how she isn’t afraid to speak her mind and take charge. Nash is a big bad hockey player but he has a kind heart full of so much love. I love that he care so much about his family and how he shows Reese that she deaerves more than she allows herself!
2.75💫 Was able to get an early edition and boy oh boy do I love this world! Samantha knows how to write about a hockey team and somehow make everyone’s lives connect. A bit predictable but not in a way that I minded.
Nash and Reese both work for the badgers, he plays hockey, she runs the marketing socials. As she was taking video for content, she posted an edit that implied they were together by mistake. This leads to a fake dating arrangement that turns into more. The social boost has also been very helpful for Nash's family as he's been footing his father's medical bills for cancer.
Nash had been quietly noticing Reese for the last 3 years, enough that he knew special things about her even the perfect Valentine's Date. He'd been taking notes even though he was a player. When it becomes real, this player is ready to toss out his black book, and he was all in. Who doesn't love that reformed player to lover arc? There is a little misunderstanding as both are still new to what real relationships look like, but that clears up very quickly. I really enjoyed this story , and I can't wait for more.
⚠️ Please read content and trigger warnings ⚠️
Thank you, author, for the ARC! Release Date: March 3, 2025
Samantha Whiskey is always one of my go to authors for a hockey romance and I loved Nash and Reese’s story. “Nash” is a flirty, romantic and steamy fake dating hockey romance that was a great addition to the series.
Nash is a veteran on the Bangor Badgers and will do anything to help his team and teammates. But the last thing he thought he would be doing is having a fake relationship with the team’s social media manager. It’s not hard for him because he’s always had a crush on Reese. Reese has been working hard to promote the team and having a video of her that goes viral is a dream come true for her. As the two continue with their fake relationship, the team gets more fans in the arena for games and more recognition on social media. But as the two play fake in their relationship, the lines start to blur from fake to real.
Nash and Reese’s story was so much fun to read and I loved these together. Nash had the reputation for the guy who didn’t want commitment because he was focused on hockey but he was all in with Reese even when it started out fake. He was there for her and made sure she knew that she was special to him. Reese was so much fun and I loved her passion for social media. She was a great friend and was great with the rest of the team. Nash and Reese had great banter and I loved the flirting between them. And once they gave into the attraction, they were unstoppable at becoming a real couple. They had some ups and downs with some tough feelings and miscommunication but were able to work it out like adults without too much unnecessary drama. The ending was so sweet for them. And the epilogue has me counting down the days until the next book in the series is released.
Social media manager, Reese Jaynes, and team vet, Nash Stokehill, are known for their tension. Quick to pick an argument and stubbornness towards each other, it comes as a shock to everyone when a video is posted to the team’s social media page of them looking like more than friends. Going viral overnight, the team has gained millions of followers, and Reese has finally caught the break she has been striving for, but now she has to keep up the act. With the agreement from Nash to keep things strictly business, the two find themselves playing the part of the team’s new it couple. As tension grows between the two, the terms of their agreement quickly become null and void.
I will read anything by Samantha Whiskey and love every second, but something about her hockey world makes the book that much better. The tension between Reese and Nash was first introduced in book one and flowed right into their storyline. A love-hate friendship quickly turned to lust, then to more. Their connection might have come quickly, but it is deep. As the ex-playboy, Nash’s ability to make it known he only has eyes for Reese while reassuring her of that is so swoon-worthy. Forever obsessed with this team and all the found family vibes it brings. It sounds like we are getting Paxton’s book next, and I am so ready for it!
If you like: Hockey Romance Workplace Romance Fake Relationship
Reviewed by: Karley🧡
This review was written by members of the Sporty Spice Book Club (sporty.spice.book.club on both Instagram and TikTok).
This is book 2 in the Bangor Badgers series. I simply adore all the characters. While book 1 had that instant chemistry that was all in, and they couldn't help themselves, book 2 has elements of that but is a slower burn. The chemistry is there, but the lead female, Riley, is resistant and Nash has reasons to want to hold back as well.
