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Faking It Right: A Friends-to-Lovers MM Romance
A fake relationship with his best friend is either the worst idea Ryker has ever had or the plot twist his love life desperately needed.
I’ve always been straight. Like, straighter than the pole my sister’s girlfriend uses for her exotic dance cardio class. But that doesn’t mean I want to go on another one of my mom’s blind date setups, which have historically been as successful as using a flamethrower to fix a bad haircut.
To avoid my mother’s disastrous matchmaking attempts, I ask my openly gay roommate to pretend to be my boyfriend when we go home for spring break. You know, the one who’s been trying to get in my pants since freshman year with the determination of a squirrel hoarding nuts for winter. What could possibly go wrong?
Other than Harley has a gorgeous face that makes strangers walk into street poles, the body of someone who actually uses his gym membership, and enough charm to talk his way out of a speeding ticket while getting the officer’s number. Naturally, I say yes when he offers to show me why my dating history with women can be summed up somewhere between “meh” and “this is why my therapist deserves hazard pay.”
And just like that, my membership to the Straight Guy Club is permanently revoked. Oops?
Faking It Right is a steamy, laugh-out-loud MM romantic comedy featuring a bisexual awakening everyone saw coming except Ryker. It also stars a flirtatious best friend with the subtlety of a glitter bomb and a bad date so absurd it could be a case study in chaos theory.
The Straight Detour series explores what happens when sexuality takes the scenic route. The road to true love always begins with a wrong turn and ends with the liberating realization that your heart doesn’t care about the rules you thought you had to follow.
I’ve always been straight. Like, straighter than the pole my sister’s girlfriend uses for her exotic dance cardio class. But that doesn’t mean I want to go on another one of my mom’s blind date setups, which have historically been as successful as using a flamethrower to fix a bad haircut.
To avoid my mother’s disastrous matchmaking attempts, I ask my openly gay roommate to pretend to be my boyfriend when we go home for spring break. You know, the one who’s been trying to get in my pants since freshman year with the determination of a squirrel hoarding nuts for winter. What could possibly go wrong?
Other than Harley has a gorgeous face that makes strangers walk into street poles, the body of someone who actually uses his gym membership, and enough charm to talk his way out of a speeding ticket while getting the officer’s number. Naturally, I say yes when he offers to show me why my dating history with women can be summed up somewhere between “meh” and “this is why my therapist deserves hazard pay.”
And just like that, my membership to the Straight Guy Club is permanently revoked. Oops?
Faking It Right is a steamy, laugh-out-loud MM romantic comedy featuring a bisexual awakening everyone saw coming except Ryker. It also stars a flirtatious best friend with the subtlety of a glitter bomb and a bad date so absurd it could be a case study in chaos theory.
The Straight Detour series explores what happens when sexuality takes the scenic route. The road to true love always begins with a wrong turn and ends with the liberating realization that your heart doesn’t care about the rules you thought you had to follow.
422 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2025
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 21, 2025
I truly love this author, she’s usually an instant-buy for me. I was really excited for this book, and while I did enjoy the plot, it didn’t hit the same way her other stories usually do for me.
I also felt like the family didn’t really respect the character’s boundaries, and the whole dinner scene didn’t add much to the story in my opinion. There were still things I liked, though, and I know a lot of readers might connect with it more than I did.
The story has that fun friends/roommates to awakening/lovers vibe that I normally adore, but MC2 came off a bit too controlling for my taste. And there were quite a few moments where everyone seemed to gang up on MC1 for jokes, it felt more humiliating than funny. I definitely didn’t laugh as much as other reviewers seem to.
The tone also leaned a lot more toward smut than the cute or sexy fluff I was expecting, and for someone who’s supposed to be having an awakening, everything moved really fast. Yes, they’re adults, but I would’ve liked to see them slow down a little, explore their feelings, maybe even go on a date before things escalated the way they did. I kinda felt like the MC1 was still questionning himself all while having "intercourse".
It wasn’t the perfect fit for me, but I can absolutely see this being a great read for others. If you love high-heat romances, chaotic friend groups, fast pacing, and a lighter and more playful approach to character growth, this book will probably be right up your alley.
I also felt like the family didn’t really respect the character’s boundaries, and the whole dinner scene didn’t add much to the story in my opinion. There were still things I liked, though, and I know a lot of readers might connect with it more than I did.
The story has that fun friends/roommates to awakening/lovers vibe that I normally adore, but MC2 came off a bit too controlling for my taste. And there were quite a few moments where everyone seemed to gang up on MC1 for jokes, it felt more humiliating than funny. I definitely didn’t laugh as much as other reviewers seem to.
