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Love in Real Estate
She's sworn off love. He's never forgotten about her. After twelve years apart, life brings them back together when they least expect it.
Evelyn has had her heart broken before. First, when her best friend, Deon, left for college without saying goodbye, and the second when her boyfriend of eight years cheated on her. Now, she's sworn off relationships, even if her mother's sole mission in life is to throw rich bachelors at her feet.
Twelve years ago, Deon ran away from his problems after his father betrayed Evelyn's dad, who was his business partner. Since then, he's traveled the world, using his camera to take travel pictures for his blog. When his father dies, Deon is forced to face his past, and the one person he regrets leaving behind.
When Evelyn and Deon finally reunite, they slip back into their old friendship as if Deon had never left. But things have changed, and Deon is struggling with running his dad’s real estate agency. Evelyn, trying to escape her mom's meddling attempts to set her up, approaches Deon with a she'll help him pass his real estate license exam if he agrees to pretend to be her boyfriend.
The she wasn't supposed to catch feelings for the first man who broke her heart.
Content This book contains adult language and content, mentions of past parental abuse, mentions of alcoholism, cheating ex. No on-page cheating or abuse.
Faked is a series of standalone romance novels centering the fake-relationship trope. While each book can be read on its own and out of order, you will find the same themes, such as diverse characters, swoon-worthy romance, real-life emotions, gripping backstories, and a touch of humor.
Evelyn has had her heart broken before. First, when her best friend, Deon, left for college without saying goodbye, and the second when her boyfriend of eight years cheated on her. Now, she's sworn off relationships, even if her mother's sole mission in life is to throw rich bachelors at her feet.
Twelve years ago, Deon ran away from his problems after his father betrayed Evelyn's dad, who was his business partner. Since then, he's traveled the world, using his camera to take travel pictures for his blog. When his father dies, Deon is forced to face his past, and the one person he regrets leaving behind.
When Evelyn and Deon finally reunite, they slip back into their old friendship as if Deon had never left. But things have changed, and Deon is struggling with running his dad’s real estate agency. Evelyn, trying to escape her mom's meddling attempts to set her up, approaches Deon with a she'll help him pass his real estate license exam if he agrees to pretend to be her boyfriend.
The she wasn't supposed to catch feelings for the first man who broke her heart.
Content This book contains adult language and content, mentions of past parental abuse, mentions of alcoholism, cheating ex. No on-page cheating or abuse.
Faked is a series of standalone romance novels centering the fake-relationship trope. While each book can be read on its own and out of order, you will find the same themes, such as diverse characters, swoon-worthy romance, real-life emotions, gripping backstories, and a touch of humor.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2025
1 person is currently reading
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 27, 2025
☆☆☆.25
——
𝒜𝓇𝒸 ℛℯ𝓋𝒾ℯ𝓌 ✷✷✷
This was such a cute fake dating romance! I love when I have two MC’s who are grown and mature which made this read feel more real ! I loved how sweet and patient Deon was with Evelyn knowing how much she had trauma from her past relationships.
Now I did get a little upset with how Evelyn kept bringing up that no good man and I just wanted to jump through the screen and scream at her to let this man love her loll. Overall, I really got through this read quick and enjoyed myself.
𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓀 𝓎ℴ𝓊 𝓉ℴ 𝒥𝒶𝒸𝓀𝒾ℯ ℛℴ𝓈ℯ 𝒻ℴ𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒜ℛ𝒞 ♥︎
——-
☞ Fake Dating
☞ Former BFF’s to Strangers to Lovers
☞ FMC Sworn Off Love
☞ Slow-burnish
——
𝒜𝓇𝒸 ℛℯ𝓋𝒾ℯ𝓌 ✷✷✷
This was such a cute fake dating romance! I love when I have two MC’s who are grown and mature which made this read feel more real ! I loved how sweet and patient Deon was with Evelyn knowing how much she had trauma from her past relationships.