Samantha does an excellent job of creating an intense chemistry between the two characters, which began in book 1. I was salivating for this book. The build up to their relationship had enough tension to keep me invested but also wanting it to never get there because then we knew it was coming to an end.
Nash is a classic bad boy with a soft spot for Riley, and his protective nature creates an interesting dynamic in their relationship. He has quite the reputation and Riley is not interested in being one of the many, especially since she has her own hangups with relationships. Riley is equally complex, a woman who’s not afraid to stand up for herself but also grappling with her own struggles. They are both honest and ethical. Their journey toward trust, healing, and love is captivating, with plenty of ups and downs to keep you hooked.
The spice is spicy, as expected. The dialogue and friendships are also top notch!
I’m finally back! After being blocked by Instagram for days, I can finally post this review! I devoured this book in one sitting after getting the ARC, and I was so excited to tell you all about it—then BAM, Instagram said no 😭
I just love when @authorsamanthawhiskey is in her hockey era—her sports romances just hit different! 😍 This book was everything I wanted and was in the mood for ! Nash and Reese’s fake dating situation was barely fake, and watching them slowly realize their feelings had me screaming. Nash was the best kind of reformed playboy—cocky, charming, but also the sweetest golden retriever underneath it all. And Reese? I loved her drive ( you go girl ) and her friendship with the girls ! So many good moments mixed in with banter, chemistry, and spice—it was perfect.
Also, Nash’s relationship with his sister? 🥹
And now, I am ABSOLUTELY dying for Pax and Monroe like I really need their book ! But can we take a moment to talk about Clay and the agent ? 👀
Huge thanks for the ARC 🩷
Favorite quote : "My name is Nash Stokehill, I'm a Bangor Badger, and I'm completely obsessed with, enamored by, addicted to, and belong to Reese Jaynes. "
FMC: Reece Jaynes, Team’s Social Media Manager MMC: Nash Stokehill, Hockey player Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Pages: 211 Tropes: Hockey Romance, Fake Dating, Workplace Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Reformed Playboy Setting: Bangor, Maine
Thoughts: This was a quick read for me. It was a little predictable but still enjoyable. Although it was a short book, it did cover a larger time span than I expected. There were quite a few time jumps and areas where there could have been more substance. It would be a good beach or vacation read.
Nash and Reece enter into a fake relationship to increase the number of fans on the Bangor Badgers’ social media page and get Nash some endorsement deals. While they agreed not to fall for each other, their relationship never really felt fake. Neither was willing to risk bursting the happy bubble they were in and that led to the big miscommunication.
I liked the friendships and the side characters. I think I would have rated this higher if there had been a little more substance.
Nash and Reese are in a bar named The Queen’s Rum on New Year’s Eve with his teammates of the NHL hockey team, the Bangor Badgers and their fans. The past few months these two do nothing but argue and bantor. His nickname for her is Reese’s Pieces. Nash is highly attracted to her as she is to him, which she won’t admit. He kisses her at midnight. After that she walks away and joins her friends, but can’t believe Nash kissed her and she still can’t believe it. It’s been one her fantasies. The Bangor Badgers hired Reese to post on social media for them, but the video she posted is one of her Nash calling her his girl and it went viral. Oh geez. The public wants more of the two again. They make an agreement to do just that. Pretend they are together. It’s a long and wild road for them. They’ve wanted each other for months, but Reese has big issues about relationships. It’s a journey you won’t want to miss with it’s high and low points.
This fake relationship romance is one that steals your heart and holding your breath in the hope that both Reese and Nash finally realize that they both want the same thing. The story was overflowing with chemistry and the heat factor was scorching hot. I loved that we got to see the Nash behind the star hockey player that we knew so well, it showed us how hard he worked and what his family meant to him. Nash went the extra mile for Reese and it showed in all the little details he went to, to ensure that he proved to her that she was special. The communication between these two or should I say the lack of was what had this romance filled with ups and downs. The witty banter between the characters and the angst and drama had you unable to put their story down. Loving this series and cannot wait for the next book.