The tone also leaned a lot more toward smut than the cute or sexy fluff I was expecting, and for someone who’s supposed to be having an awakening, everything moved really fast. Yes, they’re adults, but I would’ve liked to see them slow down a little, explore their feelings, maybe even go on a date before things escalated the way they did. I kinda felt like the MC1 was still questionning himself all while having "intercourse".
It wasn’t the perfect fit for me, but I can absolutely see this being a great read for others. If you love high-heat romances, chaotic friend groups, fast pacing, and a lighter and more playful approach to character growth, this book will probably be right up your alley.
November 16, 2025
'Faking It Right: A Friends-to-Lovers MM Romance' (Straight Detour Book 1) written by Ariella Zoelle
Straight college guy, Ryker, and his flirty gay roomate, Harley, best friends for years... until the day that Ryker's class gets canceled and he comes home early only to discover Harley butt-naked and spread-eagled out on their living room couch, and in the midst of an epic blow-job being preformed enthusiastically by another naked guy! Wowza!
Does Harley act embarrassed at being caught? Nope! He just lazily smiles and invites Ryker to come sit next to him and watch!
What do you think Ryker does? Shuffle away and hide his shock and embarrassment in his room? Or nervously walk over to sit on the couch next to Harley?
What do you think blow-job guy does?
(Hint: you'll have to read it to find out...(grin)...yeah, not throwing spoilers in here!)
This was a fun romp into exploring one's sexuality, while at the same time acknowledging how difficult it can sometimes be!
Includes Ryker's well-meaning but extremely meddlesome mother's repeated attempts to fix him up with a variety of straight girls, including the latest debacle who is invited to a family dinner and shows up with a plethora of astrological & past life information including the many, MANY past lives where they were "fated mates"!
This book is hilarious! I can't begin to tell you about all the silliness that goes on, both behind closed doors between Harley & Ryker, and also at the family dinner table with Ryker's sister Sawyer and their parents, and various other characters who make appearances throughout this tale.
In addition, there's Ryker who's going through all kinds of angst about his sexuality, basically his ongoing confusion about what's going on within himself, mentally & physically, now that he seems attracted all of a sudden to his roomie, who has also been his best friend for years.
Yeah, a familiar trope, but one well-written featuring a combination of silliness and seriousness as Ryker grapples with his mixed up feelings about Harley.
And Harley? I love this character, who's always known what he wants and has amazing patience, not to mention a fabulous sense of humor! Sometimes his vulnerability shows through, and when Ryker can occasionally get out of his mental head-trips, he sees that too. They are very sweet together!
A shout out to all the other interesting friends, family, and side characters who run interference throughout his life!
I enjoyed this book and can't wait for sequels!
(Note: I was able to buy an advanced release e-book copy from the author's website, as I'm signed up for her newsletter)
(A side note: I have actually read most of this author's other books, but due to a move, haven't had time to mark them as read or do reviews yet; will do soon as they're lots of fun! )
Two thumbs up! 👍👍
Straight college guy, Ryker, and his flirty gay roomate, Harley, best friends for years... until the day that Ryker's class gets canceled and he comes home early only to discover Harley butt-naked and spread-eagled out on their living room couch, and in the midst of an epic blow-job being preformed enthusiastically by another naked guy! Wowza!
Does Harley act embarrassed at being caught? Nope! He just lazily smiles and invites Ryker to come sit next to him and watch!
What do you think Ryker does? Shuffle away and hide his shock and embarrassment in his room? Or nervously walk over to sit on the couch next to Harley?
What do you think blow-job guy does?
(Hint: you'll have to read it to find out...(grin)...yeah, not throwing spoilers in here!)
This was a fun romp into exploring one's sexuality, while at the same time acknowledging how difficult it can sometimes be!
Includes Ryker's well-meaning but extremely meddlesome mother's repeated attempts to fix him up with a variety of straight girls, including the latest debacle who is invited to a family dinner and shows up with a plethora of astrological & past life information including the many, MANY past lives where they were "fated mates"!
This book is hilarious! I can't begin to tell you about all the silliness that goes on, both behind closed doors between Harley & Ryker, and also at the family dinner table with Ryker's sister Sawyer and their parents, and various other characters who make appearances throughout this tale.
In addition, there's Ryker who's going through all kinds of angst about his sexuality, basically his ongoing confusion about what's going on within himself, mentally & physically, now that he seems attracted all of a sudden to his roomie, who has also been his best friend for years.
Yeah, a familiar trope, but one well-written featuring a combination of silliness and seriousness as Ryker grapples with his mixed up feelings about Harley.
And Harley? I love this character, who's always known what he wants and has amazing patience, not to mention a fabulous sense of humor! Sometimes his vulnerability shows through, and when Ryker can occasionally get out of his mental head-trips, he sees that too. They are very sweet together!
