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Fake Dating My Best Friend
#1 Rule of Never fall for your client. Especially when he’s your childhood crush and your best friend.
After my ex dumps me in front of the whole town, my matchmaking business is skating on thin ice.
To save it, I rope in my far-too-single best friend, Asher.
Finding him a match should be easy. He’s six-foot-three of pure trouble, with eight-pack abs sharper than all my matchmaking skills.
And it really shouldn’t bother me. Oh, except he was my first crush.
But he made it clear I’m just friend material. We even made a no dating each other.
EVER.
Except Asher’s dates keep going down in flames, and those broad shoulders keep shielding me from my ex.
Worse, his accidental touches are unearthing feelings I buried for good reason.
Because love is risky, but best friends are forever.
I refuse to bet our friendship on a game I can’t afford to lose.
Until he proposes a different plan to save my business…
Fake. Date. Him.
Fake Dating My Best Friend is a sweet standalone, closed-door romcom, brimming with sizzling chemistry without the spice.
After my ex dumps me in front of the whole town, my matchmaking business is skating on thin ice.
To save it, I rope in my far-too-single best friend, Asher.
Finding him a match should be easy. He’s six-foot-three of pure trouble, with eight-pack abs sharper than all my matchmaking skills.
And it really shouldn’t bother me. Oh, except he was my first crush.
But he made it clear I’m just friend material. We even made a no dating each other.
EVER.
Except Asher’s dates keep going down in flames, and those broad shoulders keep shielding me from my ex.
Worse, his accidental touches are unearthing feelings I buried for good reason.
Because love is risky, but best friends are forever.
I refuse to bet our friendship on a game I can’t afford to lose.
Until he proposes a different plan to save my business…
Fake. Date. Him.
Fake Dating My Best Friend is a sweet standalone, closed-door romcom, brimming with sizzling chemistry without the spice.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2025
532 people are currently reading
1138 people want to read
About the author
Leah Blair
7 books98 followersLeah Blair is a sweet romcom author whose books deliver big swoons, bigger laughs, and absolutely zero spice. Her goal? To make you fall in love a thousand times, brighten your day, and leave you smiling just a little more.
When she’s not busy writing, you’ll find her curled up with a good book, playing piano, or getting lost in music. She has a soft spot for small-town charm and loves wandering with her husband through the coziest corners of New York, probably daydreaming about her next fictional couple.
Find her on Instagram (@leahblair.author), Facebook (@leahblair.author), TikTok (@leahblair.author), and check out her website leahblairauthor.com for news about upcoming releases!
When she’s not busy writing, you’ll find her curled up with a good book, playing piano, or getting lost in music. She has a soft spot for small-town charm and loves wandering with her husband through the coziest corners of New York, probably daydreaming about her next fictional couple.
Find her on Instagram (@leahblair.author), Facebook (@leahblair.author), TikTok (@leahblair.author), and check out her website leahblairauthor.com for news about upcoming releases!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
May 12, 2025
Are you ready for a laugh-out-loud story about best friends? I was! And let me say that I loved it! I was grinning and laughing, and yes, even had a few tears trailing down my cheeks while reading this one! This was my first book by Leah Blair. The synopsis pulled me in and had me so excited to dive in. I love a good best friend to more story! Especially when those best friends make a pact when they're younger to never date. And the chemistry is strong with these two. This is a case of timing never being quite right, and then it finally is. And what are the characters going to do with this chance that has come along? It was a fun, flirty, delicious, sweet and swoony read!
Not only was this reader cheering on Isla and Asher, but the whole town was as well. They've watched these two grow up together as best friends and can see what Isla and Asher can't. I loved all of their friends and nosey neighbors. Hahaha! They are such a great addition to the story and had me giggling.
You're going to adore Asher. He's just the sweetest and most thoughtful best friend. And he's going to prove to Isla that he's not going anywhere. I just loved the dynamics of their relationship. They both have some issues from their past, some bigger than others, and they both have to figure those out. I loved how the author portrayed the issues and the working through them. It was well done! The emotions and connection it created for me had me really loving these two characters and their story.
You're going to want some donuts, mochi, great music, a few trips to the gym, a best friend to share your troubles with, a bestie to laugh with just because, someone to snuggle with and hold you tight so you can cry, someone to have a bucket list with, and most especially someone whom you can be your complete self with without any judgement and just be loved for who you are.
I didn't want it to end! Good thing I can go back and enjoy it again and again!
Content: Clean. Some kisses but nothing further. Childhood trauma from a parent leaving the family.
I received a copy from the author through BookSprout. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Not only was this reader cheering on Isla and Asher, but the whole town was as well. They've watched these two grow up together as best friends and can see what Isla and Asher can't. I loved all of their friends and nosey neighbors. Hahaha! They are such a great addition to the story and had me giggling.
You're going to adore Asher. He's just the sweetest and most thoughtful best friend. And he's going to prove to Isla that he's not going anywhere. I just loved the dynamics of their relationship. They both have some issues from their past, some bigger than others, and they both have to figure those out. I loved how the author portrayed the issues and the working through them. It was well done! The emotions and connection it created for me had me really loving these two characters and their story.
You're going to want some donuts, mochi, great music, a few trips to the gym, a best friend to share your troubles with, a bestie to laugh with just because, someone to snuggle with and hold you tight so you can cry, someone to have a bucket list with, and most especially someone whom you can be your complete self with without any judgement and just be loved for who you are.
I didn't want it to end! Good thing I can go back and enjoy it again and again!
Content: Clean. Some kisses but nothing further. Childhood trauma from a parent leaving the family.
I received a copy from the author through BookSprout. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
May 15, 2025
This was such a sweet and fun book that also had a lot of depth to it. Asher and Isla are as close as two best friends can. Asher has been there for Isla through her many breakups and longs to reveal his true feelings for her, but is held back by a no dating each other agreement they made years earlier.
