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Red Card Romance
Foul & Fake
Rule #1: Don’t fall in love.
Rule #2: No kissing.
That’s it. That’s all we had to stick to and our little rouse could have gotten both of us through the soccer season without anyone batting an eye. But when rules begin to blur and desperation takes hold, the foundation of lies we’ve slowly built begins to crumble around us. I knew there would be no happily ever after with Northgate’s flirtiest center-back — he’s a viper on and off the field — I just didn’t expect to become addicted to the fall.
They warned me he’d sink his fangs into my skin and ruin me eventually, I just didn’t believe them until it was too late.
I might’ve even begged for it.
Rule #2: No kissing.
That’s it. That’s all we had to stick to and our little rouse could have gotten both of us through the soccer season without anyone batting an eye. But when rules begin to blur and desperation takes hold, the foundation of lies we’ve slowly built begins to crumble around us. I knew there would be no happily ever after with Northgate’s flirtiest center-back — he’s a viper on and off the field — I just didn’t expect to become addicted to the fall.
They warned me he’d sink his fangs into my skin and ruin me eventually, I just didn’t believe them until it was too late.
I might’ve even begged for it.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2025
27 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
About the author
Octavia Jensen
37 books382 followersOctavia Jensen is a coffee addict, a tale-spinner and a hopeless romantic, usually in that order. She spends her free time chasing adrenaline rushes or writing steamy, romance novels, and sometimes, those feel like the same thing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
October 22, 2025
arc review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
first things first ? Elias is HAWT🥵 I need 🤌💥 I would be falling at the drop of a hat for the curly haired, dimpled-cheeks, spanish-speaking hottie🙂↔️
I liked this one!! The second installment of the red card romance trilogy “Foul & Fake” this time by Octavia Jensen — amazing and funny! Please Eli and Riley’s merited being him catching her mid 💥🌶️🫛 session— and on video 💀 I laughed and cried. Iconic of Eli to be so over the rites bullsh!t that he just blackmails the innocent girl of his dreams to be his fake girlfriend, in exchange of protecting her accidental 🌽 video he refuses to get rid of.After their first night out putting on a show as the new loved up couple, their chemistry burns up into a steamy ONS that leaves them both realing— and Riley running for the hills. Alas, they must keep up their charade, no matter how hard Riley tries to ignore Elias.
This read pleasantly surprised me! I love these types of collabs with several authors, but jumping from different authors and styles, sometimes leave apart of the story lost in translation for me— but that was not the case here. Eli was definitely a more mild crescendo into the darker part of his character, but I loved it. His desperation just grows darker the more Riley resists him & I can’t help but love it! I feel so sad for Eli with the pressure and expectations from his dad— and I love how he comes around in the end to support Eli’s dreams, and encouraging him to get the girl.
I will definitely need to read more Octavia in the future, after how much I loved this. Thank You Octavia for an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest and fair review!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
first things first ? Elias is HAWT🥵 I need 🤌💥 I would be falling at the drop of a hat for the curly haired, dimpled-cheeks, spanish-speaking hottie🙂↔️
I liked this one!! The second installment of the red card romance trilogy “Foul & Fake” this time by Octavia Jensen — amazing and funny! Please Eli and Riley’s merited being him catching her mid 💥🌶️🫛 session— and on video 💀 I laughed and cried. Iconic of Eli to be so over the rites bullsh!t that he just blackmails the innocent girl of his dreams to be his fake girlfriend, in exchange of protecting her accidental 🌽 video he refuses to get rid of.After their first night out putting on a show as the new loved up couple, their chemistry burns up into a steamy ONS that leaves them both realing— and Riley running for the hills. Alas, they must keep up their charade, no matter how hard Riley tries to ignore Elias.
This read pleasantly surprised me! I love these types of collabs with several authors, but jumping from different authors and styles, sometimes leave apart of the story lost in translation for me— but that was not the case here. Eli was definitely a more mild crescendo into the darker part of his character, but I loved it. His desperation just grows darker the more Riley resists him & I can’t help but love it! I feel so sad for Eli with the pressure and expectations from his dad— and I love how he comes around in the end to support Eli’s dreams, and encouraging him to get the girl.
I will definitely need to read more Octavia in the future, after how much I loved this. Thank You Octavia for an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest and fair review!!
October 8, 2025
The second book in the Red Card Romance Series. A dark, spicy, soccer romcom. This was… a little fucked up, but kind of in the best way. We love a man who’s quite literally OBSESSED, and Eli was willing to go to the greatest lengths to get exactly what he wanted. From their first encounter, he knew he wanted Riley. And he would do whatever he needed to to get her to agree to fake date and get his team off his back. Their push and pull was was messy and toxic and full of red flags and banter, but in the end they both knew they wanted each other and that they didn’t want the “fake” to end. Their relationship was nothing if not unconventional, but it really seemed to work for them. I loved when Eli decided to do the video confession, admitting to everything he had done, and in the end leaving it up to Riley to decide what she really wanted after it was all on the table.
Thank you to Octavia, for the ARC! This series has been so fun and a nice change of pace.
read if you love:
soccer romance, dark romcom, toxic relationship, fake dating, opposites attract, college, obsessive MMC, he falls first and hard, mask play
Thank you to Octavia, for the ARC! This series has been so fun and a nice change of pace.
read if you love:
soccer romance, dark romcom, toxic relationship, fake dating, opposites attract, college, obsessive MMC, he falls first and hard, mask play
October 11, 2025
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🅣🅡🅞🅟🅔🅢
✨Sport romance
✨College
✨Fake dating
✨Opposites attract
✨Toxic relationship
✨Halloween vibes 🎃
✨Dark romcom
This is the first book by Octavia Jensen that I've read, and I am in awe. It's a perfect continuation of the Red Card Romance series. ⚽️
Elias breaks into his mark's room, but instead finds Riley... in a very intimate position. Very quickly, Riley finds herself thrust into a fake relationship she never wanted, but Elias is a very persistent guy, and he's simply impossible to resist!
I enjoyed Elias's unhinged side, how Riley stood up to him, and their text messages. I had a smile on my face throughout the entire book, except for Elias's video confession, which completely melted my heart. Sweet, unhinged boy! We got the perfect ending! Love it!