A shout out to all the other interesting friends, family, and side characters who run interference throughout his life!
I enjoyed this book and can't wait for sequels!
(Note: I was able to buy an advanced release e-book copy from the author's website, as I'm signed up for her newsletter)
(A side note: I have actually read most of this author's other books, but due to a move, haven't had time to mark them as read or do reviews yet; will do soon as they're lots of fun! )
Two thumbs up! 👍👍
November 27, 2025
Harley, gorgeous blond-haired and blue-eyed college dreamboat, has had an unrequited crush on his “straight” roommate, Ryker, for some time. Despite Ryker’s absolute self-affirmation of his heterosexuality, he just can’t bring himself to date the girls his mother tries to set him up with. However, the game his mom is playing with his love life is getting on the man’s nerves… it seems that Ryker just can’t get away from his meddlesome mother’s matchmaking efforts. Going home to Ryker’s house with Harley over school break turns out to be the ideal time to get his mother off his back – or so it seems. When Ryker asks his gay roommate Harley to be his fake boyfriend over the break, Harley doesn’t need to be asked twice. But at the end of the charade, will our guys still be able to go back to being just casual friends?
Faking It Right is an extremely fun, romantic and entertaining novel! The plot is imaginative and amusing - and never predictable. The main characters, Ryker and Harley, are both really well developed… arrogant and sexually uninhibited Harley has all the attributes to get whomever he wants as a boyfriend, it seems. The one he wants the most, however, he can’t have. Ryker is pragmatic and cautious when it comes to relationships, and one could say he’s also questioning his sexual orientation, as well. He has feelings for Harley… and living with the man for three years in a dorm room and learning the man’s likes, dislikes and nuances already makes Ryker an expert fake boyfriend. But when the lines of friendship are crossed, who is to decide if it’s a fake or real relationship?
I especially enjoyed the secondary characters in this novel. Ryker’s parents are both so open, friendly and accepting, and together with Ryker’s sister Sawyer and her girlfriend Gia – they all give the book a phenomenal sense of familial ambiance that just can’t be beat!!
Faking It Right is a wonderful book, very well-written and imaginative … and left me with a sense of happiness! 5 stars!!
Faking It Right is an extremely fun, romantic and entertaining novel! The plot is imaginative and amusing - and never predictable. The main characters, Ryker and Harley, are both really well developed… arrogant and sexually uninhibited Harley has all the attributes to get whomever he wants as a boyfriend, it seems. The one he wants the most, however, he can’t have. Ryker is pragmatic and cautious when it comes to relationships, and one could say he’s also questioning his sexual orientation, as well. He has feelings for Harley… and living with the man for three years in a dorm room and learning the man’s likes, dislikes and nuances already makes Ryker an expert fake boyfriend. But when the lines of friendship are crossed, who is to decide if it’s a fake or real relationship?
I especially enjoyed the secondary characters in this novel. Ryker’s parents are both so open, friendly and accepting, and together with Ryker’s sister Sawyer and her girlfriend Gia – they all give the book a phenomenal sense of familial ambiance that just can’t be beat!!
Faking It Right is a wonderful book, very well-written and imaginative … and left me with a sense of happiness! 5 stars!!
November 16, 2025
3.5* rounded up
I love Ariella's bi-awakening book, Honeymoon Ever After and Flawsome Explorations are two of my favourite books.
I love her fluffy romances, easy to read and a nice way to spend an afternoon.
This one is slightly different. It very much reads like a constant joke and for me that's where the book lacks a bit.
Poor Ryker never gets a break. Asking his roommate to pretend to be his boyfriend to avoid another blind-date disaster sounds great. But I struggled connecting with Harley. Harley is a horndog and a lot of the interaction between the two guys is based on the size of his equipment and how to convince Ryker that he is not straight by seducing him constantly.
I do miss the care and attention I know and love from the other books.
Ryker's family is also not giving him a break. Overjoyed by the announcement that Harley and Ryker are dating, poor Ryker is still the victim of more teasing and jokes. While some are quite funny, it does get a bit long.
Add the dinner of hell with the intended blind date and I wonder why Ryker hasn't run off to never come back again. The blind date was funny but not for nearly 2 chapter.
I started to like Harley slightly more towards the last 1/4 of the book when he shows more about his feelings and comes over more serious.
It may be that college age romances are just not for me.
I love Ariella's bi-awakening book, Honeymoon Ever After and Flawsome Explorations are two of my favourite books.
I love her fluffy romances, easy to read and a nice way to spend an afternoon.
This one is slightly different. It very much reads like a constant joke and for me that's where the book lacks a bit.