This is the first story that I have read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. She did a great job of creating obvious romantic tension between the two main characters, as well as a longing by both of them to be more to each other. Yet, she also instilled a deep fear inside Isla due to childhood emotional trauma that made her unwilling to risk the friendship that was so dear to her.
I loved how devoted Asher was to Isla and the way he tried to be there for her in any way she needed him to be. He had waited so long to be able to share his real feelings with Isla and it was definitely an emotional journey for them both.
This story was so good and I look forward to reading more by this author.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
This is the first story that I have read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. She did a great job of creating obvious romantic tension between the two main characters, as well as a longing by both of them to be more to each other. Yet, she also instilled a deep fear inside Isla due to childhood emotional trauma that made her unwilling to risk the friendship that was so dear to her.
I loved how devoted Asher was to Isla and the way he tried to be there for her in any way she needed him to be. He had waited so long to be able to share his real feelings with Isla and it was definitely an emotional journey for them both.
This story was so good and I look forward to reading more by this author.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
January 1, 2026
Thoughts: This is literally, hands down, the best freaking book I have read all year long. If the amount of notes and highlights i took on my kindle ( I took 176. ) says anything, I loved this book. I got it on amazon for .99 cents and I heard about it on instagram. If you are going to go try and read a friends to lovers this should be your first choice. I went to town today with my family and i took my kindle with me. I’ve never done that before. IT WAS SO STINKING GOOD.
Rating: 100/5
Content: Kisses
Trigger warnings: FMC feels like she isn’t good enough and the MMC feels some pressure to be perfect from his dad
Language: none
Rating: 100/5
Content: Kisses
Trigger warnings: FMC feels like she isn’t good enough and the MMC feels some pressure to be perfect from his dad
Language: none
June 11, 2025
This was a very sweet friends to lovers romance. It was however about 100 pages too long. It was unnecessary for Isla to continuously repeat how much she loved Asher but also didn't want to ruin their friendship. It was extremely repetitive and made parts of the book not enjoyable. Also for a town that loves love and is supposedly very supportive of one another, they sure did drop Isla and her matchmaking business with a quickness after her cheating boyfriend breaks up with her publicly with the other women clinging to his arm.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2025
I received an ARC from the author but was not required to post a review. This is my honest, voluntary reaction and impression I have after reading this book.
Leah has written a wonderful book which I think will
strike home with many readers! It is fun, humorous,
heartbreaking and touches on a topic most everyone recognizes in themselves I dare say. The reason behind it may not be the same as Isla’s but the fear is the same and the results are equally devastating!
Isla is excited about the day but it turns south in a hurry after being publicly humiliated in front of the whole town! Her only consolation is her best friend she has had for over 15 years who she turns to for consolation. She has had a traumatic experience growing up and it has left it’s mark on her and no matter what she does she thinks it’s all her fault when things don’t work out.
When her business is sabotaged by her latest ex, her
friend suggests something novel that she secretly had wanted to do for years but never had the courage to try. Through the process of being together and her expressing her deepest fears, she still fears the problem is with her until a mysterious text appears on her phone which she finally answers and meets the individual which destroyed her world some 20 years ago learning the reason what happened and seeing she was doing exactly the same thing herself!
This book is a powerful reminder of how things in one’s life can shape their outlook whether consciously or unconsciously! I was deeply moved by Isla’s story and the fact that all along she had someone right by her side she was afraid to confide in until a situation developed that finally gave them that opportunity to do so.
I enthusiastically recommend this book as one I know you’ll enjoy through its humor and story content but also due to the fear Isla had and the reason behind it and what she finally decided to do about it!
It shows the importance of good, loyal friends who are always there to support you and how everyone needs that support in their lives so they don’t go it alone for the results are also devastatingly pointed out as well if one has no one to confide in.
I really loved this book and the way the subject matter was treated as well as the entertaining way the story was told! I urge you to pick this book up and settle in to enjoy a book you’ll laugh and cry over as you read it! Hopefully you’ll also tell others as well so they also can read and appreciate it as well!
You won’t regret reading this book believe me!
Leah has written a wonderful book which I think will
strike home with many readers! It is fun, humorous,
heartbreaking and touches on a topic most everyone recognizes in themselves I dare say. The reason behind it may not be the same as Isla’s but the fear is the same and the results are equally devastating!
Isla is excited about the day but it turns south in a hurry after being publicly humiliated in front of the whole town! Her only consolation is her best friend she has had for over 15 years who she turns to for consolation. She has had a traumatic experience growing up and it has left it’s mark on her and no matter what she does she thinks it’s all her fault when things don’t work out.
When her business is sabotaged by her latest ex, her
friend suggests something novel that she secretly had wanted to do for years but never had the courage to try. Through the process of being together and her expressing her deepest fears, she still fears the problem is with her until a mysterious text appears on her phone which she finally answers and meets the individual which destroyed her world some 20 years ago learning the reason what happened and seeing she was doing exactly the same thing herself!
This book is a powerful reminder of how things in one’s life can shape their outlook whether consciously or unconsciously! I was deeply moved by Isla’s story and the fact that all along she had someone right by her side she was afraid to confide in until a situation developed that finally gave them that opportunity to do so.
I enthusiastically recommend this book as one I know you’ll enjoy through its humor and story content but also due to the fear Isla had and the reason behind it and what she finally decided to do about it!
It shows the importance of good, loyal friends who are always there to support you and how everyone needs that support in their lives so they don’t go it alone for the results are also devastatingly pointed out as well if one has no one to confide in.
I really loved this book and the way the subject matter was treated as well as the entertaining way the story was told! I urge you to pick this book up and settle in to enjoy a book you’ll laugh and cry over as you read it! Hopefully you’ll also tell others as well so they also can read and appreciate it as well!
You won’t regret reading this book believe me!
May 17, 2025
Wow…I should have read this sooner! I loved everything about this story…Isla, Asher, ALL their friends and family, and Mochi!!! This story about best friends becoming a loving couple was ADORABLE! Thank you to Booksprout and Leah Blair for this copy.