Samantha did it again! In this book we get Nash and Reese(Reese’s pieces) story. What started as constant playful bickering, evolving into a fake dating relationship which then turned real. In order to help the badgers gain more notice, social media manager Reese comes up with a fake dating idea after a video of her and Nash goes viral from New Year’s Eve. Reese has never had good luck with men and Nash never wanted to settle down. Until each other. Both characters are constantly helping those around the, worrying about others, and always trying to be cheerful. But both deserve someone who puts them first and will love/support them unconditionally. Which they realize they’ll get being together. The banter, friendships/relationships, the intimacy and emotions are all top notch and help bring this series alive every time.
Samantha Whiskey is one of my favorite hockey romance authors. I have enjoyed reading this series so much. This time the story follows Nash and Reese. Reese is the social media manager for Nash’s team. They have made a relationship out of bickering and teasing each other. But the kiss they shared on New Year’s Eve lit a fire under both of them. Not only that but a post Reese made with her and Nash goes viral and they decide to fake date for the good of increasing the team’s social media presence. Getting to know Nash more in the book gives you insight into the man and that he’s more than the player reputation he has. They have mega chemistry together! As for their friend group, that group of characters is a 5 star cast of characters. They have amazing banter between the friends. They truly feel like a real friend group. I’m already waiting to read the next installment!
Nash was everything I could want in a sports romance—sweet, fun, spicy, and fast-paced. From start to finish, it was such an enjoyable read. I loved getting to know Nash, the NFL player, and Reese, the team’s social media creator. That dynamic was a fresh and fun spin on the typical sports romance trope.
Their chemistry was instant, and the setup—a fun night out that spirals into a viral video and leads to a fake dating PR stunt—was just the kind of plot I adore. Watching their relationship develop from fake to real had me completely hooked.
It was also great to see characters from other books make appearances, which made the story feel even more connected to the series. I’m already looking forward to the next one—especially if it's Paxton and Monroe’s story. Fingers crossed!
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reece Jaynes likes her job doing social media for the Bangor Badgers and she really wanted one of her videos on the team to go viral. But she never expected to be in the spotlight with right winger Nash Stokehill when he carried her out of bar on New Year’s Eve and he called her his girl and the video goes viral.
Nash asked Reece to fake date him because he needed sponsorship to help pay for his father’s cancer treatment. But what would happen if their fake dating started to get a little more serious because he wanted a relationship with her?
I can’t wait for Paxton’s book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When a video Reese posts on the team social media goes viral, the team's followings increase, and in hopes of continuing the climb, Reese and Nash agree to a fake relationship for social media. As they spend more time together, the enemies start to realize the line between real and fake starts to blur, and Reese realizes what a great guy Nash is.
Both Nash and Reese realize that real feelings are start to form, but are worried that the other does not feel the same way. When the stresses of their fake relationship and their job priorities increase, Reese and Nash struggle to figure out how to navigate while thinking about themselves and each other.
I could not stop reading this book and I cannot wait for more in this series!
Nash Stokehill is a Bangor Badger hockey player. He is known as the flirty fun guy who will never settle down. After a video goes viral that he did with the team’s social media manager, Reese Jaynes, he realizes that clicks can bring sponsors and their money. His dad is ill with cancer and treatments are expensive. He agrees with Reese to continue their pretend romance for the camera but you know what happens, along the way they both decide they don’t want it to end. There are bumps in the road to happiness as there always is with social media and miscommunication but they find their HEA. This is book 2 in the series. I recommend this steamy hockey romance. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. Bring on book 3!
It is not a secret that I really love Samantha Whiskey's work and I consider her to be one of my favourite authors!She always manages to write amazing stories, which keep me interested from the first to the last page. As far as I am concerned,she delivered once more!Nash and Reese have good chemistry and their story is quick paced and easy to read with many steaming scenes!! The only "fault" that I find,is that the ending was a bit abrupt for my liking...I wanted something more! However, overall it was a great story,I really enjoyed it and I totally recommend it!
I liked this one more than the first one. Very entertaining but it also felt too similar to the first one. The third act break up in this book was way worse than in the last one but I mean they got through it like every other book with this trope. The time skips between chapters made it feel like I missed out on their evolution as a couple while at the same time felt like in all the time that had passed nothing worth mentioning happened which isn't a good sign. It's been a few days since I finished this book and I really couldn't tell you anything about specifics that happened besides a broad overview of the relationship unfolding.
I absolutely loved Nash and Reese’s story. One viral video leads them to a fake relationship that becomes more then either one of them bargained for. Their story was entertaining, hot, sweet and so much more. I turned page after page, and I could not read fast enough. Their story just pulled me in. When I read the final page, I was just left wanting more of them. I cannot wait until the next book in this series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really like the camaraderie that this group of friends has, and I am a Badgers fan, but Nash and Reese’s story was another fake-relationship-turned-real that didn’t hit quite like Lawson and Riley. And the fact that they’re doing essentially the same set up just a few months after their best friends did seemed silly, especially when Riley brings it up to Reese as the potential for her to get hurt. I thought that the set up for an enemies to lovers would’ve been a lot more fun to read, but their passionate arguing didn’t play a big role in this book.
I always enjoy Samatha Whiskey's books and this one is no exception.
A viral video leads Reese and Nash into a false relationship. The unspoken words and miscommunications between them will force them to admit their true feelings. The chemistry and tension between these two is amazing.
It's hard to let go of this book until the last page, and you're left wanting more at the end.
Once again, I can't wait to discover Pax and Monroe's story...
There was something missing in this book. I hated the way the ending felt so rushed and the way he just went all in on her and somehow she ended up saying sorry to him and having to explain herself? And how are we just brushing past the back that there are two creepy rookies in that team who would probably grape a girl say she was asking for it because that’s the vibes I got them. This is my least liked book by her and going to debate if I’m going to pick up another.
This one was cute, a bit predictable. It was fun to watch Nash and Reese take advantage of being a "fake" relationship and build something. They didn't really worry about things, just had fun and then realized it was more. The drama towards the end drove me nuts, hated how Reese didn't see what was going on with the schmoe and how things got blown out of control. Good thing it didn't last long and these two worked it out.
Oh my gosh!!!!!!!! I love Reece and Nash. Recees pieces is adorable. They were so amazing and I loved the epilogue. The two had a great almost enemies to lovers. The miss communication was bad and there break up was bad. I don’t think it had an impact as much as other book. I can’t believe the next book I can’t read it right now. I’m excited but kind of liked the boyfriend thing. It had a hockey book level of romance. He wasn’t as grumpy I think. They are cute. Good book. Loved book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I liked this story. I really liked Nash. However, I went back and read Axel for the 3rd or 4th time and Axel is such a better book. I like the FMC here better, but the chemistry between the MCs in most of the Reapers series is better than this series. The grammar was also better in Axel.
Again, I enjoyed the book, but if you have to pick, choose the Reapers over this series.
“You’re the dream,” I say. “I’m just the lucky bastard who gets to have a cameo in it.”
3.5 stars.
I really enjoyed this, despite the fact that it felt a bit rushed, Nash and Reese were cute!
Although, I still feel like this author has a weird way of starting her mid-series books, that it feels very much like it is starting in the middle as opposed to a whole new book, but since I read the first book first, I was able to follow through.
The banter that goes on between Nash and Reece is off the charts. It was nice to see her be so strong and not give in to his playboy ways with her. He really started as friends helping one another but becomes so much more. I love this series and can't wait for more.