Poor Ryker never gets a break. Asking his roommate to pretend to be his boyfriend to avoid another blind-date disaster sounds great. But I struggled connecting with Harley. Harley is a horndog and a lot of the interaction between the two guys is based on the size of his equipment and how to convince Ryker that he is not straight by seducing him constantly.
I do miss the care and attention I know and love from the other books.
Ryker's family is also not giving him a break. Overjoyed by the announcement that Harley and Ryker are dating, poor Ryker is still the victim of more teasing and jokes. While some are quite funny, it does get a bit long.
Add the dinner of hell with the intended blind date and I wonder why Ryker hasn't run off to never come back again. The blind date was funny but not for nearly 2 chapter.
I started to like Harley slightly more towards the last 1/4 of the book when he shows more about his feelings and comes over more serious.
It may be that college age romances are just not for me.
November 24, 2025
FAKING IT RIGHT is the first book in the Straight Detour series.
Ryker and Harley have been friends for three years and living together for the last two. Harley is gay and Ryker is very straight. When Ryker walks in on Harley and a hook up Ryker can't seem to look away from what's happening in front of him. Harley insists that he stays and watch Ryker can't seem to walk away. He doesn't understand why his body is reacting to way it is but it doesn't mean anything, right? Ryker's mom has a horrible habit of setting him up with woman that are nothing that Ryker wants and when he goes home for break his mom is already ready with the next one. Ryker thinks the only way out of it is if he and Harley pretend to be boyfriends to get his mom off his back. Harley is more than happy to help Ryker especially since he's been in love with him for the last three years and Ryker has no idea. When they kiss for the first time Ryker knows it's nothing like he's ever experienced before and is very confused on what that means. Harley is more than happy to show Ryker how good it could be between them if he would just give it a chance.
I love a good bi-awakening fake relationship troupe so enjoyed watching Ryker's bi-awakening even if he didn't completely understand it at first. Harley did have a cocky attitude that got to be a bit much but overall it was a cute read. The random scene in the middle was kind of a miss for me with the dinner but it was good overall.
I was given a free copy of this book to read and review for Neon Rainbow.
Ryker and Harley have been friends for three years and living together for the last two. Harley is gay and Ryker is very straight. When Ryker walks in on Harley and a hook up Ryker can't seem to look away from what's happening in front of him. Harley insists that he stays and watch Ryker can't seem to walk away. He doesn't understand why his body is reacting to way it is but it doesn't mean anything, right? Ryker's mom has a horrible habit of setting him up with woman that are nothing that Ryker wants and when he goes home for break his mom is already ready with the next one. Ryker thinks the only way out of it is if he and Harley pretend to be boyfriends to get his mom off his back. Harley is more than happy to help Ryker especially since he's been in love with him for the last three years and Ryker has no idea. When they kiss for the first time Ryker knows it's nothing like he's ever experienced before and is very confused on what that means. Harley is more than happy to show Ryker how good it could be between them if he would just give it a chance.
I love a good bi-awakening fake relationship troupe so enjoyed watching Ryker's bi-awakening even if he didn't completely understand it at first. Harley did have a cocky attitude that got to be a bit much but overall it was a cute read. The random scene in the middle was kind of a miss for me with the dinner but it was good overall.
I was given a free copy of this book to read and review for Neon Rainbow.
November 21, 2025
Ugh. Ok. How to write this. I honestly have no idea. Harley got on my nerves from the moment he was on page. It wasn’t the sex. It was the cocky attitude and “everyone wants me” attitude. This author has written some comfort reads for me that I have gone back and read again and again, but this one is not one of them. I guess it just hit me wrong from the first chapter and I couldn’t recover from that. The humor from the family hit me wrong too. This book was just not for me. Harley and Ryker do have a good relationship. The dynamic works for them. Also, his mom? Oh my goodness give it a rest already. It was cringy.
This story is a common enough trope and one that often brings me joy, the fake relationship part anyway. I also don’t mind bi awakening stories. This one got on my nerves early on. I think it was Harley’s “everyone wants me” attitude. He’s a bit cocky and arrogant. There is a gentle heart in there, but I wasn’t really a fan of the character. Ryker’s family is a bit much and is over the top ridiculous. Some of the banter struck me more as familial bullying than playful ribbing and fun. It is probably because I got started off wrong and couldn’t really recover from it.
This story is a common enough trope and one that often brings me joy, the fake relationship part anyway. I also don’t mind bi awakening stories. This one got on my nerves early on. I think it was Harley’s “everyone wants me” attitude. He’s a bit cocky and arrogant. There is a gentle heart in there, but I wasn’t really a fan of the character. Ryker’s family is a bit much and is over the top ridiculous. Some of the banter struck me more as familial bullying than playful ribbing and fun. It is probably because I got started off wrong and couldn’t really recover from it.
November 22, 2025
Though not a fan of "fake relationship" trope i love anything by Ariella and this story was spot on!
Harley and Ryker’s friendship has been three years in the making, built on easy banter, genuine care, and on Harley’s side, a spark he’s never quite managed to hide. Ryker, meanwhile, has spent years happily assuming guys simply weren’t his thing… until a fake-dating scheme, a meddling family, and one very persuasive best friend start unravelling that certainty in the most delightful way. The bi-awakening element is handled with humour, warmth, and just the right amount of emotional depth.
Ariella’s signature style is all over this book in the best possible way. Expect laugh-out-loud moments, wonderfully chaotic side characters, brilliant banter, soft and swoony scenes, and a level of on-page chemistry that practically glows. The whole thing is feel-good, funny, and full of heart.
If you adore friends-to-lovers stories with a healthy dose of steam, warmth, and queer joy, this one is an absolute treat. A huge thank-you to Ariella for giving Harley and Ryker the story they deserved.
i received a free copy and this is my review
Harley and Ryker’s friendship has been three years in the making, built on easy banter, genuine care, and on Harley’s side, a spark he’s never quite managed to hide. Ryker, meanwhile, has spent years happily assuming guys simply weren’t his thing… until a fake-dating scheme, a meddling family, and one very persuasive best friend start unravelling that certainty in the most delightful way. The bi-awakening element is handled with humour, warmth, and just the right amount of emotional depth.
Ariella’s signature style is all over this book in the best possible way. Expect laugh-out-loud moments, wonderfully chaotic side characters, brilliant banter, soft and swoony scenes, and a level of on-page chemistry that practically glows. The whole thing is feel-good, funny, and full of heart.
If you adore friends-to-lovers stories with a healthy dose of steam, warmth, and queer joy, this one is an absolute treat. A huge thank-you to Ariella for giving Harley and Ryker the story they deserved.
i received a free copy and this is my review
November 20, 2025
It’s true that I’ve been waiting for this book for a long time…years even, and I’m glad to report that it did not disappoint! I am a hardcore fan of the friends-to-lovers trope and this book has all the elements that I love.
To set the stage, Harley and Ryker have been friends since they first met 3 years ago as freshman in college. Harley immediately felt another kind of spark that Ryker didn’t, because guys were not on his radar in that way. So add bi-awakening to the plot line and color me happy.
If you’re already a fan of Zoelle, you will recognize her signature writing style that includes lots of funny banter, warm and fuzzy scenes between the MCs, friends/family that provide extra opportunities for more hilarious fun, quirky historical facts, and let’s not forget the on-the-page steam going on. If that is your kind of book, you will find it here …as well as in her wonderful library of previous titles.
Thank you Ariella for bringing this story to life for me and all the friends-to-lovers fans in the romance world! *Mwah*
To set the stage, Harley and Ryker have been friends since they first met 3 years ago as freshman in college. Harley immediately felt another kind of spark that Ryker didn’t, because guys were not on his radar in that way. So add bi-awakening to the plot line and color me happy.
If you’re already a fan of Zoelle, you will recognize her signature writing style that includes lots of funny banter, warm and fuzzy scenes between the MCs, friends/family that provide extra opportunities for more hilarious fun, quirky historical facts, and let’s not forget the on-the-page steam going on. If that is your kind of book, you will find it here …as well as in her wonderful library of previous titles.
Thank you Ariella for bringing this story to life for me and all the friends-to-lovers fans in the romance world! *Mwah*
November 24, 2025
This is a steamy tale of discovery between best friends, Ryker and Harley. To stop his mother from setting him up on blind dates with girls, Ryker suggests that he and Harley pretend to be boyfriends during their mid-term break, visiting his family.
Harley is the more confident of the two and has been hiding the fact that he’s in love with Ryker since they met, while Ryker is shy, oblivious and ignoring his feelings. There are many funny moments and lots of family teasing and banter, plus one last over-the-top blind date before Ryker accepts his newfound identity.
The book is the start of a new series and it’s different from most of the author’s other books I’ve read. While the storyline was enjoyable and there were some laugh-out-loud moments, the book felt a bit too lengthy to me, and I found the family teasing too much at times. Plus, despite Ryker’s constantly questioning everything, things got steamy rather quickly, which seemed a bit too fast.
Having said that I enjoyed it overall, and if you’re looking for a fun book with lots of heat, then this is one for you.
Harley is the more confident of the two and has been hiding the fact that he’s in love with Ryker since they met, while Ryker is shy, oblivious and ignoring his feelings. There are many funny moments and lots of family teasing and banter, plus one last over-the-top blind date before Ryker accepts his newfound identity.
The book is the start of a new series and it’s different from most of the author’s other books I’ve read. While the storyline was enjoyable and there were some laugh-out-loud moments, the book felt a bit too lengthy to me, and I found the family teasing too much at times. Plus, despite Ryker’s constantly questioning everything, things got steamy rather quickly, which seemed a bit too fast.
Having said that I enjoyed it overall, and if you’re looking for a fun book with lots of heat, then this is one for you.
November 26, 2025
I loved this book!
This book is absolutely amazing! The story of Ryker and Harley is one of best friends who become so much more! Ryker and Harley have been best friends forever and roommates for the last three. Harley has feelings for Ryker but Ryker insists he’s straight. All that changes when they head home to spend Spring Break with Ryker’s family. A ploy to keep his mom from continuing her matchmaking has Ryker asking Harley to be his fake boyfriend. The adventure this leads to is an absolute joy to read! I love how their fake relationship turns real and all the chaos that ensues along the way! His family and Harley find lots of ways to make Ryker blush and I love the way those scenes unfold. One last arranged date with a girl by the name of Maylin was one of the best parts of the story and it was absolutely hysterical! When the two return to college after Spring Break, their relationship continues to grow and I love how the two manage to get even closer and I love how their story ends!
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
This book is absolutely amazing! The story of Ryker and Harley is one of best friends who become so much more! Ryker and Harley have been best friends forever and roommates for the last three. Harley has feelings for Ryker but Ryker insists he’s straight. All that changes when they head home to spend Spring Break with Ryker’s family. A ploy to keep his mom from continuing her matchmaking has Ryker asking Harley to be his fake boyfriend. The adventure this leads to is an absolute joy to read! I love how their fake relationship turns real and all the chaos that ensues along the way! His family and Harley find lots of ways to make Ryker blush and I love the way those scenes unfold. One last arranged date with a girl by the name of Maylin was one of the best parts of the story and it was absolutely hysterical! When the two return to college after Spring Break, their relationship continues to grow and I love how the two manage to get even closer and I love how their story ends!
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
November 20, 2025
If you’ve read Love Practise you might recall the MC North Easton is an author. Faking It Right is his book come to life, so this is written with North’s sense of humour. It deviates from Ariella’s usual style and I am here for it. There are so many hilarious metaphors and dirty jokes throughout the whole book.
Harley has been in love with his oblivious best friend Ryker for three years. When Ryker accidentally walks in on him with another man in their living room, somehow his short-circuited heterosexual brain decides that asking Harley to be his fake boyfriend to get his mother off his back from setting him up with awful blind dates is a great idea.
Queue sharing a bed, Ryker’s hilarious family members, and a surprise blind date coming to a disastrous family dinner. This book had me laughing from start to finish and I can see it being one I read again. Can’t wait to read the others in this series!
Harley has been in love with his oblivious best friend Ryker for three years. When Ryker accidentally walks in on him with another man in their living room, somehow his short-circuited heterosexual brain decides that asking Harley to be his fake boyfriend to get his mother off his back from setting him up with awful blind dates is a great idea.
Queue sharing a bed, Ryker’s hilarious family members, and a surprise blind date coming to a disastrous family dinner. This book had me laughing from start to finish and I can see it being one I read again. Can’t wait to read the others in this series!
November 22, 2025
In order to avoid another awful mom date setup for spring break, Ryker asks his college roommate, Harley, to be his fake boyfriend. Harley has teased and flirted with Ryker the entire time t hey've been rooming together, 3 years. This is a pretty average fake dating/bi awakening/friends to lovers tale. Ariella Zoelle approaches the tropes with a light hand and good humor, making it a delightful and quick read. Ryker is sweet, slightly confused for the feelings he's developed for Harley. Harley is a complete flirt. He's also a bit overconfident and egotistical, Fortunately, the author does delve into his backstory which explains why he's the way he is.
Overall this is a high heat, fast paced low angst friends-to-lovers story. Not exactly original, but Ms Zoelle's writing style does make it fresh and fun.
I received an advanced copy of this ebook and this is my review.
Overall this is a high heat, fast paced low angst friends-to-lovers story. Not exactly original, but Ms Zoelle's writing style does make it fresh and fun.
I received an advanced copy of this ebook and this is my review.
November 16, 2025
Another success from Ariella! I love that it's an easy to read, low angst book. what's not to love about Harley? He's a package deal except for his inability to commit... and the perfect roommate to Ryker... who was his cause of his inability to commit. it was Ryker, whom he has secretly loved and desired from afar. Ryker, who has lived in denial, not realizing his attraction to Harley until he gets a front row seat to one of Harley 's in discretions. Their scheme to get Ryker's "matchmaker from hell" Mother off his back seemed to work at first. Their story of coming together for real is fun to read and even funnier when Maylin entered the picture. This book is full of love, laughter, and coming to terms, and I couldn't have enjoyed it more.
November 21, 2025
This book is a delightful friends-to-lovers story with bi-awakening. Harley and Ryker are roommates, and Harley is a constant flirt, always joking around. It’s not until later in the book that we truly see his serious side. He’s constantly trying to seduce Ryker with innuendos and flirty behavior, and poor Ryker never gets a break. His family clearly doesn’t respect his boundaries and are always trying to set him up against his will. Inevitably, he begins to question his attraction to Harley, and things progress quickly. This was a bit different from other books by this author, but still enjoyable. If you’re looking for a high-heat, fast-moving, low-angst friends-to-lovers story, this works!
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November 21, 2025FAKING IT RIGHT - ARIELLA ZOELLA
This book has so many laugh out loud funny moments in it, you won’t be able to put it down!!
Ryker and Harley are best friends and roommates, and when Ryker’s matchmaking mother is trying to set him up again during spring break, it’s Harley to the rescue.
Imagine having someone there for you no questions asked. What Ryker doesn’t know is Harley has been crushing on him for 3 years and is more than happy to share how much he really cares about him.
There are great supporting characters throughout the book, and the love and humor shared by Ryker’s family is brilliant. This author is creative and writes wonderful stories that will stay with you long after you finish her books. Add Ariella to your must read list today!
This book has so many laugh out loud funny moments in it, you won’t be able to put it down!!
Ryker and Harley are best friends and roommates, and when Ryker’s matchmaking mother is trying to set him up again during spring break, it’s Harley to the rescue.
Imagine having someone there for you no questions asked. What Ryker doesn’t know is Harley has been crushing on him for 3 years and is more than happy to share how much he really cares about him.
There are great supporting characters throughout the book, and the love and humor shared by Ryker’s family is brilliant. This author is creative and writes wonderful stories that will stay with you long after you finish her books. Add Ariella to your must read list today!
November 22, 2025
Thank you, Ariella & Neon Rainbow, for my copy of Faking it Right. This is the first book in the Straight Detours series. Ryker is adamant he is straight and he is oblivious that he best friend Harley has been pining for him for 3 years! To save himself from his Mom's matchmaking he asks Harley to be his 'fake' boyfriend. I am actually find this book hard to review I literally laughed out loud, swooned & clutched my imaginary pearls but I found it unnecessarily long. I am conscious that this is book 1 in the series & characters were being introduced, I will definitely read book 2 when it is available.
💖 MM Romance
💖 Fake Relationship
💖 Awakening
💖 Friends to Lovers
💖 Roommates
💖 Pining
💖 Dual POV
💖 Epilogue
💖 MM Romance
💖 Fake Relationship
💖 Awakening
💖 Friends to Lovers
💖 Roommates
💖 Pining
💖 Dual POV
💖 Epilogue
November 28, 2025
Ryker and Harley's romance was a sweet and giggle-inducing journey of two best friends falling head over heels in love. What this book lacked in intense drama and angst it made up for with pages of hilarious banter and hot as heck steamy moments. Ryker was adorably flustered about his sexual awakening, and Harley found the perfect balance between walking him through it with baby steps and shoving him off the deep end. There was enough fluffy fun to build an army of blankets, and it was so easy to connect with the characters every step of the way. The pacing was a tad slow for my personal preferences, but that didn't stop me from enjoying the book all the way through to the epilogue.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
November 18, 2025
Amusing friends to lovers rom-com that is almost ALL spice. If they're not doing it, they're talking about doing it, or the side characters are talking about them doing it.
Ryker thought he was straight until he needed a fake boyfriend to take home to the family so that mom would stop setting him up with girls he wasn't interested in. He asks his roommate Harley, who has been attracted to him the entire time they've been rooming together. Harley agrees immediately, and it a very short span of time before they end up in bed together. Ryker's family knows it's real the minute they show up together. It takes a bit for Ryker to admit it to himself (& Harley), but they get their HEA.
Ryker thought he was straight until he needed a fake boyfriend to take home to the family so that mom would stop setting him up with girls he wasn't interested in. He asks his roommate Harley, who has been attracted to him the entire time they've been rooming together. Harley agrees immediately, and it a very short span of time before they end up in bed together. Ryker's family knows it's real the minute they show up together. It takes a bit for Ryker to admit it to himself (& Harley), but they get their HEA.
November 28, 2025
Faking It Right is a fun, romantic, and genuinely heartwarming fake-dating story. Harley, the charming and confident dreamboat, has long crushed on his “straight” roommate Ryker—who can’t seem to date any of the girls his meddling mom sends his way. When Ryker asks Harley to pose as his boyfriend over school break, sparks fly, lines blur, and both men are forced to question what’s real. The chemistry between Harley and Ryker is fantastic, and the supporting cast—especially Ryker’s warm, accepting family—adds a wonderful sense of comfort and humor. Imaginative, well-written, and full of joy, this book left me smiling.
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November 21, 2025Ryker is the oblivious 'straight' guy who stumbles into a scene where his best friend and roommate is with a guy... and that unlocks something that other people have known for years... he and Harley are really good for each other. Watching Ryker process his new identity, watching Harley's patience was lovely. For me, I found the book got a little repetitive and could have been shorter, but the comedic elements kept things moving. This book is low angst and combines first times and introspection with crazy family and comedic moments and was a fun read.
November 18, 2025
I really enjoyed how this was hysterically funny while still keeping a real character feel. I felt like Ryker's reactions to being attracted to Harley were expected. He was clueless but once he was in, literally, he was all in! These two spent a lot of intimate time together trying everything. And funny enough talking about doing everything. I was so happy for poor gorgeous Harley because heart has always belonged to Ryker.
November 20, 2025
Oh, in the first 2-minutes … I was blushing and laughing. A third of the way through the book and I was rooting for Harley and Ryker like my life depended on it. Harley’s the absolute sweetest; his brutal honesty, and playfulness. I was praying he didn’t get his heart hurt - even inadvertently, by Ryker. But alas, a HEA prevailed.
And PS honorable mention goes to Maylin … May she find love in her next life.
And PS honorable mention goes to Maylin … May she find love in her next life.
November 28, 2025
This is a fun and flirty straight-to-gay book with lots of laughs, as Ryker, trying to avoid his mother's matchmaking, asks his gay best friend Harley to be his fake boyfriend. What could possibly go wrong? There is no real surprise how the story goes as Ryker's eyes are opened to new possibilities, but it's a riotously fun ride, and I just loved both Harley and Ryker.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
November 15, 2025
The story is witty, full of funny idioms, and snarky characters.
Harley has been in love with his best friend for years, but Ryker is clueless. There's no pining since their fake relationship starts immediately, and ravels almost on day one.
I love Ryker's frienda and family, and his mother's meddling brings up an extremely funny dinener guest.
Really funny and cute read!
Harley has been in love with his best friend for years, but Ryker is clueless. There's no pining since their fake relationship starts immediately, and ravels almost on day one.
I love Ryker's frienda and family, and his mother's meddling brings up an extremely funny dinener guest.
Really funny and cute read!
November 16, 2025
I thought this was a fun read. Ryker kind of bumbles his way into a relationship with Harley. He's an adorable character. I liked his family too. The storyline was enjoyable and fun. I really liked the way their relationship changes from friendship to more. Overall it was a good story I read in a few hours.
November 22, 2025
This book was a lot of fun. I was happy for Harley, finally getting what he had longed for for years. I felt sorry for Ryker at times. His family’s teasing went way beyond the limits. I would definitely have walked out on them on more than one occasion. After the disastrous dinner with Maylin, I’d have made Harley sleep on the couch. Low angst, high heat, HEA.
November 23, 2025
So Ryker and Harley are roommates and have known each other for three years. Ryker who is tired of his mom’s matchmaking asks Harley to be his boyfriend. Harley has had a crush on Ryker. Harley is good looking, bold, flirty and a bit over the top. This story had me laughing so hard. Really enjoyed this story.
November 24, 2025
I’ve read this Author before this is an MM romance story. The main character is Ryker and his best friend Harley. The start in a fake relationship but it soon becomes more. Great side characters and great banter between the main characters. Harley has always had a crush on oblivious Ryker. A great story.
November 25, 2025
Poor Ryder...his mom is over the top!
No wonder he's reluctant to go home.
I love books with humor, but this had so much it overpowered the plot...for me.
I didn't feel I knew the characters very well by the end.
I usually enjoy Ariella's books, but this wasn't my favorite.
I received an ARC from Neon Rainbow.
No wonder he's reluctant to go home.
I love books with humor, but this had so much it overpowered the plot...for me.
I didn't feel I knew the characters very well by the end.
I usually enjoy Ariella's books, but this wasn't my favorite.
I received an ARC from Neon Rainbow.
November 28, 2025
Faking It Right is a friends to lovers romance. Tired of being set up by his mother, Ryker ask his gay roommate to pretend to be his boyfriend while he’s at home. Harley agrees and in the process shows Ryker what a relationship with him would be like. This story is filled with smiles, laughs and love. Great read.
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