Now I did get a little upset with how Evelyn kept bringing up that no good man and I just wanted to jump through the screen and scream at her to let this man love her loll. Overall, I really got through this read quick and enjoyed myself.
𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓀 𝓎ℴ𝓊 𝓉ℴ 𝒥𝒶𝒸𝓀𝒾ℯ ℛℴ𝓈ℯ 𝒻ℴ𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒜ℛ𝒞 ♥︎
——-
☞ Fake Dating
☞ Former BFF’s to Strangers to Lovers
☞ FMC Sworn Off Love
☞ Slow-burnish
November 12, 2025
this was a sweet story! i didn’t looove it but it was a good and easy read!!
fake dating, friends to lovers and second chance romance are three of my favourite tropes so loved that!!
evelyn and deon were both lovely characters, i enjoyed their story!
there were definitely some continuity issues at times which made it a little harder to read, but was still good nonetheless
thank you to the author for this arc!
fake dating, friends to lovers and second chance romance are three of my favourite tropes so loved that!!
evelyn and deon were both lovely characters, i enjoyed their story!
there were definitely some continuity issues at times which made it a little harder to read, but was still good nonetheless
thank you to the author for this arc!
November 4, 2025
I had the privilege to read an ARC copy of this book and it truly touched my heart. Both of the characters were well developed and truly liked. I found myself rooting for them throughout the entire book and so hooked in the story line. There were moments that I felt myself resonating with the FMC in terms of her work ethic. Deon was just an absolute sweetheart. The ending of the book had my grinning from ear to ear and just so happy. Such a great quick read. Would definitely pick up more books from Jackie Rose ❤️
October 28, 2025
ARC Review
Love in Real Estate by Jackie Rose
Releases November 4.
Love in Real Estate was an amazing read. I truly enjoyed seeing this story come full circle. I found myself at the edge of my seat thinking this is the moment this is it..It’s like in movies where the people just miss each other and we’re screaming at the tv turn around turn around and when the moment happens you just can’t help but smile in relief that they finally have their happily ever after. That’s what love in real estate was for me.
I thought the characters and their struggles were completely relatable. I understood their fear, insecurities, and doubt. The inner turmoil Evelyn and Deon felt was so relatable. I thought the author did an amazing job in pacing the characters relationship and slowly building it to be what it was in the end. I highly recommend adding this book to your TBR. *mentions of abuse and alcoholism
Love in Real Estate by Jackie Rose
Releases November 4.
Love in Real Estate was an amazing read. I truly enjoyed seeing this story come full circle. I found myself at the edge of my seat thinking this is the moment this is it..It’s like in movies where the people just miss each other and we’re screaming at the tv turn around turn around and when the moment happens you just can’t help but smile in relief that they finally have their happily ever after. That’s what love in real estate was for me.
I thought the characters and their struggles were completely relatable. I understood their fear, insecurities, and doubt. The inner turmoil Evelyn and Deon felt was so relatable. I thought the author did an amazing job in pacing the characters relationship and slowly building it to be what it was in the end. I highly recommend adding this book to your TBR. *mentions of abuse and alcoholism
October 26, 2025
This is my first novel by Jackie Rose, and overall I really enjoyed it! The story pulled me in because of the tropes — especially the second chance and fake dating elements, which were done so well. Evelyn and Deon had great chemistry, and I loved watching their friendship grow back into something deeper. Thank you to Jackie Rose for the ARC!
October 29, 2025
3⭐️
ARC Review
This was a cute ex-friends-to-lovers story. And omg as a Houstonian, I did not expect this to take place in Houston! I was screaming at all the locations and references like wowww they're really in my city!! Lol, but anyways, Deon and Eve reconnecting years later was a sweet slow burn. Deon comes back home to take over the family's real estate firm after his dad's passing. Evelyn is still dealing with the remnants of her Ex, who wasted 8 years of her life while being a successful real estate agent. They both help each other out bc deep down they are still friends.