The unbearable pain isn’t risking love and losing it. It’s never loving wholeheartedly at all.
“The question isn’t why people leave. It’s why they’re afraid to stay.”
“But I was wrong. I already fell. I fell so hard they not having you at all … is worse than losing you.”
“But I’m done being scared. Done running from my heart. … Thank you for waiting for me. For choosing me, even though I’ve pushed you away so many times.” -Isla
“That’s been my favorite secret to keep all these years—knowing the real you when everyone else only gets pieces. Not because you’re perfect, but because you’re perfectly you. I love you.” -Asher
The unbearable pain isn’t risking love and losing it. It’s never loving wholeheartedly at all.
“The question isn’t why people leave. It’s why they’re afraid to stay.”
“But I was wrong. I already fell. I fell so hard they not having you at all … is worse than losing you.”
“But I’m done being scared. Done running from my heart. … Thank you for waiting for me. For choosing me, even though I’ve pushed you away so many times.” -Isla
“That’s been my favorite secret to keep all these years—knowing the real you when everyone else only gets pieces. Not because you’re perfect, but because you’re perfectly you. I love you.” -Asher
May 8, 2025
Not only is Isla a reader… but she writes a little bit. Well, she writes friendship pacts, a love bucket list, and she creates matches. She’s forever a romantic, but her one flaw is that she believes that everyone will leave her eventually. Her previous 9 boyfriends. Her dad. So, Asher will leave someday, won’t he?
Asher has loved Isla forever. But, thanks to her friendship pact, he’s never dared to tell her. Thanks to some conniving friends, and even the help of the town, Asher finally gets his chance with Isla.
If you’re looking for a smalltown sweet romance with steamy kisses between life long friends then this is the book for you!
I love watching Asher and Isla deal with their insecurities and the things they thought others thought about them. Asher was so patient and sweet, willing to do whatever was needed to prove that his love would last.
Thank you, Leah, for the advanced copy, and the chance to read early!
Asher has loved Isla forever. But, thanks to her friendship pact, he’s never dared to tell her. Thanks to some conniving friends, and even the help of the town, Asher finally gets his chance with Isla.
If you’re looking for a smalltown sweet romance with steamy kisses between life long friends then this is the book for you!
I love watching Asher and Isla deal with their insecurities and the things they thought others thought about them. Asher was so patient and sweet, willing to do whatever was needed to prove that his love would last.
Thank you, Leah, for the advanced copy, and the chance to read early!
July 20, 2025
I thought I was gonna give it two stars but that’s a “thought about DNF and powered through” on my rating system and I didn’t think about DNF so it’s getting a 3 star on principle.
September 13, 2025
Had me laughing out loud. Loved the characters, chaos and romance! A fun, mostly lighthearted book.
December 23, 2025
Feels AI written
I don’t know if it’s a first book thing or what, but the book genuinely feels like it’s written by AI. The way they talk, act, and describe things just don’t fit. The main character does NOT talk or act her age either.
I don’t know if it’s a first book thing or what, but the book genuinely feels like it’s written by AI. The way they talk, act, and describe things just don’t fit. The main character does NOT talk or act her age either.
July 13, 2025
This was by far one of the worst books I have read in a really long time. The story was predictable, the characters were annoying and shallow, and the writing was awful. I wish I could give it 0 stars or at least a 1/2 star. 1 star is too much.
December 15, 2025
Cute and sweet!
Yes, honestly, the title kind of covers it. Two people who have been best friends for twenty years -- both fighting the urges to declare their feelings for the other -- agreeing to "fake date" for practical reasons in a small town that LOVES romance. I liked both Isla and Asher just fine! Her being a matchmaker was unable to hold on to love was an interesting character choice, and her feelings of self-doubt and anxiety were easy to connect to. I love the dedication to each other (from both perspectives) without a second thought. I love the casual touches and lingering looks and visions of what their future could be together. I mean he literally secretly read her favorite romance books over the years to try and understand what kind of man she could fall in love with. Now, that's commitment.
While this was cute, I did want a tad more sustenance. The characters sometimes felt like caricatures of the tropes they were representing; their personalities were lacking, and their only thoughts consisted of secretly being in love with the other. I also thought that the parental relationships were more deeply developed than their platonic one -- even though they were meant to be best friends? The memories of their childhood friendship were well done, but the adult application was not there. And last note -- which is minor -- the last big plot point, defense scene was .... cringey. I hate to say it. I'm sorry.
So yes! This was giving dolls in a dollhouse being played with by the author to make the fake dating dreams of two characters in love come true. I love Barbies's Dream House though, so I'm not complaining too much. <3
Favorite Quotes:
"Her cheeks flush that soft pink. The one she always gets when she's deep into one of her favorite books. I could name every shade of blush she's ever had and tell you exactly what's running through her mind."
"'You make anything look beautiful.' His fingers skim lightly along my jaw. 'But you are the brightest when you're happy. And that's my favorite version of you.'"
"'It's my privilege to be the one by your side when you're mascara-streaked. To cook your favorite pasta and pretend your muffins are five-star, because I love being the reason you smile like that. It's my favorite thing to be the one who watches your nose scrunch in concentration when you read those romance novels, and knows you secretly love it when I demonstrate them for you.
Do you know how many people get to see those different sides of you? The matchmaker, the dreamer, the woman who cries at dog food commercials but pretends she doesn't? That's been my favorite secret to keep all these years -- knowing the real you when everyone else only gets pieces. Not because you're perfect, but because you're perfectly you. I love you."'
Yes, honestly, the title kind of covers it. Two people who have been best friends for twenty years -- both fighting the urges to declare their feelings for the other -- agreeing to "fake date" for practical reasons in a small town that LOVES romance. I liked both Isla and Asher just fine! Her being a matchmaker was unable to hold on to love was an interesting character choice, and her feelings of self-doubt and anxiety were easy to connect to. I love the dedication to each other (from both perspectives) without a second thought. I love the casual touches and lingering looks and visions of what their future could be together. I mean he literally secretly read her favorite romance books over the years to try and understand what kind of man she could fall in love with. Now, that's commitment.