Thank you Octavia for the e-copy of this book!🕊️🧡
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🅣🅡🅞🅟🅔🅢
✨Sport romance
✨College
✨Fake dating
✨Opposites attract
✨Toxic relationship
✨Halloween vibes 🎃
✨Dark romcom
This is the first book by Octavia Jensen that I've read, and I am in awe. It's a perfect continuation of the Red Card Romance series. ⚽️
Elias breaks into his mark's room, but instead finds Riley... in a very intimate position. Very quickly, Riley finds herself thrust into a fake relationship she never wanted, but Elias is a very persistent guy, and he's simply impossible to resist!
I enjoyed Elias's unhinged side, how Riley stood up to him, and their text messages. I had a smile on my face throughout the entire book, except for Elias's video confession, which completely melted my heart. Sweet, unhinged boy! We got the perfect ending! Love it!
Thank you Octavia for the e-copy of this book!🕊️🧡
October 2, 2025
ARC Review 📖
Foul & Fake
Red Card Romance
Written by Octavia Jensen
Octavia is not messing around and has the excitement starting right off the bat. Eli is not messing around when it comes to getting what he wants and convincing Riley that it is a mutual benefit if she dates him. I love the instant banter between them because they are both aware of how they feel about each other and it's so much fun to play the push and pull game. But things get really messy and I'm here for it. It keeps me turning the pages to see what will happen next between them. Their relationship is very unconventional but it works for them and that is my favorite part of this book.
#nerd
#jock
#soccerromance
#cupcake
#soccerboy
#fakedating
#redcardromance
#oppositesattract
#primal
#mine
#Stalker
#photographer
#multicultural
#beautiful
#masksanschasing
#thightats
#croptops
#panks
#therites
#toxicrelationship
#collegeromance
#darkromcom
Foul & Fake
Red Card Romance
Written by Octavia Jensen
Octavia is not messing around and has the excitement starting right off the bat. Eli is not messing around when it comes to getting what he wants and convincing Riley that it is a mutual benefit if she dates him. I love the instant banter between them because they are both aware of how they feel about each other and it's so much fun to play the push and pull game. But things get really messy and I'm here for it. It keeps me turning the pages to see what will happen next between them. Their relationship is very unconventional but it works for them and that is my favorite part of this book.
#nerd
#jock
#soccerromance
#cupcake
#soccerboy
#fakedating
#redcardromance
#oppositesattract
#primal
#mine
#Stalker
#photographer
#multicultural
#beautiful
#masksanschasing
#thightats
#croptops
#panks
#therites
#toxicrelationship
#collegeromance
#darkromcom
October 8, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ | arc review
Okay, I really enjoyed this one!
Fake dating but make it different.
Both Eli and Riley are quite toxic. Eli for the way he blackmails, stalks and lies to Riley.. and Riley for lowkey liking it.
Their dynamic was very interesting to see and the whole plot was so good! While their beginning was very toxic and their relationship was build on lies and everything that's wrong; you could tell that Eli really loved Riley after all. He just had a funny way of going about it but he redeemed himself massively!
The writing style of Octavia is also something I really enjoyed. She knows how to pull you in. The story literally starts off so strong and drops you right into the plot, which was really nice.
Definitely a fun read with a lot of dark elements! ✨
Okay, I really enjoyed this one!
Fake dating but make it different.
Both Eli and Riley are quite toxic. Eli for the way he blackmails, stalks and lies to Riley.. and Riley for lowkey liking it.
Their dynamic was very interesting to see and the whole plot was so good! While their beginning was very toxic and their relationship was build on lies and everything that's wrong; you could tell that Eli really loved Riley after all. He just had a funny way of going about it but he redeemed himself massively!
The writing style of Octavia is also something I really enjoyed. She knows how to pull you in. The story literally starts off so strong and drops you right into the plot, which was really nice.
Definitely a fun read with a lot of dark elements! ✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2025
5⭐️ 3.5🌶️
I loved this take on the fake dating troup. I haven’t seen it take this path before and I loved it! The situations they find themselves in are just outrageous and full of red flags only hot in romance books! 🥵
Their not-so-meet-cute had me in stitches! I can’t even imagine having that happen to me, I would literally die of embarrassment! Elias becomes so unhinged and Riley has a little game up her sleeve as well. Their nicknames are perfection and so is their banter!
The video confession was everything I hoped it would be and I love how he decided to give her the whole truth. How they come together for real is perfection! Ugh, I just love them so much!!
Thank you Octavia Jensen for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review! I really enjoyed this one!
I loved this take on the fake dating troup. I haven’t seen it take this path before and I loved it! The situations they find themselves in are just outrageous and full of red flags only hot in romance books! 🥵
Their not-so-meet-cute had me in stitches! I can’t even imagine having that happen to me, I would literally die of embarrassment! Elias becomes so unhinged and Riley has a little game up her sleeve as well. Their nicknames are perfection and so is their banter!
The video confession was everything I hoped it would be and I love how he decided to give her the whole truth. How they come together for real is perfection! Ugh, I just love them so much!!
Thank you Octavia Jensen for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review! I really enjoyed this one!
October 1, 2025
Elias + Riley
-college sports romance
-dark romcom
-fake dating
-opposites attract
-toxic relationship
bahaha omg wowww this was so fucked up but in the absolute best way!! just like with the last one, we LOVEE a man whos down bad...but even more so in THIS baby...we love when he will go to ALL LENGTHSSSS haha to get what he wants!! but wow also eli was the cutest little baby girl & did some GREATTTT groveling!! we love him!!
-college sports romance
-dark romcom
-fake dating
-opposites attract
-toxic relationship
bahaha omg wowww this was so fucked up but in the absolute best way!! just like with the last one, we LOVEE a man whos down bad...but even more so in THIS baby...we love when he will go to ALL LENGTHSSSS haha to get what he wants!! but wow also eli was the cutest little baby girl & did some GREATTTT groveling!! we love him!!
September 30, 2025
One minute I wanted to hug Elias because he was flirty and adorable, the next minute I wanted to ask him to stalk me because hot damn he was willing to do whatever it took to keep Riley and make their relationship real ❤️🔥
This was my favourite fake dating book. They had a not so meet cute that made me so embarrassed for Riley but she took it like a champ. They were so clearly into each other and yes Elias did some questionable things but honestly I would have said thank you 😂
Elias fully redeemed himself with that video confession and I adore him and Riley together.
Thank you to Octavia for the ARC.
This was my favourite fake dating book. They had a not so meet cute that made me so embarrassed for Riley but she took it like a champ. They were so clearly into each other and yes Elias did some questionable things but honestly I would have said thank you 😂
Elias fully redeemed himself with that video confession and I adore him and Riley together.