Deon is sweet and apologetic, and I knew Evelyn was going to fold pretty fast😂 Especially seeing how bad Anthony did her. I liked the slow rekindling between them and seeing them awkwardly beat around the bush since it's been so long since they've been together in close proximity. My main this is that I wish we got to see them flow back into their friendship without the heavily implied romantic feelings lingering above them. Even though it was a slow burn, no part of this left me guessing how their feelings would come into fruition (if that makes sense?) I still don't get why Deon had to skip town after his dad was moving like a snake😭 I understand the shame of it all, but still. And that butterfly effect had Evelyn helping her dad out all by herself, and I'm wondering, for both of the Agencies, do they not have any other real estate agents working there? All the weight of making a sale seems to be on Deon and Evelyn alone. I liked seeing him learn the ins and outs of real estate with Evelyn, though. Still, all in all, it was a nice read!
☟𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦☟
✰: wasted my time˙◠˙
✰✰: it's okay, not worth a reread
✰✰✰: i liked it
✰✰✰✰: super good, loved it!
✰✰✰✰✰: absolutely perfect, unforgettable, i’m obsessed. ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡
ARC Review
This was a cute ex-friends-to-lovers story. And omg as a Houstonian, I did not expect this to take place in Houston! I was screaming at all the locations and references like wowww they're really in my city!! Lol, but anyways, Deon and Eve reconnecting years later was a sweet slow burn. Deon comes back home to take over the family's real estate firm after his dad's passing. Evelyn is still dealing with the remnants of her Ex, who wasted 8 years of her life while being a successful real estate agent. They both help each other out bc deep down they are still friends.
Deon is sweet and apologetic, and I knew Evelyn was going to fold pretty fast😂 Especially seeing how bad Anthony did her. I liked the slow rekindling between them and seeing them awkwardly beat around the bush since it's been so long since they've been together in close proximity. My main this is that I wish we got to see them flow back into their friendship without the heavily implied romantic feelings lingering above them. Even though it was a slow burn, no part of this left me guessing how their feelings would come into fruition (if that makes sense?) I still don't get why Deon had to skip town after his dad was moving like a snake😭 I understand the shame of it all, but still. And that butterfly effect had Evelyn helping her dad out all by herself, and I'm wondering, for both of the Agencies, do they not have any other real estate agents working there? All the weight of making a sale seems to be on Deon and Evelyn alone. I liked seeing him learn the ins and outs of real estate with Evelyn, though. Still, all in all, it was a nice read!
☟𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦☟
✰: wasted my time˙◠˙
✰✰: it's okay, not worth a reread
✰✰✰: i liked it
✰✰✰✰: super good, loved it!
✰✰✰✰✰: absolutely perfect, unforgettable, i’m obsessed. ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡
November 6, 2025
---ARC Review---
This was a sweet second chance style romance with a blend of friends to lovers. Childhood friends who disconnected for a long time and finally reconnect and though there was hesitation and hurt there was no animosity between them. They strike up a deal to help each other out and the fake relationship begins but old feelings start to resurface. I liked how gentle he was with her rebuilding that safe space he was for her in the past. Evelyn still had a lot of healing to do and as the book progressed we saw her slowly take down the walls she had built up in the years since her break-up.
I enjoyed the story overall and there were only minor issues just 2 continuity errors I noticed regarding once he mentions having to take an Uber because Deon arrived at the event with his mother and decided to leave early but upon walking out he is suddenly driving his own car home. Or later in the book they have a phone call where she mentions coming to the office to help look over a contract and then he has a personal epiphany and leaves the office. Nothing that actually disrupts the story at all but I just thought it would be useful to note for the author as little details.
I had fun with this book and even had moments where I was laughing out loud I am excited to see where the rest of the series goes and who we will meet next.