While this was cute, I did want a tad more sustenance. The characters sometimes felt like caricatures of the tropes they were representing; their personalities were lacking, and their only thoughts consisted of secretly being in love with the other. I also thought that the parental relationships were more deeply developed than their platonic one -- even though they were meant to be best friends? The memories of their childhood friendship were well done, but the adult application was not there. And last note -- which is minor -- the last big plot point, defense scene was .... cringey. I hate to say it. I'm sorry.
So yes! This was giving dolls in a dollhouse being played with by the author to make the fake dating dreams of two characters in love come true. I love Barbies's Dream House though, so I'm not complaining too much. <3
Favorite Quotes:
"Her cheeks flush that soft pink. The one she always gets when she's deep into one of her favorite books. I could name every shade of blush she's ever had and tell you exactly what's running through her mind."
"'You make anything look beautiful.' His fingers skim lightly along my jaw. 'But you are the brightest when you're happy. And that's my favorite version of you.'"
"'It's my privilege to be the one by your side when you're mascara-streaked. To cook your favorite pasta and pretend your muffins are five-star, because I love being the reason you smile like that. It's my favorite thing to be the one who watches your nose scrunch in concentration when you read those romance novels, and knows you secretly love it when I demonstrate them for you.
Do you know how many people get to see those different sides of you? The matchmaker, the dreamer, the woman who cries at dog food commercials but pretends she doesn't? That's been my favorite secret to keep all these years -- knowing the real you when everyone else only gets pieces. Not because you're perfect, but because you're perfectly you. I love you."'
January 18, 2026
I don’t love giving one-stars but it felt necessary in this instance, especially considering how much this book is recommended.
Firstly, I probably should’ve DNF’d at 5% but powered through because, well, I’m no quitter. By the end of the book, I was skim-reading.
The technique was incredibly poor if not entirely lacking, making me wonder if the author used any sort of editor or beta readers. Repetition of words ran rampant, specifically the use of “like”. The egregious use of similes—back to back, often one paragraph after another—made me want to throw my Kindle across the room. Half of those similes made absolutely no logical or metaphorical sense, and some were even present in dialogue, which is just *not* how humans speak.
Do with the above what you will.
The two main characters, Isla & Asher, had the exact same voice. It made it quite hard to root for either of them, when they felt like the exact same character—neither being entirely believable. For instance, Asher compares the way that Isla makes him feel to… finding a new protein powder flavor. Speaking from someone who’s been a gym rat and been around gym rats for several years, I promise nobody speaks or thinks like that. Isla also compared her dizzy feeling to having *spun around* on the row machine too fast/too many times (exact quote is highlighted). Most human beings, having seen anyone row (on the internet or in real life), would know that’s not even how they work. The author could have benefited from proper research for characterization.
I was horrified to learn around the midpoint that these people are meant to be thirty-year-olds. Isla has the balance of a baby deer (insert eye roll—can we start giving FMCs actual personalities outside of tripping?) and the emotional maturity of a sixteen-year-old. Asher is just as bad—a silly friendship pact wouldn’t keep a grown man from the girl he’s loved for twenty years 🤷🏼♀️
Finally, Isla had little to no character growth over the entire book. We get hundreds of pages of infuriating denial of her feelings—for reasons that become increasingly contrived—all for it to be solved in one meeting with her estranged father. This book would’ve been better if it was half the length and/or had more focus on her character development rather than Asher’s abs or forearms or butt. C’mon, give the girl a brain cell or two.
Asher was lovable, but flat. IMO this did not need to be dual POV, because he hardly has any arc to speak of other than, “I love Isla” ➡️ “I love Isla out loud”. Meh.
I’m sorry, but this is not even a serviceable palate cleanser. We need to hold indies to higher standards than this.
Firstly, I probably should’ve DNF’d at 5% but powered through because, well, I’m no quitter. By the end of the book, I was skim-reading.
The technique was incredibly poor if not entirely lacking, making me wonder if the author used any sort of editor or beta readers. Repetition of words ran rampant, specifically the use of “like”. The egregious use of similes—back to back, often one paragraph after another—made me want to throw my Kindle across the room. Half of those similes made absolutely no logical or metaphorical sense, and some were even present in dialogue, which is just *not* how humans speak.
Do with the above what you will.
The two main characters, Isla & Asher, had the exact same voice. It made it quite hard to root for either of them, when they felt like the exact same character—neither being entirely believable. For instance, Asher compares the way that Isla makes him feel to… finding a new protein powder flavor. Speaking from someone who’s been a gym rat and been around gym rats for several years, I promise nobody speaks or thinks like that. Isla also compared her dizzy feeling to having *spun around* on the row machine too fast/too many times (exact quote is highlighted). Most human beings, having seen anyone row (on the internet or in real life), would know that’s not even how they work. The author could have benefited from proper research for characterization.
I was horrified to learn around the midpoint that these people are meant to be thirty-year-olds. Isla has the balance of a baby deer (insert eye roll—can we start giving FMCs actual personalities outside of tripping?) and the emotional maturity of a sixteen-year-old. Asher is just as bad—a silly friendship pact wouldn’t keep a grown man from the girl he’s loved for twenty years 🤷🏼♀️
Finally, Isla had little to no character growth over the entire book. We get hundreds of pages of infuriating denial of her feelings—for reasons that become increasingly contrived—all for it to be solved in one meeting with her estranged father. This book would’ve been better if it was half the length and/or had more focus on her character development rather than Asher’s abs or forearms or butt. C’mon, give the girl a brain cell or two.
Asher was lovable, but flat. IMO this did not need to be dual POV, because he hardly has any arc to speak of other than, “I love Isla” ➡️ “I love Isla out loud”. Meh.
I’m sorry, but this is not even a serviceable palate cleanser. We need to hold indies to higher standards than this.