Thank you to Octavia for the ARC.
Want to read
September 25, 2025Want to read
Next up on my arc list
Next up on my arc list
September 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this one and did not want to put it down!
Elias and Riley were so good together, even with the questionable things he did but I was still rooting for their relationship.
I liked Riley's character and being in her position, I probably would have been the same way because I mean it's Elias after all.
The spice was spicy 🔥
The epilogue was pretty cute as well.
And I'm excited to read the last one to see how it plays out.
Elias and Riley were so good together, even with the questionable things he did but I was still rooting for their relationship.
I liked Riley's character and being in her position, I probably would have been the same way because I mean it's Elias after all.
The spice was spicy 🔥
The epilogue was pretty cute as well.
And I'm excited to read the last one to see how it plays out.
October 5, 2025
Beta Read
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
TW - blackmail, manipulation, gaslighting, secret sex tape / photos, unsafe sex, stalking, parental abandonment (past, mentioned), alcohol consumption / underage drinking, hidden cameras, blood (brief), crime (mentioned as part of investigative journalism incl human trafficking and a serial killer), vomit (off page, mentioned), pregnancy (mentioned)
CW - katoptronophilia, breeding (no pregnancy), cum marking, primal play, public play, toys, light CNC, light spanking, spitting, biting, light degradation, cockwarming, condom tampering, hand necklace, light somnophilia, masks
Tropes - sports romance, football romance, fake dating, dark romcom, college romance, size difference, opposites attract, toxic relationship
Representation - Latino (Mexican) MMC, queer rep, bi rep, midsize FMC
This was such a fun read! Riley (FMC) and Elias (MMC) are TOXIC af so if that is not your vibe, probably skip this one, lol. The darkness of this book comes from their toxicity and… it can be a lot and, while Elias can be very shady, they are also clear on where they stand, if that makes sense?? If you’re familiar with Octavia’s books, Elias gives an even crazier version of Adrian in Break Me Twice and, if you didn’t think that was possible, surprise!! I cannot believe Octavia got me to like this man because, while he is positively insane, in the best obsessed, toxic and possessive way, he could also be really sweet to Riley making it easy to forget they’re meant to be fake dating.
This was somewhat short but I also thought it was a really good length for these MCs. I’m interested in the concept of uni hazing being the inception of their fake dating and I’m intrigued to see what happens in Bend & Break and Strike & Score.
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List / The Naughtier List
TW/CW not to be repurposed by authors / publishers for website / book / content use without permission
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
TW - blackmail, manipulation, gaslighting, secret sex tape / photos, unsafe sex, stalking, parental abandonment (past, mentioned), alcohol consumption / underage drinking, hidden cameras, blood (brief), crime (mentioned as part of investigative journalism incl human trafficking and a serial killer), vomit (off page, mentioned), pregnancy (mentioned)
CW - katoptronophilia, breeding (no pregnancy), cum marking, primal play, public play, toys, light CNC, light spanking, spitting, biting, light degradation, cockwarming, condom tampering, hand necklace, light somnophilia, masks
Tropes - sports romance, football romance, fake dating, dark romcom, college romance, size difference, opposites attract, toxic relationship
Representation - Latino (Mexican) MMC, queer rep, bi rep, midsize FMC
This was such a fun read! Riley (FMC) and Elias (MMC) are TOXIC af so if that is not your vibe, probably skip this one, lol. The darkness of this book comes from their toxicity and… it can be a lot and, while Elias can be very shady, they are also clear on where they stand, if that makes sense?? If you’re familiar with Octavia’s books, Elias gives an even crazier version of Adrian in Break Me Twice and, if you didn’t think that was possible, surprise!! I cannot believe Octavia got me to like this man because, while he is positively insane, in the best obsessed, toxic and possessive way, he could also be really sweet to Riley making it easy to forget they’re meant to be fake dating.
This was somewhat short but I also thought it was a really good length for these MCs. I’m interested in the concept of uni hazing being the inception of their fake dating and I’m intrigued to see what happens in Bend & Break and Strike & Score.
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List / The Naughtier List
TW/CW not to be repurposed by authors / publishers for website / book / content use without permission
October 14, 2025
Soccer romance
Fake dating
Opposites attract
Dark rom com
Primal/masks
Nickname
Jock x nerd
Toxic relationship
He wears a mask (Halloween 🎃)
Secret Society
He chases her, she likes it 💦
“I meant it. He can have my body, just not my heart.”
“You know I have no idea what that means, right?! know what a soccer ball is and what a goal looks like, but that's where my soccer knowledge ends. I hope you didn't tell your friends I was a fan.”
“I assumed you weren't, but you're going to have to come watch me play eventually.”
“How long do we have to do this?”
“Until we’re married.”
when i climb in and bury my face in her hair, the world around me calms.
“you can use my body, my smile, my affection my words...
But you can but you can’t use my heart”
it's not YOURS to play with.”
How about we toss your rule out the window then, cupcake? I want to kiss the fuck out of you right now.
Fuck the rules.
My girl
“Why do you call me cupcake?”
“Because they’re sweet and I’m dying for a taste.”
"Do you always jack off with your glasses on?
It's hot."
"Let me come on your face.
Let me paint your innocent skin and
dirty your perfect glasses."
I don’t know what’s gotten into me, but I’ve become obsessed with this damn girl and I don’t know how to fight it.
I knew she’d be the cure
This book was so hot 🥵 this is book 2 in the series and I’m absolutely hooked. I’m loving this series!
How do you spell captivated by the series, the plot, the characters! Everything is perfection
I didn’t think I’d like Elias, but we all know there’s always more to a person. And the plot! To keep me, guessing, I was on the edge of my seat!
Eli knows what he wants, he is a man obsessed and he has his site set on Riley.
The banter between these two were electric attention, pulling your in I was hooked in the start. It may have started as a fake couple, but it got real, fast, hot and heavy, and I was here for it.
I am jumping in to the next book freaking fantastic series!!
Fake dating
Opposites attract
Dark rom com
Primal/masks
Nickname
Jock x nerd
Toxic relationship
He wears a mask (Halloween 🎃)
Secret Society
He chases her, she likes it 💦
“I meant it. He can have my body, just not my heart.”
“You know I have no idea what that means, right?! know what a soccer ball is and what a goal looks like, but that's where my soccer knowledge ends. I hope you didn't tell your friends I was a fan.”