This was a sweet second chance style romance with a blend of friends to lovers. Childhood friends who disconnected for a long time and finally reconnect and though there was hesitation and hurt there was no animosity between them. They strike up a deal to help each other out and the fake relationship begins but old feelings start to resurface. I liked how gentle he was with her rebuilding that safe space he was for her in the past. Evelyn still had a lot of healing to do and as the book progressed we saw her slowly take down the walls she had built up in the years since her break-up.
I enjoyed the story overall and there were only minor issues just 2 continuity errors I noticed regarding once he mentions having to take an Uber because Deon arrived at the event with his mother and decided to leave early but upon walking out he is suddenly driving his own car home. Or later in the book they have a phone call where she mentions coming to the office to help look over a contract and then he has a personal epiphany and leaves the office. Nothing that actually disrupts the story at all but I just thought it would be useful to note for the author as little details.
I had fun with this book and even had moments where I was laughing out loud I am excited to see where the rest of the series goes and who we will meet next.
November 4, 2025
Love in Real Estate is a beautiful story of how two friends lost each other and, through reconnection, find love.
Deon left home and everyone he knew to escape his father's abuse and betrayal. After being away for 12 years, he's forced to return home and run his dad's real estate business, which he has no desire to run. Evelyn has always been a straight-A student, follows all of her parents' rules, and helped save her dad's failing real estate business. After reconnecting at a Christmas party, they decide to fake date.
This story was hopeful, loving, and passionate. Deon experienced so much pain at the hands of his father that it will make your heart bleed for him. Seeing him be determined to heal and not turn into his father was admirable. Even his decision to stop drinking was incredible. Deon facing his issues head-on and being honest about his feelings and the direction he wanted to take his life in was empowering.
Evelyn's journey of learning to trust herself again and give love a try was exciting. Learning to love again requires so much courage, and Evelyn faced it, and in the end, she ended up with the love she always deserved. I'm glad that the story allowed Evelyn to lean into her power and find her voice.
This book proves what can happen when you face your issues head-on and make a decision to not allow the past to define you and to try again.
Deon left home and everyone he knew to escape his father's abuse and betrayal. After being away for 12 years, he's forced to return home and run his dad's real estate business, which he has no desire to run. Evelyn has always been a straight-A student, follows all of her parents' rules, and helped save her dad's failing real estate business. After reconnecting at a Christmas party, they decide to fake date.
This story was hopeful, loving, and passionate. Deon experienced so much pain at the hands of his father that it will make your heart bleed for him. Seeing him be determined to heal and not turn into his father was admirable. Even his decision to stop drinking was incredible. Deon facing his issues head-on and being honest about his feelings and the direction he wanted to take his life in was empowering.
Evelyn's journey of learning to trust herself again and give love a try was exciting. Learning to love again requires so much courage, and Evelyn faced it, and in the end, she ended up with the love she always deserved. I'm glad that the story allowed Evelyn to lean into her power and find her voice.
This book proves what can happen when you face your issues head-on and make a decision to not allow the past to define you and to try again.
November 11, 2025
Childhood friends, fake dating and dealing with the past…sprinkle in a bit of real estate business and you’ve got Love in Real Estate.
Evelyn’s life has a routine and it doesn’t change much. She’s dedicated to her job, loves her family, and is determined to never let a man hurt her again. That’s all fine…until her old friend Deon appears back in her life.
Brought home after many years by his father’s death, Deon finds himself confronting the life he ran away from. Forced to work in the real estate agency his dad created, Deon must get his license to actually sell houses. Thankfully Evelyn agrees to help him study. In return, he offers to be her fake boyfriend to get her mum off her back.
This debut romcom was lovely to read. The fake dating trope quickly gives way to idiots to lovers. It deals with parental expectations, grieving an abusive father, cheating exes and moving on from past hurts. The romance is slow burn and open door.
This will be the first in a series focusing on the fake dating trope. It will appeal to fans of romantic comedies looking for something a little different.