May 11, 2025
When matchmaking and fake dating collide
A sweet, friends to lovers story. Isla, a professional matchmaker, is sure Kyle will be proposing today instead he stages a very public breakup not only ending their relationship but doing it in a way that seriously damages her business. As Isla watches her client list dwindle to none as everyone switches to the matchmaker Kyle is backing, Isla turns to the one person she has always counted on, Asher. Asher has always been there for her as a friend even though he wishes it was more. As a possible way to rebuild her business and try to change their relationship, Asher suggests they enter a fake dating arrangement. As they build their fake relationship, real feelings keep intruding. But Isla has problems from the past that stand in her way and Asher has fears for the future that he must face. Will they be able to make a success of this match? I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
A sweet, friends to lovers story. Isla, a professional matchmaker, is sure Kyle will be proposing today instead he stages a very public breakup not only ending their relationship but doing it in a way that seriously damages her business. As Isla watches her client list dwindle to none as everyone switches to the matchmaker Kyle is backing, Isla turns to the one person she has always counted on, Asher. Asher has always been there for her as a friend even though he wishes it was more. As a possible way to rebuild her business and try to change their relationship, Asher suggests they enter a fake dating arrangement. As they build their fake relationship, real feelings keep intruding. But Isla has problems from the past that stand in her way and Asher has fears for the future that he must face. Will they be able to make a success of this match? I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
October 2, 2025
This was so cute and I wasn’t expecting to actually cry! Like there were a few parts that really got me. The writing was quick and funny, romance super swoony without the spice.
Two steamy kisses is the max.
Really liked this book!
Two steamy kisses is the max.
Really liked this book!
May 11, 2025
I couldn't put this book down. It was captivating to get caught up with best friends Isla & Asher. I laughed at their antics and swooned at his protective care of her and his devotion to win her over the friendship barrier.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 28, 2025
3.75★
September 25, 2025
4.30 ⭐️’s Such a sweet fun laugh out loud rom-com!!
Definitely worth the purchase & fun getting to cheer and cry from the sidelines watching this friendship trying to get it right.
Definitely worth the purchase & fun getting to cheer and cry from the sidelines watching this friendship trying to get it right.
October 8, 2025
The perfect palette cleanser 😚
May 21, 2025
I loved this cute, easy read. I read it in a few days and was not disappointed.
January 31, 2026
Such a great Rom Com!!
May 18, 2025
This was a cute and sweet story. Leah's writing style is great and it keeps you engrossed. With great characters and swoony kisses, this book is highly recommended.
November 24, 2025
I just could not handle one more page of “He loves her, but she was about to get engaged to someone else because she’s so far in denial about loving him back” one more time. “BuT wE CaNt rUiN tHe FrIeNdShIP 🥴.” Ugh, this entire trope drives me up the wall. Is it done really well sometimes, yes! So that’s why I keep reading this trope because sometimes I’m pleasantly surprised with how a sweet friendship evolves to more. Unfortunately, this was just pages and pages of Isla being ridiculous and repeatedly denying her feelings the entire time. She’d rather set her amazing, hot, kind, funny, successful best friend who is obviously in love with her (give me a break) up with someone else than admit that she has feelings for him... all while drooling over him the entire time. (Yes, the same girl who was ready to get engaged to someone else even though she fully knows she’s always had feelings for her “friend!”)
Asher was adorable and I wanted him to love on with his life.
Asher was adorable and I wanted him to love on with his life.
August 21, 2025
was a recommendation . The whole thing felt very juvenile and I was crazy bored.
May 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️
I knew I was going to love this book from the first time I heard Leah Blair tease about it! The title is straight forward, but any romance reader knows nothing stays fake about fake dating for long. Especially when best friends are involved. This story was swoon worthy, sizzled with tension and attraction, and when the romance finally came to a head, it erupted in the cutest way. The romance stays clean throughout, but I never once felt that I was missing out. Leah Blair wrote a wonderful story in Fake Dating My Best Friend and I couldn’t put it down.
A pact was made between our MCs, Isla and Asher, at a young age to never date. I think I chuckled when I read this, because yeah ok. You don’t make pacts like this unless there is already attraction bubbling and you don’t want to run the risk of ruining said friendship. Even more so, I wanted them to be together, as did their entire town! Their friendship was always front and center, but the chemistry was evident.
Isla and Asher have been there for each other through almost everything and while they are still needing to work out a few issues for themselves, their loyalty to each other was epic. I adored how they were always there for each other, ensuring their friendship stayed front and center. If you have read my reviews before, you know I am a sucker for a relationship that happens after a friendship has been cultivated and maintained. As these two realized their friendship was so much more, I couldn’t help but fist pump into the air they were finally seeing it!
Leah Blair, I hope to see more of these two in later books, whether it be a cameo in another book, or an interconnected series. Her themes of self love and acceptance flowed throughout the entire story and I love this reminder. So many people are always trying to find the person that completes them, when in fact the person needs to compliment who you already are as a whole person. As Asher and Isla navigated this part of life for themselves, I loved that they finally discover they enhance each other perfectly, but neither one of them is less on their own. Finding an everlasting, real love with a best friend always brings joy to my heart as a reader! Probably because I married my best friend and our relationship is full of passion, heart, and romance.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🔥He Falls First
💛Fake Dating
🔥Best Friends to Lovers
💛Small Town Romance
🔥They’re Neighbors
💛It’s Always Been You
🔥Closed Door Romance
I knew I was going to love this book from the first time I heard Leah Blair tease about it! The title is straight forward, but any romance reader knows nothing stays fake about fake dating for long. Especially when best friends are involved. This story was swoon worthy, sizzled with tension and attraction, and when the romance finally came to a head, it erupted in the cutest way. The romance stays clean throughout, but I never once felt that I was missing out. Leah Blair wrote a wonderful story in Fake Dating My Best Friend and I couldn’t put it down.
A pact was made between our MCs, Isla and Asher, at a young age to never date. I think I chuckled when I read this, because yeah ok. You don’t make pacts like this unless there is already attraction bubbling and you don’t want to run the risk of ruining said friendship. Even more so, I wanted them to be together, as did their entire town! Their friendship was always front and center, but the chemistry was evident.
Isla and Asher have been there for each other through almost everything and while they are still needing to work out a few issues for themselves, their loyalty to each other was epic. I adored how they were always there for each other, ensuring their friendship stayed front and center. If you have read my reviews before, you know I am a sucker for a relationship that happens after a friendship has been cultivated and maintained. As these two realized their friendship was so much more, I couldn’t help but fist pump into the air they were finally seeing it!
Leah Blair, I hope to see more of these two in later books, whether it be a cameo in another book, or an interconnected series. Her themes of self love and acceptance flowed throughout the entire story and I love this reminder. So many people are always trying to find the person that completes them, when in fact the person needs to compliment who you already are as a whole person. As Asher and Isla navigated this part of life for themselves, I loved that they finally discover they enhance each other perfectly, but neither one of them is less on their own. Finding an everlasting, real love with a best friend always brings joy to my heart as a reader! Probably because I married my best friend and our relationship is full of passion, heart, and romance.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🔥He Falls First
💛Fake Dating
🔥Best Friends to Lovers
💛Small Town Romance
🔥They’re Neighbors
💛It’s Always Been You
🔥Closed Door Romance
May 11, 2025
Okay, this was a lot of fun.
I’ll admit: I normally dodge books whose titles are so on-the-nose. The whole story’s already given away. They often lean really heavily on established tropes, with little to no variation or originality. But then Ms Blair wrote this, and shared snippets that were a tiny bit too hard to look away from, so I gave in, and read it. Glad I did!
I mean, it does ride on some tropes, including the ‘klutzy is funny’ idea. However sometimes you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Sometimes you just need to write a really good book. And that’s what the author does. This book’s got beautiful, flawed leading characters, both of them with different degrees of daddy issues. It was fun learning more about Isla and Asher’s history through the constant snippets of memory, just enough that they never felt like info dumps. I liked the other characters too. At first it looked like some of them were in it mostly for comic relief, but they get layered enough to come across as sounding boards, sources of counsel, and perfect representations of the love-obsessed town of Frosthaven.
(Plus the book had text message conversations, which may or may not be a weakness of mine.)
And what a nicely written third act! When the inevitable, painful implosion happened it was so frustrating, because it had to happen, and yet it was completely justified, because I understood Isla’s fear. What's to say taking the leap of faith wouldn't land her flat on her face like the other ten times? Tough decisions had to be made, and even tougher conversations had. Isla’s character development was super satisfying. Asher? That man’s patience and support and perfectness was just otherworldly. Seeing him deal with his own fears was also really good.
Heads up: While this is a a mostly clean book, it does contain a few (skippable with little to no side-effects) intense kissing scenes, and thirsty thoughts. It’s a wholesome love story, with a concentration on feelings and not physical attraction, but these guys have undeniable sexual chemistry, so, there.
Overall, great read. I might have inhaled it. It’s funny, it’s sweet, Isla’s a sweetheart, Asher’s a keeper, and everyone in the community is mad, in the sweetest way. Plus it sets up two future romances, so I’m guessing this will be a series 😌, and we’ll get the chance to check on the crazy elderlies in other books.
Received an ARC from the author (thanks!) and am voluntarily posting a review.
I’ll admit: I normally dodge books whose titles are so on-the-nose. The whole story’s already given away. They often lean really heavily on established tropes, with little to no variation or originality. But then Ms Blair wrote this, and shared snippets that were a tiny bit too hard to look away from, so I gave in, and read it. Glad I did!
I mean, it does ride on some tropes, including the ‘klutzy is funny’ idea. However sometimes you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Sometimes you just need to write a really good book. And that’s what the author does. This book’s got beautiful, flawed leading characters, both of them with different degrees of daddy issues. It was fun learning more about Isla and Asher’s history through the constant snippets of memory, just enough that they never felt like info dumps. I liked the other characters too. At first it looked like some of them were in it mostly for comic relief, but they get layered enough to come across as sounding boards, sources of counsel, and perfect representations of the love-obsessed town of Frosthaven.
(Plus the book had text message conversations, which may or may not be a weakness of mine.)
And what a nicely written third act! When the inevitable, painful implosion happened it was so frustrating, because it had to happen, and yet it was completely justified, because I understood Isla’s fear. What's to say taking the leap of faith wouldn't land her flat on her face like the other ten times? Tough decisions had to be made, and even tougher conversations had. Isla’s character development was super satisfying. Asher? That man’s patience and support and perfectness was just otherworldly. Seeing him deal with his own fears was also really good.
Heads up: While this is a a mostly clean book, it does contain a few (skippable with little to no side-effects) intense kissing scenes, and thirsty thoughts. It’s a wholesome love story, with a concentration on feelings and not physical attraction, but these guys have undeniable sexual chemistry, so, there.
Overall, great read. I might have inhaled it. It’s funny, it’s sweet, Isla’s a sweetheart, Asher’s a keeper, and everyone in the community is mad, in the sweetest way. Plus it sets up two future romances, so I’m guessing this will be a series 😌, and we’ll get the chance to check on the crazy elderlies in other books.
Received an ARC from the author (thanks!) and am voluntarily posting a review.
May 14, 2025
Fake Dating My Best Friend is an adorable, sweet story between two childhood best friends, who just happen to be of the opposite sex. Is it possible to have a best friend of the opposite sex and neither of you have feelings for the other? I’ve had friends of the opposite sex, but never for the period of time that Isla and Asher have been.
Isla is under the impression that her boyfriend, Kyle, is going to propose to her. She wants the moment to be captured forever, so she asks her best friend to record what she believes will be the best day of her life. The Frosthaven’s Spring Festival is in full swing. Can this moment get any more perfect? Asher is not so sure that Isla is right. Kyle can’t even remember her coffee order after a year of dating. She finally notices Kyle and starts to wave so he’ll see her, but then her hand freezes. She notices another woman, who just happens to be “stunning, all long legs and perfect hair, looking like she just stepped out of a winter fashion catalog.” Is she a client, a sister, cousin, or a childhood friend? No, of course not. They’ve been seeing each other. Poor Isla, she has made this relationship with Kyle much more than it really is. Her friends rally around her to give her comfort, but Kyle just won’t let things go. He’s rude and obnoxious to Isla, until Asher steps up. “Say one more thing, Kyle.” Asher says as he steps in between them. Kyle is no match for Asher who is taller and better built.
Now, Isla has no idea that Asher loves her and wants more than friendship. He’s not wanting to rush her or make a mistake and find out she doesn’t feel the same way. Isla’s dad deserted her family when she and her brother were young. No warning, just up and left and hasn’t been heard from since.
Isla has a great idea to help her match-making business better. She wants to find the perfect match for Asher. Now, Asher is willing to do whatever it takes to make Isla happy. Will she be able to find the woman that will steal Asher’s heart? Will Asher be brave and tell Isla how he feels about her? Will Isla realize her feelings and tell Asher how she feels? Will they both end up with other people? You don’t want to miss this sweet, and drama-filled story. Get your copy of Fake Dating My Best Friend by Leah Blair today!
Isla is under the impression that her boyfriend, Kyle, is going to propose to her. She wants the moment to be captured forever, so she asks her best friend to record what she believes will be the best day of her life. The Frosthaven’s Spring Festival is in full swing. Can this moment get any more perfect? Asher is not so sure that Isla is right. Kyle can’t even remember her coffee order after a year of dating. She finally notices Kyle and starts to wave so he’ll see her, but then her hand freezes. She notices another woman, who just happens to be “stunning, all long legs and perfect hair, looking like she just stepped out of a winter fashion catalog.” Is she a client, a sister, cousin, or a childhood friend? No, of course not. They’ve been seeing each other. Poor Isla, she has made this relationship with Kyle much more than it really is. Her friends rally around her to give her comfort, but Kyle just won’t let things go. He’s rude and obnoxious to Isla, until Asher steps up. “Say one more thing, Kyle.” Asher says as he steps in between them. Kyle is no match for Asher who is taller and better built.
Now, Isla has no idea that Asher loves her and wants more than friendship. He’s not wanting to rush her or make a mistake and find out she doesn’t feel the same way. Isla’s dad deserted her family when she and her brother were young. No warning, just up and left and hasn’t been heard from since.
Isla has a great idea to help her match-making business better. She wants to find the perfect match for Asher. Now, Asher is willing to do whatever it takes to make Isla happy. Will she be able to find the woman that will steal Asher’s heart? Will Asher be brave and tell Isla how he feels about her? Will Isla realize her feelings and tell Asher how she feels? Will they both end up with other people? You don’t want to miss this sweet, and drama-filled story. Get your copy of Fake Dating My Best Friend by Leah Blair today!
June 5, 2025
Pages📄: 555 pages (Apple Books)
Tropes: Best friends to lovers👫🏻, Cinnamon Bun MMC🍘, Fake dating🫶🏼, Slow burn🔥
Spice: Tame - Lots of tension👀💋
Ending: Happily ever after❤️
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My hearts never felt this full and empty at the same time.
I’m fighting back tears of utter joy, and an aching heart, as if this was my story.
I have six words that sums up this book: Leah Blair has done it again.
“But you are the brightest when you’re happy. And that’s my favorite version of you.” - Asher Collymore
Asher Collymore… the man that you are. Asher is officially one of my favorite male main characters. The man was utter perfection. I did not see one single flaw with him.
Isla Ennis was a sweetheart through and through. I felt her uncertainty, her feelings, her pain and love, so deeply every time I read her POV.
The moment our main characters were introduced, I was in love with them both.
Their struggles and pain, the way they were always there for each other no matter what, was so extremely special and extraordinary.
Asher’s love for Isla was so extremely pure and beautiful, and her love for him was equally so. A truly wonderful and inspiring love story that had my heart in utter awe.
It was almost impossible to put the book down while I read.
Leah Blair manages to capture and write about their feelings so terrifically, I had to fight back tears so many times throughout this book.
And the bonus epilogue had me almost sobbing. Seeing Asher and Isla get their happily ever after was the most emotional and beautiful thing I’ve ever read.
“…loving you has been my constant for so long, I’ve forgotten what it felt like not to.” - Asher Collymore.
Isla and Asher’s love story has forever left a lasting impression and mark on my heart. I’m not going to forget these two and their happily ever after anytime soon…
Thank you Leah Blair for giving us yet another beautiful masterpiece.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: Best friends to lovers👫🏻, Cinnamon Bun MMC🍘, Fake dating🫶🏼, Slow burn🔥
Spice: Tame - Lots of tension👀💋
Ending: Happily ever after❤️
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My hearts never felt this full and empty at the same time.
I’m fighting back tears of utter joy, and an aching heart, as if this was my story.
I have six words that sums up this book: Leah Blair has done it again.
“But you are the brightest when you’re happy. And that’s my favorite version of you.” - Asher Collymore
Asher Collymore… the man that you are. Asher is officially one of my favorite male main characters. The man was utter perfection. I did not see one single flaw with him.
Isla Ennis was a sweetheart through and through. I felt her uncertainty, her feelings, her pain and love, so deeply every time I read her POV.
The moment our main characters were introduced, I was in love with them both.
Their struggles and pain, the way they were always there for each other no matter what, was so extremely special and extraordinary.
Asher’s love for Isla was so extremely pure and beautiful, and her love for him was equally so. A truly wonderful and inspiring love story that had my heart in utter awe.
It was almost impossible to put the book down while I read.
Leah Blair manages to capture and write about their feelings so terrifically, I had to fight back tears so many times throughout this book.
And the bonus epilogue had me almost sobbing. Seeing Asher and Isla get their happily ever after was the most emotional and beautiful thing I’ve ever read.
“…loving you has been my constant for so long, I’ve forgotten what it felt like not to.” - Asher Collymore.
Isla and Asher’s love story has forever left a lasting impression and mark on my heart. I’m not going to forget these two and their happily ever after anytime soon…
Thank you Leah Blair for giving us yet another beautiful masterpiece.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 30, 2025
⭐️5 stars ⭐️
This book was honestly perfect. It did have a bit of a slow start, but my gosh when things set in motion, boy oh boy. Let me first off say this book was hysterical. I have never laughed so hard while reading a book. I’m sure I looked like off the wall to my husband bursting out laughing at my kindle. This book had genuinely honest to God, funny moments that truly made this novel a rom com. Character development was just sooo good. There was so much of myself that I saw in Isla. That need for aproval, that fear of rejection, the “why does everyone leave me” just hit so hard there were moments I had to hold back tears of my own. It was so real, and it made this book that much more powerful. This book discusses themes of cheating, child abandonment, so if those are triggers for you keep that in mind.
The romance. MAN. Oh do I already love a best friends to lovers, but man oh man Leah Blair does a good slow burn. Like how do two characters who are already love another at the beginning of the book take so long to get together. Mmm Leah Blair developed that achingly slow build up that was just so satisfying.
I have never highlighted so many lines in a book ever. No genuinely. Sometimes I use to highlight in books for school, or for writing purposes, but this was the first time I just highlighted because there were so many indeeivle lines. Lines that made me smile. Lines that made me swoon. Lines that made me laugh. This book was filled with so much joy I honestly have never been so satisfied finishing a book.
I absolutely NEEEEEEED Elaine and Conners book immediately, and if I don’t have Xander and Roxanne’s book soon I might combust. Til then I’m just going to have to binge read all the rest of Leah’s books.
This book was honestly perfect. It did have a bit of a slow start, but my gosh when things set in motion, boy oh boy. Let me first off say this book was hysterical. I have never laughed so hard while reading a book. I’m sure I looked like off the wall to my husband bursting out laughing at my kindle. This book had genuinely honest to God, funny moments that truly made this novel a rom com. Character development was just sooo good. There was so much of myself that I saw in Isla. That need for aproval, that fear of rejection, the “why does everyone leave me” just hit so hard there were moments I had to hold back tears of my own. It was so real, and it made this book that much more powerful. This book discusses themes of cheating, child abandonment, so if those are triggers for you keep that in mind.
The romance. MAN. Oh do I already love a best friends to lovers, but man oh man Leah Blair does a good slow burn. Like how do two characters who are already love another at the beginning of the book take so long to get together. Mmm Leah Blair developed that achingly slow build up that was just so satisfying.
I have never highlighted so many lines in a book ever. No genuinely. Sometimes I use to highlight in books for school, or for writing purposes, but this was the first time I just highlighted because there were so many indeeivle lines. Lines that made me smile. Lines that made me swoon. Lines that made me laugh. This book was filled with so much joy I honestly have never been so satisfied finishing a book.
I absolutely NEEEEEEED Elaine and Conners book immediately, and if I don’t have Xander and Roxanne’s book soon I might combust. Til then I’m just going to have to binge read all the rest of Leah’s books.
July 5, 2025
🤬Language Rating: 0.25/5 (pissed used once)
🌶️Spicy Rating 1/5 (passionate kissing, nothing else)
📖Plot Rating: 4.25/5
⭐️Final Rating: 4.25/5
✨this is a spoiler-free review✨
What a sweet book! I am a sucker for friends-to-lovers (shamelessly endorsing my own friends-to-lovers book, follow me for updates!!), but this one is one of the best friends to lovers I have read! The thought process of both Asher and of Isla felt so accurate and downright hilarious. My mom kept looking over and asking why I was smiling so much while I read this on my Kindle app!
Asher and Isla have been friends for 15 years, but now, the line between friends and more feels blurred with Asher’s casual flirting and Isla’s mixed signals. Will feelings ruin their friendship? Will they ever be more than friends? And is it ok to fake date, even when the fallout could mean horrible changes?
I really liked both of the main characters. They were funny, relatable and realistic! Isla’s character was especially real, and I found myself relating to a lot of her loves, fears and feelings! I love when you pick up a book and a character just resonates with you! It is one of the best feelings!
Some of the writing was a bit repetitive, but still enjoyable! I really couldn’t put this down! What a cute story!!
There was some passionate kissing, but otherwise spice free! I appreciated the content warning in the front by the author! I think that sort of thing should be made standard for all books!
I would definitely recommend this book! It doesn’t get much better than a sweet, clean, small town romance!
🌶️Spicy Rating 1/5 (passionate kissing, nothing else)
📖Plot Rating: 4.25/5
⭐️Final Rating: 4.25/5
✨this is a spoiler-free review✨
What a sweet book! I am a sucker for friends-to-lovers (shamelessly endorsing my own friends-to-lovers book, follow me for updates!!), but this one is one of the best friends to lovers I have read! The thought process of both Asher and of Isla felt so accurate and downright hilarious. My mom kept looking over and asking why I was smiling so much while I read this on my Kindle app!
Asher and Isla have been friends for 15 years, but now, the line between friends and more feels blurred with Asher’s casual flirting and Isla’s mixed signals. Will feelings ruin their friendship? Will they ever be more than friends? And is it ok to fake date, even when the fallout could mean horrible changes?
I really liked both of the main characters. They were funny, relatable and realistic! Isla’s character was especially real, and I found myself relating to a lot of her loves, fears and feelings! I love when you pick up a book and a character just resonates with you! It is one of the best feelings!
Some of the writing was a bit repetitive, but still enjoyable! I really couldn’t put this down! What a cute story!!
There was some passionate kissing, but otherwise spice free! I appreciated the content warning in the front by the author! I think that sort of thing should be made standard for all books!
I would definitely recommend this book! It doesn’t get much better than a sweet, clean, small town romance!
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