“I assumed you weren't, but you're going to have to come watch me play eventually.”
“How long do we have to do this?”
“Until we’re married.”
when i climb in and bury my face in her hair, the world around me calms.
“you can use my body, my smile, my affection my words...
But you can but you can’t use my heart”
it's not YOURS to play with.”
How about we toss your rule out the window then, cupcake? I want to kiss the fuck out of you right now.
Fuck the rules.
My girl
“Why do you call me cupcake?”
“Because they’re sweet and I’m dying for a taste.”
"Do you always jack off with your glasses on?
It's hot."
"Let me come on your face.
Let me paint your innocent skin and
dirty your perfect glasses."
I don’t know what’s gotten into me, but I’ve become obsessed with this damn girl and I don’t know how to fight it.
I knew she’d be the cure
This book was so hot 🥵 this is book 2 in the series and I’m absolutely hooked. I’m loving this series!
How do you spell captivated by the series, the plot, the characters! Everything is perfection
I didn’t think I’d like Elias, but we all know there’s always more to a person. And the plot! To keep me, guessing, I was on the edge of my seat!
Eli knows what he wants, he is a man obsessed and he has his site set on Riley.
The banter between these two were electric attention, pulling your in I was hooked in the start. It may have started as a fake couple, but it got real, fast, hot and heavy, and I was here for it.
I am jumping in to the next book freaking fantastic series!!
October 18, 2025
Red Card Romance
Foul & Fake by Octavia Jensen
★ ★ ★ ★ ★/ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Rule #1: Don’t fall in love.
Rule #2: No kissing.
The Red Card Romance series features a ritual called “The Rites”, which typically consist of months of pranks when the senior warriors of the men’s soccer team select a victim from the junior ranks of the women’s team. Book number 2, Foul & Fake by Octavia Jensen, features Riley and Elias. This was a deliciously spicy, funny, and witty book! It is a fake dating, toxic relationship, dark romance with mask and primal play.
I LOVED this book! If I could describe the way this book made me feel: I was literally gasping, grinning, and kicking my feet every other page.
The chemistry was off the charts. And I’ve never been happier.
Elias is the true ultra possessive MMC, (it’s not stalking…is it?)
Eli has a heart. of. gold. (and no one knows it) and Cupcake (the sweet nerdy FMC), was so delightful (especially when she fought back). Riley is bold, smart, and not afraid to speak her mind!
additionally: if glasses, breeding, light stalking, the cutest nicknames, a soft only for her MMC, mask play, virgin FMC, blackmailing is your vibe (because same) go read Foul & Fake!!
and if the blackmail trope has you worried, do not fret. Octavia has us in such safe hands. and I promise you will be okay. we will be okay. you must keep reading
5/5. felt giddy reading the book AND writing this review. they occupied my brain 25/7.
Foul & Fake Out Now! Find it on Kindle Unlimited & Paperback!
🧡 dark romance
🧡 jock x nerd
🧡 opposites attract
🧡 toxic relationship
🧡 breeding
🧡 mask play
🧡 primal play
Thank you so much Octavia for the ARC!
Foul & Fake by Octavia Jensen
★ ★ ★ ★ ★/ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Rule #1: Don’t fall in love.
Rule #2: No kissing.
The Red Card Romance series features a ritual called “The Rites”, which typically consist of months of pranks when the senior warriors of the men’s soccer team select a victim from the junior ranks of the women’s team. Book number 2, Foul & Fake by Octavia Jensen, features Riley and Elias. This was a deliciously spicy, funny, and witty book! It is a fake dating, toxic relationship, dark romance with mask and primal play.
I LOVED this book! If I could describe the way this book made me feel: I was literally gasping, grinning, and kicking my feet every other page.
The chemistry was off the charts. And I’ve never been happier.
Elias is the true ultra possessive MMC, (it’s not stalking…is it?)
Eli has a heart. of. gold. (and no one knows it) and Cupcake (the sweet nerdy FMC), was so delightful (especially when she fought back). Riley is bold, smart, and not afraid to speak her mind!
additionally: if glasses, breeding, light stalking, the cutest nicknames, a soft only for her MMC, mask play, virgin FMC, blackmailing is your vibe (because same) go read Foul & Fake!!
and if the blackmail trope has you worried, do not fret. Octavia has us in such safe hands. and I promise you will be okay. we will be okay. you must keep reading
5/5. felt giddy reading the book AND writing this review. they occupied my brain 25/7.
Foul & Fake Out Now! Find it on Kindle Unlimited & Paperback!
🧡 dark romance
🧡 jock x nerd
🧡 opposites attract
🧡 toxic relationship
🧡 breeding
🧡 mask play
🧡 primal play
Thank you so much Octavia for the ARC!
October 3, 2025
⚽️ ARC REVIEW ⚽️
Foul & Fake by Octavia Jensen
Elias & Riley 'Cupcake'
Releasing: 10/08
My Rating: 5⭐️
Red Card Romance Series Book Two
Dark RomCom
Sports/Soccer Romance
College Romance
Fake Dating
Toxic Relationship
He's Obsessed
He Falls First and Hard
My Spicy Rating: 4🌶
I loved this book so much. I loved their toxic relationship. It was so toxic, they ended up giving us some very spicy moments. The arguing and the roughness during spicy scenes. Hot. 🥵 I loved every single one of those yummy scenes.
I'm all for Elias. Hes toxic, obsessed, manipulative and unhinged. And has a naughty mouth. In the end, he fell completely in love, his feelings were so real and honest, he decided to ask for forgiveness and win his girl back. Literally on his knees. But I think my favorite thing was when he gave Riley that spanish nickname. "mi cielo". Ugh, my heart. I'm so down for a hispanic MMC. They just don't sound the same in English. Swooning so hard.
I really liked this book. I rate heavily based on my emotions and how I feel at the end of every book and I enjoyed this one very much from beginning to end. At times, it did feel it went super fast but why not get to the good parts so much faster. 🤭 I am very excited to read the other two books in this series.
Thank you for letting me read this amazing book.
Foul & Fake by Octavia Jensen
Elias & Riley 'Cupcake'
Releasing: 10/08
My Rating: 5⭐️
Red Card Romance Series Book Two
Dark RomCom
Sports/Soccer Romance
College Romance
Fake Dating
Toxic Relationship
He's Obsessed
He Falls First and Hard
My Spicy Rating: 4🌶
I loved this book so much. I loved their toxic relationship. It was so toxic, they ended up giving us some very spicy moments. The arguing and the roughness during spicy scenes. Hot. 🥵 I loved every single one of those yummy scenes.
I'm all for Elias. Hes toxic, obsessed, manipulative and unhinged. And has a naughty mouth. In the end, he fell completely in love, his feelings were so real and honest, he decided to ask for forgiveness and win his girl back. Literally on his knees. But I think my favorite thing was when he gave Riley that spanish nickname. "mi cielo". Ugh, my heart. I'm so down for a hispanic MMC. They just don't sound the same in English. Swooning so hard.
I really liked this book. I rate heavily based on my emotions and how I feel at the end of every book and I enjoyed this one very much from beginning to end. At times, it did feel it went super fast but why not get to the good parts so much faster. 🤭 I am very excited to read the other two books in this series.
Thank you for letting me read this amazing book.
October 7, 2025
This book is the second book in the red card series. This book can be read as a stand alone but to truly understand the story you definitely need to read strike and score by Madi Danielle first. This was my first book by author and definitely enjoyed it. Elias and Riley story was definitely full of angst and all the emotions. They definitely were the perfect couple for each other.
This is a dark romance so please make sure to check your trigger warnings
Tropes:
Soccer Romance
Fake Dating
Opposite Attract
toxic relationship
MC 💦👖
Fall/ Halloween Vibes
Red Card Rites:
1. Thy mark must be chosen at random
2. Break her spirit by means both cunning and calculated
3. Deny all, lest ye be weak
Riley can’t believe what just happened to her. Elias just walked into her dorm room and saw her getting off. Now he is blackmailing her to be his fake girlfriend to get him out of the red card challenge.
This book is very fast pace, fun smutty read. I loved how the author really showed the emotions of the characters, I love how they grew together and found themselves.
** I want to thank Octavia Jensen for giving me the chance to read Foul & Fake as an ARC. In exchange for my honest review and thoughts.***
This is a dark romance so please make sure to check your trigger warnings
Tropes:
Soccer Romance
Fake Dating
Opposite Attract
toxic relationship
MC 💦👖
Fall/ Halloween Vibes
Red Card Rites:
1. Thy mark must be chosen at random
2. Break her spirit by means both cunning and calculated
3. Deny all, lest ye be weak
Riley can’t believe what just happened to her. Elias just walked into her dorm room and saw her getting off. Now he is blackmailing her to be his fake girlfriend to get him out of the red card challenge.
This book is very fast pace, fun smutty read. I loved how the author really showed the emotions of the characters, I love how they grew together and found themselves.
** I want to thank Octavia Jensen for giving me the chance to read Foul & Fake as an ARC. In exchange for my honest review and thoughts.***
October 9, 2025
I loved this book. It starts out strong and doesn’t stop. I binged this book in one sitting.
Foul & Fake is Book 2 is an interconnected standalone in the Red Card Romance series, a trilogy by three different authors.
Characters:
Riley Dattner
Elias Reyes
Right place, wrong time makes Elias meet Riley when she’s at her most vulnerable. He could be a good guy and end it then and there but no. Cue blackmail, manipulation, and a fake relationship. It would be easy to say that Elias is a bad guy, but he doesn’t totally feel that way. He’s friendly, nice, and wants Riley in a way he’s never wanted anyone else. He’s toxic and obsessed.
Riley is strong and not forgiving initially. She shows a lot of strength. But she quickly falls for Elias and allows him to run through the barriers she puts up. She gets a reality check and starts manipulation of her own. Both characters showed dimension and growth leading to the book climax. Super sweet happily ever after epilogue five years later too.
What to Expect:
Dual POV
College romance
Soccer romance
Dark romcom
Fake relationship
Opposites attract
Golden retriever MMC
Morally gray MCs
Happily Ever After Epilogue
Spice:
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Thank you Octavia Jensen for providing me with an advanced copy of this book!
Foul & Fake is Book 2 is an interconnected standalone in the Red Card Romance series, a trilogy by three different authors.
Characters:
Riley Dattner
Elias Reyes
Right place, wrong time makes Elias meet Riley when she’s at her most vulnerable. He could be a good guy and end it then and there but no. Cue blackmail, manipulation, and a fake relationship. It would be easy to say that Elias is a bad guy, but he doesn’t totally feel that way. He’s friendly, nice, and wants Riley in a way he’s never wanted anyone else. He’s toxic and obsessed.
Riley is strong and not forgiving initially. She shows a lot of strength. But she quickly falls for Elias and allows him to run through the barriers she puts up. She gets a reality check and starts manipulation of her own. Both characters showed dimension and growth leading to the book climax. Super sweet happily ever after epilogue five years later too.
What to Expect:
Dual POV
College romance
Soccer romance
Dark romcom
Fake relationship
Opposites attract
Golden retriever MMC
Morally gray MCs
Happily Ever After Epilogue
Spice:
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Thank you Octavia Jensen for providing me with an advanced copy of this book!
October 1, 2025
[The funny thing about hate is it’s only a half-step and a tiny little jump away from love
OK – If you’re into Taboo and Stalker, Foul & Fake by Octavia Jensen is one to add to your October TBR.
Book 2 of 3 in a multi-author series surrounding a men's and women’s college soccer team that has a dark tradition of hazing from the men’s team to the women's.
For me, this story started strong – loved the meet-cute, loved the premise of the fake dating, and the set-up. Then, like most taboo reads, the MMC goes and takes things too far and gets me super annoyed – and this stayed true for most of the story until Eli redeems himself. THANK GOODNESS – Riley was clever and was really fun to read. But Eli, Eli, Eli – thankfully you figured it out, cause WHEWF, that version of you was not it.
I loved the timeline, I loved the Halloween vibes, and I loved the redemption.
This was my first read of Octavia’s, and I will be reading more from her!
What to expect:
Dark/Soccer Romance
Fake Dating
Man obsessed
Stalker
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of Foul & Fake, and I am providing my honest review. Thank you, Octavia Jensen, for the opportunity.
OK – If you’re into Taboo and Stalker, Foul & Fake by Octavia Jensen is one to add to your October TBR.
Book 2 of 3 in a multi-author series surrounding a men's and women’s college soccer team that has a dark tradition of hazing from the men’s team to the women's.
For me, this story started strong – loved the meet-cute, loved the premise of the fake dating, and the set-up. Then, like most taboo reads, the MMC goes and takes things too far and gets me super annoyed – and this stayed true for most of the story until Eli redeems himself. THANK GOODNESS – Riley was clever and was really fun to read. But Eli, Eli, Eli – thankfully you figured it out, cause WHEWF, that version of you was not it.
I loved the timeline, I loved the Halloween vibes, and I loved the redemption.
This was my first read of Octavia’s, and I will be reading more from her!
What to expect:
Dark/Soccer Romance
Fake Dating
Man obsessed
Stalker
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of Foul & Fake, and I am providing my honest review. Thank you, Octavia Jensen, for the opportunity.
October 4, 2025
Such a genius concept for these books!!
🧡Strike & Score by Madi Danielle
🧡Foul & Fake by Octavia Jensen
🧡Bend & Break by Genna Black
3 books
3 different authors
The same event and time line with 3 different couples POV
The Rites is the perfect excuse for the men's soccer team to pull some pranks on the women´s team, but these ladies are not taking their shit without a good fight 😈
Brilliantly done and you need to read all 3 only because they are incredibly well done and such a fun read - I finished all 3 in less than 24 hours - I just could not stop!!
🧡Foul & Fake
Elias and Riley are the cutest couple of the 3 books
Elias is a flirty, adorable, funny, stalker MMC who traps Riley into fake dating him
The way they meet 🤭 the banter, the nicknames, the video confession was perfection.
You will be cheering these 2 on all the way - even when Eli messes up
This is a College sports dark romcom
The pranks, the bullying, the masks, the team spirit - it has everything you could ask for and so much more - add this (and the other 2) to your TBR immediately, you will not regret it
Thank you Octavia for the opportunity to ARC read this 📚
🧡Strike & Score by Madi Danielle
🧡Foul & Fake by Octavia Jensen
🧡Bend & Break by Genna Black
3 books
3 different authors
The same event and time line with 3 different couples POV
The Rites is the perfect excuse for the men's soccer team to pull some pranks on the women´s team, but these ladies are not taking their shit without a good fight 😈
Brilliantly done and you need to read all 3 only because they are incredibly well done and such a fun read - I finished all 3 in less than 24 hours - I just could not stop!!
🧡Foul & Fake
Elias and Riley are the cutest couple of the 3 books
Elias is a flirty, adorable, funny, stalker MMC who traps Riley into fake dating him
The way they meet 🤭 the banter, the nicknames, the video confession was perfection.
You will be cheering these 2 on all the way - even when Eli messes up
This is a College sports dark romcom
The pranks, the bullying, the masks, the team spirit - it has everything you could ask for and so much more - add this (and the other 2) to your TBR immediately, you will not regret it
Thank you Octavia for the opportunity to ARC read this 📚
October 8, 2025
- characters are Both gemini
- dark soccer romance
- dark college romance
- secret society
- Black mail
- Fake dating
- Obsessed at first sight
- Primal
- Mask
- Breeding k!nk
- St@lking
- Toxic relationship
- Exhibitionism
- Some somniphilia
Rating 4.25/5
Spice 4/5
Another boy obsessed at first sight? Riley just wanted to have alone time especially when her roommate is not in, but then she is caught in a crossfire between the Red card rites prank wars. Where soccer players (males) target one random girl. But Elias is so OVER it when he sees Riley in a VERY COMPROMISING position trying to reach climax LOL!
He decides that they just fake date to get out of this tradition and he has leverage of course. They are funny, toxic, i do love this couple. He is soooo unhinged and also delulu in another level!
Riley decided to take one for the team and fake date the hot Elias Reyes cause why not? he's just another f*ck boy soccer player. They are completely opposites and omg its really entertaining to read this couple!
- dark soccer romance
- dark college romance
- secret society
- Black mail
- Fake dating
- Obsessed at first sight
- Primal
- Mask
- Breeding k!nk
- St@lking
- Toxic relationship
- Exhibitionism
- Some somniphilia
Rating 4.25/5
Spice 4/5
Another boy obsessed at first sight? Riley just wanted to have alone time especially when her roommate is not in, but then she is caught in a crossfire between the Red card rites prank wars. Where soccer players (males) target one random girl. But Elias is so OVER it when he sees Riley in a VERY COMPROMISING position trying to reach climax LOL!
He decides that they just fake date to get out of this tradition and he has leverage of course. They are funny, toxic, i do love this couple. He is soooo unhinged and also delulu in another level!
Riley decided to take one for the team and fake date the hot Elias Reyes cause why not? he's just another f*ck boy soccer player. They are completely opposites and omg its really entertaining to read this couple!
October 10, 2025
Foul & Fake was honestly the best! I loved reading this book! This dark college soccer romcom was short (around 200 pages), spicy, toxic, and so funny!
When Eli breaks into Riley’s room to prank her roomie, he catches her in the middle of some “self care,” and is instantly obsessed. They enter into a fake relationship to avoid breaking out into a pranking war, which is a tradition for their college soccer teams.
I love how toxic Eli is. He blackmails her, stalks her, films her without consent, and manipulates her. However, she low key loves it. She knows she shouldn’t, but she can’t even help herself. Despite all the crazy, Eli is also adorable and incredibly endearing. Riley’s inner monologue when it comes to thinking about Eli was hilarious as was their banter.
This book’s spice was top tier and schminky! This story has primal, hand necklaces, bc tampering, some light somno, and mirror play among others. I loved it!
I’m looking forward to reading the other books in the multiauthor Red Card Romance series.
When Eli breaks into Riley’s room to prank her roomie, he catches her in the middle of some “self care,” and is instantly obsessed. They enter into a fake relationship to avoid breaking out into a pranking war, which is a tradition for their college soccer teams.
I love how toxic Eli is. He blackmails her, stalks her, films her without consent, and manipulates her. However, she low key loves it. She knows she shouldn’t, but she can’t even help herself. Despite all the crazy, Eli is also adorable and incredibly endearing. Riley’s inner monologue when it comes to thinking about Eli was hilarious as was their banter.
This book’s spice was top tier and schminky! This story has primal, hand necklaces, bc tampering, some light somno, and mirror play among others. I loved it!
I’m looking forward to reading the other books in the multiauthor Red Card Romance series.
October 12, 2025
I freaking loved this book so much that I read it in less than 24 hours! This is book 2 of 3, and while you don’t need to read the first book, I do recommend because it helps with the story line!
That said, WHERE CAN I FIND AN ELI!? Because holy moly Riley is one lucky girl! What started out as a fake relationship to get Eli out of participating in the Rites and to keep Riley’s dorm room free of pranks, very quickly escalated into obsession, stalking, gaslighting, and some very, very spicy scenes. Eli because so obsessed with Riley that he not only had to know where she was at all times, but he took it a step farther by stalking her and taking pictures of her. And while it all sounds completely insane and psychotic, he did it all in the most loving and caring way. And Riley was such a sucker for all of it and loved it more than she was willing to admit.
They both had loaded guns ready to take the other down, but instead turned that ammo into their fairytale and never looked back.
10/10 read!
That said, WHERE CAN I FIND AN ELI!? Because holy moly Riley is one lucky girl! What started out as a fake relationship to get Eli out of participating in the Rites and to keep Riley’s dorm room free of pranks, very quickly escalated into obsession, stalking, gaslighting, and some very, very spicy scenes. Eli because so obsessed with Riley that he not only had to know where she was at all times, but he took it a step farther by stalking her and taking pictures of her. And while it all sounds completely insane and psychotic, he did it all in the most loving and caring way. And Riley was such a sucker for all of it and loved it more than she was willing to admit.
They both had loaded guns ready to take the other down, but instead turned that ammo into their fairytale and never looked back.
10/10 read!
September 29, 2025
Continuing the series we have another dark and very morally grey romance and I’m not joking when I say Elias is going to do anything to keep Riley…
I’m never been so shocked with a duality in a character like this, Elias has the vibe of a chill, flirty guy but the length of what is capable of doing just so he can get to be near Riley is kinda psycho in a cute way… it really got you questioning yourself every turn!
I like Riley’s character very much, she’s so relatable and due to the fact that she isn’t part of the football team neither part of the rites, it gives us readers a perspective from the outside, almost like we were in all the middle of the hazing… would we forgive all the shady things and take it peacefully or take the whole thing down?
The story was very entertaining full of spice, cute but questionable moments and enticing characters!
Can’t wait to continue to read this series!
I’m never been so shocked with a duality in a character like this, Elias has the vibe of a chill, flirty guy but the length of what is capable of doing just so he can get to be near Riley is kinda psycho in a cute way… it really got you questioning yourself every turn!
I like Riley’s character very much, she’s so relatable and due to the fact that she isn’t part of the football team neither part of the rites, it gives us readers a perspective from the outside, almost like we were in all the middle of the hazing… would we forgive all the shady things and take it peacefully or take the whole thing down?
The story was very entertaining full of spice, cute but questionable moments and enticing characters!
Can’t wait to continue to read this series!
October 5, 2025
5 ⭐ 4 🌶️
I am so head over heels obsessed with these two. They were so ridiculous and hot, sweet and hilarious, and I just could not get enough. I'm such a sucker for a golden retriever, but throw in some red flags (like I don't know, stalking and blackmailing) and I'm a goner. I adore the way Octavia brings her characters to life, especially the MMCs.
This one started spicy and only got hotter from there. There's dubcon, primal play, breeding, dirty talk and so much more. Elias and Riley are phenomenal in the bedroom (and in the woods too). I really enjoyed watching them toe the is it fake or is this actually real line and eventually falling in love.
I'll be honest, it got a touch suspenseful feeling there at the end and it kept me on my toes. Maci had me side eyeing her hard and Riley's run in in the woods got my heart pumping. All's well that end's well though and these two ended sweet as pie. I loved them so much.
Thank you so much Octavia for the advanced copy!!
I am so head over heels obsessed with these two. They were so ridiculous and hot, sweet and hilarious, and I just could not get enough. I'm such a sucker for a golden retriever, but throw in some red flags (like I don't know, stalking and blackmailing) and I'm a goner. I adore the way Octavia brings her characters to life, especially the MMCs.
This one started spicy and only got hotter from there. There's dubcon, primal play, breeding, dirty talk and so much more. Elias and Riley are phenomenal in the bedroom (and in the woods too). I really enjoyed watching them toe the is it fake or is this actually real line and eventually falling in love.
I'll be honest, it got a touch suspenseful feeling there at the end and it kept me on my toes. Maci had me side eyeing her hard and Riley's run in in the woods got my heart pumping. All's well that end's well though and these two ended sweet as pie. I loved them so much.
Thank you so much Octavia for the advanced copy!!
October 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Book 2 of the red card series and I’m even more I love now. I had to force myself to go to sleep and then do adult things all day today when all I wanted to do was learn more about our two MCs.
Elias only walked into the dorm room to start the red card hazing but instead he met a girl who he is now obsessed with. Now he has the ability to blackmail her into fake dating him thus making it possible for him to avoid the hazing. But what happens when the fake dating begins to look a lot more real than they expected?
I love Elias. This man was obsessed to a fault but he OWNED the crazy. Then we have Riley who was in denial 95.999% of the time but the second she actually came to terms with her feelings the story became something completely new. It was like a dark, stalker romance turns contemporary with how sweet and lovie it became. And I’m OBSESSED. UGH. I wish I could read this for the first time again.
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Book 2 of the red card series and I’m even more I love now. I had to force myself to go to sleep and then do adult things all day today when all I wanted to do was learn more about our two MCs.
Elias only walked into the dorm room to start the red card hazing but instead he met a girl who he is now obsessed with. Now he has the ability to blackmail her into fake dating him thus making it possible for him to avoid the hazing. But what happens when the fake dating begins to look a lot more real than they expected?
I love Elias. This man was obsessed to a fault but he OWNED the crazy. Then we have Riley who was in denial 95.999% of the time but the second she actually came to terms with her feelings the story became something completely new. It was like a dark, stalker romance turns contemporary with how sweet and lovie it became. And I’m OBSESSED. UGH. I wish I could read this for the first time again.
October 10, 2025
ARC Review: 4.5 ⭐️
Foul & Fake is book 2 in the Red Card Romance series featuring Elias Reyes & Riley Dattner.
Elias gets Riley’s roommate for the Red Card Rites. When he enters their dorm to start tormenting her, he comes across Riley taking care of herself, an ordeal he catches on camera.
Riley is not in the mood to be a secondary victim of the rites and asks if there is anyway for him to not mess with their room. Elias tells her the only way out of it is if he’s in a relationship so Riley agrees to fake date him as a way out of the hazing and to keep her video private.
Over time Elias is convinced that he and Riley could really have something but she’s not interested in it. Will he use the video to blackmail her into a relationship or will she naturally cave over time?
I throughly enjoyed this book and loved everything about Elias. He was so down bad for Riley and would stop at absolutely nothing to get her! Riley could have chosen to do him dirty but in the end she caved to his charms.
Thank you Octavia for the ARC !
Foul & Fake is book 2 in the Red Card Romance series featuring Elias Reyes & Riley Dattner.
Elias gets Riley’s roommate for the Red Card Rites. When he enters their dorm to start tormenting her, he comes across Riley taking care of herself, an ordeal he catches on camera.
Riley is not in the mood to be a secondary victim of the rites and asks if there is anyway for him to not mess with their room. Elias tells her the only way out of it is if he’s in a relationship so Riley agrees to fake date him as a way out of the hazing and to keep her video private.
Over time Elias is convinced that he and Riley could really have something but she’s not interested in it. Will he use the video to blackmail her into a relationship or will she naturally cave over time?
I throughly enjoyed this book and loved everything about Elias. He was so down bad for Riley and would stop at absolutely nothing to get her! Riley could have chosen to do him dirty but in the end she caved to his charms.
Thank you Octavia for the ARC !
October 8, 2025
This “Fake Dating” Deal Got Filthy Fast 👀
OMG Besties... "Foul & Fake" took the “fake dating” trope and made it downright feral. Riley thought she could handle Northgate’s flirty, smooth-talking, sexy AF center-back Elias with a few ground rules: 1- no love and 2- no kissing. Yeah… about that. 😏 The chemistry? Off the charts. The texting banter? Hilarious. The tension? So thick I needed a cold shower and a therapy session. Between the locker-room chaos, late-night confessions, and those deliciously primal moments (yes, mask play—IYKYK), this book is pure chaos in the best way. It’s giving “nerdy girl loses control to her forbidden jock fantasy” and I ate up every word. Octavia Jensen delivered spice, humor, and heartbreak all in one perfect, messy storm. ⚽🔥
My Ratings: ⭐ 4/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3.5/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
OMG Besties... "Foul & Fake" took the “fake dating” trope and made it downright feral. Riley thought she could handle Northgate’s flirty, smooth-talking, sexy AF center-back Elias with a few ground rules: 1- no love and 2- no kissing. Yeah… about that. 😏 The chemistry? Off the charts. The texting banter? Hilarious. The tension? So thick I needed a cold shower and a therapy session. Between the locker-room chaos, late-night confessions, and those deliciously primal moments (yes, mask play—IYKYK), this book is pure chaos in the best way. It’s giving “nerdy girl loses control to her forbidden jock fantasy” and I ate up every word. Octavia Jensen delivered spice, humor, and heartbreak all in one perfect, messy storm. ⚽🔥
My Ratings: ⭐ 4/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3.5/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
October 5, 2025
ARC Review-
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🗓️ Releases: October, 8th
Ok, stalking her to take secret pictures of her…. truly unhinged. Love it.
“I am officially an unhinged stalker. Before Riley I thought men stalked women for a thrill, but that’s not it at all. I’m not thrilled to be hiding in the shadows with a camera like a creep, but I’m just obsessed beyond reason these days, and I have to know where she is and who she’s with. Having her location isn’t enough”
Elias was actually so sweet and genuinely liked & cared for Riley. The stalking through the park scene had me laughing at the way Eli had to figure out how to not give himself away and then to come out of it looking like the hero.
Thank you, Octavia Jensen for the opportunity to read this ARC. 🫶🏼 All thoughts in this review are honest and my own.
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🗓️ Releases: October, 8th
Ok, stalking her to take secret pictures of her…. truly unhinged. Love it.
“I am officially an unhinged stalker. Before Riley I thought men stalked women for a thrill, but that’s not it at all. I’m not thrilled to be hiding in the shadows with a camera like a creep, but I’m just obsessed beyond reason these days, and I have to know where she is and who she’s with. Having her location isn’t enough”
Elias was actually so sweet and genuinely liked & cared for Riley. The stalking through the park scene had me laughing at the way Eli had to figure out how to not give himself away and then to come out of it looking like the hero.
Thank you, Octavia Jensen for the opportunity to read this ARC. 🫶🏼 All thoughts in this review are honest and my own.
October 4, 2025
This is the second book in the Red Card Romance series and this book follows Riley and Elias.
I struggled to put this book down as I am a sucker for a fake dating trope and I’m apparently a lover of red flag collecting and morally grey men!
The two characters work perfectly together despite their relationship being built on lie after lie. The book had me laughing out loud as well as leaving my jaw on the floor at points.
I loved the characters, spice and plot. This is my first time reading a book by Octavia Jensen but it certainly won’t be my last.
Partner rating: 10/10 despite having no idea what the book was called or what it was about.
Tropes
⚽️sports romance
⚽️college romance
⚽️fake dating
⚽️opposites attract
⚽️dark romcom
⚽️toxic relationship
I struggled to put this book down as I am a sucker for a fake dating trope and I’m apparently a lover of red flag collecting and morally grey men!
The two characters work perfectly together despite their relationship being built on lie after lie. The book had me laughing out loud as well as leaving my jaw on the floor at points.
I loved the characters, spice and plot. This is my first time reading a book by Octavia Jensen but it certainly won’t be my last.
Partner rating: 10/10 despite having no idea what the book was called or what it was about.
Tropes
⚽️sports romance
⚽️college romance
⚽️fake dating
⚽️opposites attract
⚽️dark romcom
⚽️toxic relationship
October 5, 2025
This was my first book by this author and it definitely won’t be my last.
I enjoyed this instalment of the series.
I enjoy the fake dating trope generally so knew this one was up my alley.
There were things I struggled with, like the blackmail aspect of things, but I rolled with it and the ending kind of made up for that.
Elias was um, interesting…I do love a man obsessed though so I forgave him in the end.
Riley started off strong but then kind of let herself get steamrolled which was hard to read, but I’m very much aware that I am considerably older than this character with a whole lot more life experience so I was never going to fully understand her decisions.
All in all though, it was an interesting ride and great addition to the series.
I enjoyed this instalment of the series.
I enjoy the fake dating trope generally so knew this one was up my alley.
There were things I struggled with, like the blackmail aspect of things, but I rolled with it and the ending kind of made up for that.
Elias was um, interesting…I do love a man obsessed though so I forgave him in the end.
Riley started off strong but then kind of let herself get steamrolled which was hard to read, but I’m very much aware that I am considerably older than this character with a whole lot more life experience so I was never going to fully understand her decisions.
All in all though, it was an interesting ride and great addition to the series.
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