Evelyn’s life has a routine and it doesn’t change much. She’s dedicated to her job, loves her family, and is determined to never let a man hurt her again. That’s all fine…until her old friend Deon appears back in her life.
Brought home after many years by his father’s death, Deon finds himself confronting the life he ran away from. Forced to work in the real estate agency his dad created, Deon must get his license to actually sell houses. Thankfully Evelyn agrees to help him study. In return, he offers to be her fake boyfriend to get her mum off her back.
This debut romcom was lovely to read. The fake dating trope quickly gives way to idiots to lovers. It deals with parental expectations, grieving an abusive father, cheating exes and moving on from past hurts. The romance is slow burn and open door.
This will be the first in a series focusing on the fake dating trope. It will appeal to fans of romantic comedies looking for something a little different.
November 3, 2025
Love in Real Estate is a charming, second-chance romance that proves timing really is everything. Evelyn and Deon were once inseparable best friends until life choices pulled them apart. 12 years later, yes 12 years, life throws them back together when Deon returns home to face the past he ran from. Evelyn, still nursing old wounds, finds herself torn between protecting her heart and revisiting what could’ve been. Their “fake dating” arrangement meant to fend off her matchmaking mother and help Deon rebuild his father’s real estate business turns into something much more real than either of them expected.
Their friendship rekindles so naturally and I love how the author balances humor, heart, and emotional healing. Evelyn’s guardedness feels relatable, and Deon’s guilt and devotion make him easy to root for. Their slow burn reconnection unfolds with tenderness and maturity, making this a perfect pick for readers who love stories about forgiveness, second chances, and love finding its way back home.
Their friendship rekindles so naturally and I love how the author balances humor, heart, and emotional healing. Evelyn’s guardedness feels relatable, and Deon’s guilt and devotion make him easy to root for. Their slow burn reconnection unfolds with tenderness and maturity, making this a perfect pick for readers who love stories about forgiveness, second chances, and love finding its way back home.
November 3, 2025
Probably one of my favorite arc reads for November.
Thank you for letting me be a part of the team Jackie Rose!!
I love the fake dating trope-it’s honestly one of my favorites and this book delivered!!! It was wonderfully combined with a childhood friends to lovers trope and it was just perfect all around.
“Reunited childhood friends Evelyn and Deon reconnect with a plan to pretend to date to get what they both need”
This was really good. I loved the characters so much (Evelyn’s dad is hilarious and the best side character). I love how real Evelyn and Deon felt. Sometimes I find characters in books tend to be over written but that was not the case for these two. I genuinely loved them so much.
It gives workplace romance even though they don’t “work together” which I also love! A really good quick read!!
Thank you for letting me be a part of the team Jackie Rose!!
I love the fake dating trope-it’s honestly one of my favorites and this book delivered!!! It was wonderfully combined with a childhood friends to lovers trope and it was just perfect all around.
“Reunited childhood friends Evelyn and Deon reconnect with a plan to pretend to date to get what they both need”
This was really good. I loved the characters so much (Evelyn’s dad is hilarious and the best side character). I love how real Evelyn and Deon felt. Sometimes I find characters in books tend to be over written but that was not the case for these two. I genuinely loved them so much.
It gives workplace romance even though they don’t “work together” which I also love! A really good quick read!!
November 3, 2025
I enjoyed reading Love in Real Estate.
The characters felt so real. They gave me all the feels and I really related to their trauma. (Sometimes Evelyn got on my nerves tbh, but overall I felt for her and felt a connection with her!
I enjoyed Evelyn and Deon’s friendship. I loved watching it re-bloom into something deeper this time around!
I enjoy a good slow burn, and this book had elements of that!
If you like:
Slow Burn
Fake Dating
Second Chance Romance
You should add Love in Real Estate to your TBR!
I was so invested in their chemistry and relationship that I did not want the book to end!
This is my first book by Jackie Rose, and I really enjoyed her writing style!
The characters felt so real. They gave me all the feels and I really related to their trauma. (Sometimes Evelyn got on my nerves tbh, but overall I felt for her and felt a connection with her!
I enjoyed Evelyn and Deon’s friendship. I loved watching it re-bloom into something deeper this time around!
I enjoy a good slow burn, and this book had elements of that!
If you like:
Slow Burn
Fake Dating
Second Chance Romance
You should add Love in Real Estate to your TBR!
I was so invested in their chemistry and relationship that I did not want the book to end!
This is my first book by Jackie Rose, and I really enjoyed her writing style!
November 19, 2025
Love in Real Estate is a sweet, heartwarming romance that blends three tropes I love: childhood friends-to-lovers, second chance romance, & fake dating. Evelyn & Deon’s story was so relatable, & I really enjoyed watching their relationship grow & heal over time.
Both characters carried deep emotional wounds — Deon from his father’s abuse & betrayal, & Evelyn from her ex’s mistreatment — & their journey toward healing felt authentic & well-written.
This was my first Jackie Rose novel, & it definitely won’t be my last!
I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Ms. Rose!
Both characters carried deep emotional wounds — Deon from his father’s abuse & betrayal, & Evelyn from her ex’s mistreatment — & their journey toward healing felt authentic & well-written.
This was my first Jackie Rose novel, & it definitely won’t be my last!
I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Ms. Rose!
October 28, 2025
Thank you Jackie for letting me be an ARC reader for your book! ❤️
Love In Real Estate is a cute fake dating romance! The two main characters are old best friends who fake date but turns into something real along the way, taking time. As the FMC has some past trauma with her ex and shes been out of the scene for a while to protect herself from getting hurt again. The MMC is slow & patient with her, to help her get out of the past trauma and to start to trust again!
Great book overall! Everyone should give it a read!
Love In Real Estate is a cute fake dating romance! The two main characters are old best friends who fake date but turns into something real along the way, taking time. As the FMC has some past trauma with her ex and shes been out of the scene for a while to protect herself from getting hurt again. The MMC is slow & patient with her, to help her get out of the past trauma and to start to trust again!
Great book overall! Everyone should give it a read!
October 24, 2025
Real, like real to the point of having nose kisses and the real issue with glasses!! 🤓 It's not trauma dumping to make a great story; it's real trauma that you learn to heal from. I felt every emotion from the characters, I felt their flaws, and I felt and loved their depth. Let Jackie Rose take you on a journey that looks real, that could heal, and that gives ooey gooey spice and mishaps that happen along the way!!!!
December 5, 2025
The chemistry between Evelyn and Deon was undeniable since the day he moved back to town. The back and forth between them had me giggling and kicking my feet like a little girl and the build up to Deon giving Evelyn want she truly needed was every fucking thing.... If you want a book where true love meets best friends than this book is for you because baby I couldn't get enough. I would love to see where their life is headed.
November 11, 2025
I was selected as an arc reader for this book one thing I did love about this book was that both main characters were people of color and that there was realistic mistakes shown which is rare in books nowadays so i rated this book 3.5 stars wish it was longer but otherwise it was so good I loved Deon and Evelyn it was such a sweet romance.
November 4, 2025
ARC Review: I really enjoyed this book! I felt like I was actually in the story and knew the characters. It was funny and relatable and is definitely a cozy romance. Loved it! Thank you Jackie Rose for the ARC copy and I’m excited to read the next book in this series!
November 15, 2025
I normally don’t like fake dating trope but this book does it so well. The main characters are wonderful and I loved that you can really tell how human they are with their ups and downs. I will definitely be following this series.
December 5, 2025
Jackie Rose delivers humor, heart, and heat. This book reminds us that love can show up even when we’ve taken the “for sale” sign off our hearts. You’ll laugh, swoon, and text your ex by chapter 10.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews