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PCU Storm #3
Play Fake
Beck
I wasn’t looking for love.
Not when I was still trying to figure out how to let anyone in.
But Sophie Prescott makes it impossible to keep my walls up—
because somehow, she feels like the home I’ve always been searching for.
Sophie
He was supposed to be my friend.
A distraction. A lie we both agreed to tell.
But somewhere between pretending and falling, Beck became my safe place.
And maybe love isn’t about fixing what’s broken—
it’s about finding someone who stays through the healing.
I wasn’t looking for love.
Not when I was still trying to figure out how to let anyone in.
But Sophie Prescott makes it impossible to keep my walls up—
because somehow, she feels like the home I’ve always been searching for.
Sophie
He was supposed to be my friend.
A distraction. A lie we both agreed to tell.
But somewhere between pretending and falling, Beck became my safe place.
And maybe love isn’t about fixing what’s broken—
it’s about finding someone who stays through the healing.
418 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2025
632 people are currently reading
3604 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 311 reviews
December 18, 2025
𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── 4.5 stars
fake dating is a trope i usually love, and this was no exception!! riley always has such a good way with writing and words and im SO excited for book 4 ?!! and then the hockey series 😋
predictions for book 4
- injured / former college football player
- best friend's little sister
- dislike/enemies to lovers
- yearning/pining for years
- mental health rep
- rival schools
this was written so well, and the mental health representation was everything. full rtc <3
𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── pre-read
i devoured the first two books in this series - hands down my fav football college romance series. the mental health depicted is truly so authentic and raw. i love riley's writing and can't wait to be back! bittersweet that there's only 1 more book 💔
↪ started dec 16
↪ finished dec 17
fake dating is a trope i usually love, and this was no exception!! riley always has such a good way with writing and words and im SO excited for book 4 ?!! and then the hockey series 😋
predictions for book 4
- injured / former college football player
- best friend's little sister
- dislike/enemies to lovers
- yearning/pining for years
- mental health rep
- rival schools
this was written so well, and the mental health representation was everything. full rtc <3
𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── pre-read
i devoured the first two books in this series - hands down my fav football college romance series. the mental health depicted is truly so authentic and raw. i love riley's writing and can't wait to be back! bittersweet that there's only 1 more book 💔
↪ started dec 16
↪ finished dec 17
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November 7, 2025YAYYYY I GOT THE ARC!!
November 11, 2025
Play Fake is more than just a sports romance it’s a story with real people, real dramas and more importantly real emotions. I love the way Riley writes she is definitely becoming one of my favourite authors. We return to the PCU Storm series with Play Fake book three in this wonderful series. This friends to lovers, fake dating romance features Beck and Sophie whom I both love and together they are just perfect. I love the representation of Beck being a coeliac and the struggles one faces having this autoimmune disease. As a fellow coeliac I love reading about characters having this condition and more awareness can only be a good thing. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and would highly recommend the whole series.
I received a complementary copy from the author.
November 25, 2025
I think this story has so much potential but it honestly seemed like what I read was a placeholder rough draft… continuity was such an issue. There were even a few scenes completely repeated. There was so much detail relating to the actually football games, and so little detail in other areas of importance, especially in the beginning. There were some plot points that could have been explored more, such as resolution with Sophie’s parents, they just sort of disappeared… Angela pops out of nowhere on Thanksgiving…. Weird. And it seems like maybe spice was added as an after thought and it was sort of all over the place as well. I made myself finish it but wish the ride was a bit less confusing.
January 6, 2026
Beck and Sophie, our narrators for book 3 in the PCU Storm series, naturally gravitated towards each other throughout, but their “meet cute” where he saves her from her douche ex was so 1000% who Beck is, you couldn’t not love him. Linebacker on the football team, when we met Beck in previous books his long term girlfriend cheats on him constantly. He definitely was a one woman kind of guy, wanting to wait for sex when he knows the next girl is the one. You don’t see that in college football players so it’s always nice when the MMC isn’t a campus hoe. Sophie’s heart was just as big as Becks, she wants to give her life to helping less fortunate kids in the foster care system. I really liked this development, especially from someone a bit affluent like her. There is some partner on partner violence which kind of is left unresolved. It’s Sophie’s bestie so I’d thought we’d learn more. Cute HEA but be advised the spice is low, though I didn’t miss it.
November 21, 2025
arc review
I immediately liked Beck from the first chapter. I had a soft spot for the barricaded wall he put up between his long term relationship that broke him, his childhood, and his challenges with celiac disease.
While I don't have an extensive knowledge of celiac disease I can appreciate the representation and can relate in a small way with my own food allergies to the bit of ocd of rechecking labels
Beck is so sweet, guarded, and has determination. Football, no distractions, keeping most at a distance. Battling his struggles that he has been trying to navigate
Sophie came in hott with her confidence standing up for herself. She may have a certain reputation to uphold with her family but she slowly realizes how much more she deserves and the resilience she carries. She is selfless and kind hearted
Their friendship was pure and genuine. Their connection and relationship development held so much weight. More meaningful. Deep and emotional where they healed together. They had the quiet love. The whispering steady pace of louder actions, considerate thought, and a trust that grew over time.
This is book three in the PCU series and I have loved each of the characters and couples books. All special with writing that will stay with you
I immediately liked Beck from the first chapter. I had a soft spot for the barricaded wall he put up between his long term relationship that broke him, his childhood, and his challenges with celiac disease.
While I don't have an extensive knowledge of celiac disease I can appreciate the representation and can relate in a small way with my own food allergies to the bit of ocd of rechecking labels
Beck is so sweet, guarded, and has determination. Football, no distractions, keeping most at a distance. Battling his struggles that he has been trying to navigate
Sophie came in hott with her confidence standing up for herself. She may have a certain reputation to uphold with her family but she slowly realizes how much more she deserves and the resilience she carries. She is selfless and kind hearted
Their friendship was pure and genuine. Their connection and relationship development held so much weight. More meaningful. Deep and emotional where they healed together. They had the quiet love. The whispering steady pace of louder actions, considerate thought, and a trust that grew over time.
This is book three in the PCU series and I have loved each of the characters and couples books. All special with writing that will stay with you
November 15, 2025
ARC Review - 5 ★
⋆˚࿔ i am so in love with this book!! it feels like absolute perfection and gives me everything i wanted. the chemistry between the characters is amazing, there is no omd/owd and they actually take time to get to know each other without sex involved. they show love through small actions and quiet care and that made their relationship feel even more special.
the representation of beck being coeliac was handled so well. his struggles with his condition are shown honestly and sophie paying attention to his health and making sure he did not eat something unsafe felt so thoughtful. those small moments matter the most and make you feel seen. beck also comes from a completely different background than sophie, with a mother who has schizophrenia, which is a sensitive and triggering subject for him. sophie understood him, stayed calm and did not judge when she saw his mom during a difficult moment. that scene made their bond feel even stronger. there is a small appearance from sophie's and beck’s ex but i am glad the author chose not to create unnecessary drama. instead, the focus stayed on their connection and how they slowly built something real. it may feel like a slow burn but that is exactly what made their relationship feel genuine and earned.
Riley Paige is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors and i am excited to read more of her books!!
Thank you to Riley Paige for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
⋆˚࿔ i am so in love with this book!! it feels like absolute perfection and gives me everything i wanted. the chemistry between the characters is amazing, there is no omd/owd and they actually take time to get to know each other without sex involved. they show love through small actions and quiet care and that made their relationship feel even more special.
the representation of beck being coeliac was handled so well. his struggles with his condition are shown honestly and sophie paying attention to his health and making sure he did not eat something unsafe felt so thoughtful. those small moments matter the most and make you feel seen. beck also comes from a completely different background than sophie, with a mother who has schizophrenia, which is a sensitive and triggering subject for him. sophie understood him, stayed calm and did not judge when she saw his mom during a difficult moment. that scene made their bond feel even stronger. there is a small appearance from sophie's and beck’s ex but i am glad the author chose not to create unnecessary drama. instead, the focus stayed on their connection and how they slowly built something real. it may feel like a slow burn but that is exactly what made their relationship feel genuine and earned.
Riley Paige is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors and i am excited to read more of her books!!
Thank you to Riley Paige for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
November 15, 2025
This is a 2.75 star for me. Sorry but...well, continue to understand my thought process.
I'm going to be honest...I was hoping for more from Play Fake. I really enjoyed Broken Play, and I loved Red Zone, so my expectations for Play Fake were high. I was given the opportunity to read an ARC copy of this book, and I hope that some last-minute changes or updates were made before the final copy is printed, because, truthfully, it felt like the story was all over the place.
First, if you are expecting spice, this book really doesn't have it. I mean, the first two didn't have a ton either, but we did see the physical attraction, the fact that the characters were hormonal young adults in college, all that. This one...hmmm, you have two scenes that I personally would classify as high school appropriate, and, until the epilogue, you don't really get anything. So, do with that what you will.
Does that mean it's not worth reading because it lacks spice? No, not at all. I enjoyed the book, but I felt that it could have been more.
It was made very clear to me that Riley either knows football very well or she is good at faking it because there are paragraphs upon paragraphs of Beck's mindset and the play-by-play action of the game in real time. I enjoy that; it helps me get into the character's headspace and understand his dedication and focus on his craft. HOWEVER, I do not love it when we go into so much detail on something like a game at the expense of other text. There were a lot of scenes that felt like they were glossed over or that we were given minimal background information. I needed more: More dialogue between Beck and Sophie when they were getting to know each other, what happened with Beck's mom, can we have a few memories of Beck's childhood when his mother was healthy and more examples (flashbacks) of how everything started to change as her health declined, how did Sophie's childhood help develop the relationship she has with her parents, what do her parents do that they care so much about the possible ties that come with her dating Zach... I want to know what drew Sophie to social work and to start volunteering in the foster care system. I understood Carter's need to be involved in the previous book due to his personal connection, but what was it that made Sophie want to go down that path, and who introduced her to that world? Sophie's family wealth was briefly mentioned, but there was no follow-through on her status or how she lived a privileged life.
There is so much background information missing from the plot that I felt like I was missing half the book. There were numerous details introduced into the plot that were later forgotten.
If you read Red Zone, you can continue. If not, here is your spoiler alert
We know that Beck dated his previous girlfriend for a decade and that they had been friends since childhood. They broke up because she cheated on him. Something like that changes a person's outlook on love, and, yes, we did see how Beck was reluctant to fall in love again; we didn't really see him dwell on the break-up or get angry. Seriously, are you telling me that Angela, in the months since the breakup, didn't try to reach out, go to games, or learn about Sophie and get jealous? However, and SPOILER ALERT, in this book
There are then a few scenes that are obviously setting up the next book or, in my opinion, the next two books. I'm curious to see where this goes.
I'm going to be honest...I was hoping for more from Play Fake. I really enjoyed Broken Play, and I loved Red Zone, so my expectations for Play Fake were high. I was given the opportunity to read an ARC copy of this book, and I hope that some last-minute changes or updates were made before the final copy is printed, because, truthfully, it felt like the story was all over the place.
First, if you are expecting spice, this book really doesn't have it. I mean, the first two didn't have a ton either, but we did see the physical attraction, the fact that the characters were hormonal young adults in college, all that. This one...hmmm, you have two scenes that I personally would classify as high school appropriate, and, until the epilogue, you don't really get anything. So, do with that what you will.
Does that mean it's not worth reading because it lacks spice? No, not at all. I enjoyed the book, but I felt that it could have been more.
It was made very clear to me that Riley either knows football very well or she is good at faking it because there are paragraphs upon paragraphs of Beck's mindset and the play-by-play action of the game in real time. I enjoy that; it helps me get into the character's headspace and understand his dedication and focus on his craft. HOWEVER, I do not love it when we go into so much detail on something like a game at the expense of other text. There were a lot of scenes that felt like they were glossed over or that we were given minimal background information. I needed more: More dialogue between Beck and Sophie when they were getting to know each other, what happened with Beck's mom, can we have a few memories of Beck's childhood when his mother was healthy and more examples (flashbacks) of how everything started to change as her health declined, how did Sophie's childhood help develop the relationship she has with her parents, what do her parents do that they care so much about the possible ties that come with her dating Zach... I want to know what drew Sophie to social work and to start volunteering in the foster care system. I understood Carter's need to be involved in the previous book due to his personal connection, but what was it that made Sophie want to go down that path, and who introduced her to that world? Sophie's family wealth was briefly mentioned, but there was no follow-through on her status or how she lived a privileged life.
There is so much background information missing from the plot that I felt like I was missing half the book. There were numerous details introduced into the plot that were later forgotten.
If you read Red Zone, you can continue. If not, here is your spoiler alert
We know that Beck dated his previous girlfriend for a decade and that they had been friends since childhood. They broke up because she cheated on him. Something like that changes a person's outlook on love, and, yes, we did see how Beck was reluctant to fall in love again; we didn't really see him dwell on the break-up or get angry. Seriously, are you telling me that Angela, in the months since the breakup, didn't try to reach out, go to games, or learn about Sophie and get jealous? However, and SPOILER ALERT, in this book
There are then a few scenes that are obviously setting up the next book or, in my opinion, the next two books. I'm curious to see where this goes.
November 23, 2025
This one doesn’t just tell a love story… it lets you feel it heal you.
Beck is the kind of hero who doesn’t know how to be loved even when he’s desperate for it. Closed off, guarded, carrying too much he never asked for—but somehow still gentle in the ways that matter most. Watching him unravel, piece by piece, for Sophie is as heartbreaking as it is beautiful.
And Sophie? She’s warmth. Strength. Quiet resilience wrapped in kindness. She isn’t trying to save him or fix him—she just stays. And in a world where everyone leaves, that kind of love hits deeper than any grand gesture ever could.
Their relationship is built on friendship, fake dating tension, and that slow realization that what they’re pretending… feels way too real to walk away from. There’s no rushing here. Just soft moments, honesty, vulnerability, and the kind of connection that feels like a safe place instead of a battlefield.
This story is for anyone who believes love doesn’t erase scars—
it just makes them easier to carry.
If you love:
🤍 Friends to lovers
🤍 Fake dating
🤍 Emotional slow burn
🤍 Healing love & comfort romance
…this one is going to settle in your chest and stay there.
Beck is the kind of hero who doesn’t know how to be loved even when he’s desperate for it. Closed off, guarded, carrying too much he never asked for—but somehow still gentle in the ways that matter most. Watching him unravel, piece by piece, for Sophie is as heartbreaking as it is beautiful.
And Sophie? She’s warmth. Strength. Quiet resilience wrapped in kindness. She isn’t trying to save him or fix him—she just stays. And in a world where everyone leaves, that kind of love hits deeper than any grand gesture ever could.
Their relationship is built on friendship, fake dating tension, and that slow realization that what they’re pretending… feels way too real to walk away from. There’s no rushing here. Just soft moments, honesty, vulnerability, and the kind of connection that feels like a safe place instead of a battlefield.
This story is for anyone who believes love doesn’t erase scars—
it just makes them easier to carry.
If you love:
🤍 Friends to lovers
🤍 Fake dating
🤍 Emotional slow burn
🤍 Healing love & comfort romance
…this one is going to settle in your chest and stay there.
November 12, 2025
Title line:
Slow burn that hits you straight in the chest — not the sheets.
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (meaningful, not mindless)
Tropes: Fake Dating • Friends to Lovers • Slow Burn • Athlete + Psychology Major • Healing from Betrayal
Review:
Play Fake gives you a romance that isn’t about the rush — it’s about the rebuild.
Sophie Prescott walks away from a cheating boyfriend and collides with Beck Calder, who’s nursing his own betrayal from an eleven-year relationship. Their connection starts subtle — shared glances in an advanced psych class, accidental friendship, emotional honesty they didn’t expect. The fake dating setup is just the gateway drug; the real high is how carefully they learn each other.
Beck is the standout here. He’s not your typical campus playboy. He refuses casual sex because he wants intimacy tied to commitment, and that gives the slow burn actual weight. Sophie finds safety with him — not the kind that wraps you in bubble wrap, but the kind that encourages you to show your real self without fear.
What I loved: the emotional depth. The conversations. Watching two people choose healing instead of hiding. Beck’s struggle between the NFL and becoming a counselor gave him dimension beyond “hot athlete.”
What didn’t quite hit: this burn is genuinely slow. At times I wanted to shake them both like, “JUST KISS,” but the payoff works because it feels earned.
If you want a story where intimacy is intention, not impulse, where spice comes after emotional truth — this one delivers.
Slow burn that hits you straight in the chest — not the sheets.
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (meaningful, not mindless)
Tropes: Fake Dating • Friends to Lovers • Slow Burn • Athlete + Psychology Major • Healing from Betrayal
Review:
Play Fake gives you a romance that isn’t about the rush — it’s about the rebuild.
Sophie Prescott walks away from a cheating boyfriend and collides with Beck Calder, who’s nursing his own betrayal from an eleven-year relationship. Their connection starts subtle — shared glances in an advanced psych class, accidental friendship, emotional honesty they didn’t expect. The fake dating setup is just the gateway drug; the real high is how carefully they learn each other.
Beck is the standout here. He’s not your typical campus playboy. He refuses casual sex because he wants intimacy tied to commitment, and that gives the slow burn actual weight. Sophie finds safety with him — not the kind that wraps you in bubble wrap, but the kind that encourages you to show your real self without fear.
What I loved: the emotional depth. The conversations. Watching two people choose healing instead of hiding. Beck’s struggle between the NFL and becoming a counselor gave him dimension beyond “hot athlete.”
What didn’t quite hit: this burn is genuinely slow. At times I wanted to shake them both like, “JUST KISS,” but the payoff works because it feels earned.
If you want a story where intimacy is intention, not impulse, where spice comes after emotional truth — this one delivers.
November 22, 2025
⋆.𐙚 ̊ ᴀʀᴄ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ⋆.𐙚 ̊
ᴘʟᴀʏ ꜰᴀᴋᴇ ʙʏ @authorrileypaige
5★
ᴍʏ ᴏᴘɪɴɪᴏɴ -
This was such a great and sweet book, I loved the vibes it was just amazing. I loved how they became to comfortable and grew together as a couple
The chemistry and banter with these two were chef kiss and the slow burn was slowingggg I was like just kiss already loll
This book is emotional and perfect I loved how they became friends before anything it was amazing. Their connection was great I laughed and cried
Sophie is just the sweetest girl I love her so much. She’s such an amazing person everyone deserves a Sophie in their life
I loved the epilogue so much it was such amazing ending for their story I couldn’t get enough of this book
Beck I have been waiting for his book forever, because he deserves everything in life. He’s such an amazing guy I love him loll
Beck and Sophie started fake dating because her ex boyfriend who’s absolute asshole kept cheating and harassing her and I do not like her parents at all loll
I’m so excited for the next book in this series!
📣🏈 what to expect
-College Romance
-Football x Cheerleader
-Fake Dating
-Friends to lovers
-SLOW BURN
-She falls first/He falls harder
-Forced Proximity
Thank you for giving me this arc ⭐️
ᴘʟᴀʏ ꜰᴀᴋᴇ ʙʏ @authorrileypaige
5★
ᴍʏ ᴏᴘɪɴɪᴏɴ -
This was such a great and sweet book, I loved the vibes it was just amazing. I loved how they became to comfortable and grew together as a couple
The chemistry and banter with these two were chef kiss and the slow burn was slowingggg I was like just kiss already loll
This book is emotional and perfect I loved how they became friends before anything it was amazing. Their connection was great I laughed and cried
Sophie is just the sweetest girl I love her so much. She’s such an amazing person everyone deserves a Sophie in their life
I loved the epilogue so much it was such amazing ending for their story I couldn’t get enough of this book
Beck I have been waiting for his book forever, because he deserves everything in life. He’s such an amazing guy I love him loll
Beck and Sophie started fake dating because her ex boyfriend who’s absolute asshole kept cheating and harassing her and I do not like her parents at all loll
I’m so excited for the next book in this series!
📣🏈 what to expect
-College Romance
-Football x Cheerleader
-Fake Dating
-Friends to lovers
-SLOW BURN
-She falls first/He falls harder
-Forced Proximity
Thank you for giving me this arc ⭐️
March 14, 2026
March 12-13 2026
AGHHHH I LOVE THIS SERIES! I have a little problem where I get bored when I read series and it’s pretty much the same events from different characters but holy crap I haven’t felt that way about this series once! Every book is getting better! My only negatives would be
1) I don’t understand football enough to fully understand all of Becks chapters when he’s playing football
2) it seemed very NO SPICE until like 90% and my literal face went 😳😬 because we had a good thing going then it felt like the author thought we needed spice… we didn’t by the way.
AGHHHH I LOVE THIS SERIES! I have a little problem where I get bored when I read series and it’s pretty much the same events from different characters but holy crap I haven’t felt that way about this series once! Every book is getting better! My only negatives would be
1) I don’t understand football enough to fully understand all of Becks chapters when he’s playing football
2) it seemed very NO SPICE until like 90% and my literal face went 😳😬 because we had a good thing going then it felt like the author thought we needed spice… we didn’t by the way.
November 30, 2025
4.75/5⭐️ - Thank you to the author for the ARC of Play Fake!
I have loved every single one of Riley Paige’s books so far, and this is no exception. In my option each story just gets better and better. Beck and Sophie have my whole heart and I can’t wait to read what’s next!
I have loved every single one of Riley Paige’s books so far, and this is no exception. In my option each story just gets better and better. Beck and Sophie have my whole heart and I can’t wait to read what’s next!
November 11, 2025
Play Fake is a very sweet, slow burn book. I fell in love with both characters and loved the development of their relationship.
November 21, 2025
⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️
“You’re gonna kill me.” “Not before I drive you crazy first.” 🤍🤍🤍
If you’ve loved the first two books of the PCU series, you’ll love this one just as much. I love seeing how the series connects, mildly repeats itself but we get happy endings.
I appreciate Riley’s ability to sprinkle in trauma and either chronic illness or neurological disorders. As a celiac myself, I’ve never read a book where someone had it and it was well put and thoroughly researched.
I truly wish there was more, but the story was expertly put and I’m excited for more to come in book 4.
“You’re gonna kill me.” “Not before I drive you crazy first.” 🤍🤍🤍
If you’ve loved the first two books of the PCU series, you’ll love this one just as much. I love seeing how the series connects, mildly repeats itself but we get happy endings.
I appreciate Riley’s ability to sprinkle in trauma and either chronic illness or neurological disorders. As a celiac myself, I’ve never read a book where someone had it and it was well put and thoroughly researched.
I truly wish there was more, but the story was expertly put and I’m excited for more to come in book 4.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2025
ARC review play fake
-Fake dating
-Slow burn
-Friends to lovers
-Forced proximity
✨ I wasn’t prepared to fall this hard for Beck… but here we are.
BOOK 3 in the PCU Storm series, and I swear Riley’s debut series just keeps getting better. Beck might actually be my favourite MMC so far from this series, I adored this book.
This one follows Sophie and Beck, who meet in a college setting and get partnered for a class project. From there, everything slowly shifts, more time together, more tension, more feelings. Sophie definitely falls first, while Beck is still carrying the weight of past heartbreak and deep family trauma. His mother’s schizophrenia has shaped so much of who he is, and you feel every layer of how guarded he’s become 😭😔
At first he’s closed off, quiet, and hard to read but Sophie is the one who gets him to open up. Really open up. Watching those walls come down and seeing him fall for her, Beautiful.
And here’s the thing:
This book isn’t spicy… and you KNOW how much I love spice.
But honestly It didn’t need it.
The emotional connection between them was the heartbeat of the whole story — raw, gentle, and powerful. 💕
A soft, emotional romance that hits in all the right places. I loved this one. 🤍
Thank you to authorrileypaige for an arc copy as part of your team 💕
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
🌶️
-Fake dating
-Slow burn
-Friends to lovers
-Forced proximity
✨ I wasn’t prepared to fall this hard for Beck… but here we are.
BOOK 3 in the PCU Storm series, and I swear Riley’s debut series just keeps getting better. Beck might actually be my favourite MMC so far from this series, I adored this book.
This one follows Sophie and Beck, who meet in a college setting and get partnered for a class project. From there, everything slowly shifts, more time together, more tension, more feelings. Sophie definitely falls first, while Beck is still carrying the weight of past heartbreak and deep family trauma. His mother’s schizophrenia has shaped so much of who he is, and you feel every layer of how guarded he’s become 😭😔
At first he’s closed off, quiet, and hard to read but Sophie is the one who gets him to open up. Really open up. Watching those walls come down and seeing him fall for her, Beautiful.
And here’s the thing:
This book isn’t spicy… and you KNOW how much I love spice.
But honestly It didn’t need it.
The emotional connection between them was the heartbeat of the whole story — raw, gentle, and powerful. 💕
A soft, emotional romance that hits in all the right places. I loved this one. 🤍
Thank you to authorrileypaige for an arc copy as part of your team 💕
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
🌶️
February 3, 2026
Now playing:
♪ adore you — Harry Styles
0:42 ━━━●──────── 3:27
◁ II ▷
✧･ﾟ♡ be aware of spoilers ✧･ﾟ♡
⸻
✧･ﾟ♡ I honestly didn’t expect to love this book as much as I did. I wasn’t fully sold at the beginning, but once it picked up… I was HOOKED. Like didn’t-set-it-down-until-I-finished hooked.
✧･ﾟ♡ Play Fake was cute, funny, and so easy to fall into. The fake dating trope was done perfectly, the banter felt natural, and the way the feelings slowly crept in made everything hit harder.
⋆｡˚ ✧
✧･ﾟ♡ The ending really pulled the entire story together in such a satisfying way. It made everything feel complete and solidified this as a **5-star
✧ Honestly? One of my favorite books I’ve read in a long time — the kind that reminds you why you love reading in the first place.
⸻
SOPHIE ♡
✧ Sophie felt so real. A little guarded, a little unsure, but so easy to root for. Watching her slowly let her walls down and face what she actually wanted was so satisfying. I loved her growth and the way she learned to trust herself and her feelings. She annoyed me just enough to feel human, but I adored her by the end.
⸻
BECK ♡
✧ Beck. BECK. He was sweet, charming, and quietly emotional in a way that completely got me. The way he showed up — not just romantically, but emotionally — made him such a standout MMC. Soft but strong, funny but sincere. Absolutely one of those characters that sticks with you after you close the book.
⸻
🌶️Spice:chapters(36,47) if want to be skipped
⋆｡˚ ✧
✧ Final thoughts: Play Fake is the definition of a comfort read with heart. Cute, funny, emotional, and incredibly addictive. I already know this is one I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
♪ adore you — Harry Styles
0:42 ━━━●──────── 3:27
◁ II ▷
✧･ﾟ♡ be aware of spoilers ✧･ﾟ♡
⸻
✧･ﾟ♡ I honestly didn’t expect to love this book as much as I did. I wasn’t fully sold at the beginning, but once it picked up… I was HOOKED. Like didn’t-set-it-down-until-I-finished hooked.
✧･ﾟ♡ Play Fake was cute, funny, and so easy to fall into. The fake dating trope was done perfectly, the banter felt natural, and the way the feelings slowly crept in made everything hit harder.
⋆｡˚ ✧
✧･ﾟ♡ The ending really pulled the entire story together in such a satisfying way. It made everything feel complete and solidified this as a **5-star
✧ Honestly? One of my favorite books I’ve read in a long time — the kind that reminds you why you love reading in the first place.
⸻
SOPHIE ♡
✧ Sophie felt so real. A little guarded, a little unsure, but so easy to root for. Watching her slowly let her walls down and face what she actually wanted was so satisfying. I loved her growth and the way she learned to trust herself and her feelings. She annoyed me just enough to feel human, but I adored her by the end.
⸻
BECK ♡
✧ Beck. BECK. He was sweet, charming, and quietly emotional in a way that completely got me. The way he showed up — not just romantically, but emotionally — made him such a standout MMC. Soft but strong, funny but sincere. Absolutely one of those characters that sticks with you after you close the book.
⸻
🌶️Spice:chapters(36,47) if want to be skipped
⋆｡˚ ✧
✧ Final thoughts: Play Fake is the definition of a comfort read with heart. Cute, funny, emotional, and incredibly addictive. I already know this is one I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
November 19, 2025
ARC Review
This book is the kind of love story that sneaks up on you. Quiet. Steady. Full of heart and real emotion instead of instant perfection. Beck and Sophie feel honest. Human. Two people carrying heavy things who somehow become a soft place for each other to land.
Their chemistry isn’t loud or explosive. It’s slow and intentional and built on trust. The emotional depth of their connection is what makes this book shine. It’s soft but meaningful. Simple but heartfelt. A romance that feels like stepping into warm light.
Beck is the kind of book boyfriend who stays with you. Gentle. Respectful. Steady in a way that makes you relax without even realizing it. And Sophie has this quiet strength that shines through every moment she tries to hold her world together. Her heart for kids and her desire to help them feel safe adds such a tender depth to who she is. Watching them find safety in each other is truly the heart of the story.
This story also touches on mental health in such a thoughtful way through Beck’s background and his psychology journey. Nothing feels dramatic or heavy. It is handled with real care, and it adds a deeper emotional layer to who he is and how he loves. And the way the book portrays living with an autoimmune condition feels grounded, real, and quietly powerful.
It’s a gentle romance, but it still grips your heart. It’s emotional without ever weighing you down. And the HEA made my heart feel full.
If you love romances that feel warm, human, and deeply genuine, this one absolutely belongs on your TBR.
Tropes
Sports romance
Slow burn
She falls first and he falls harder
Forced proximity
Football player and cheerleader
Friends to lovers
Fake dating
Thank you so much to Riley Paige for the ARC and the chance to experience this story ahead of release. I can’t wait for book 4 End Game.
This book is the kind of love story that sneaks up on you. Quiet. Steady. Full of heart and real emotion instead of instant perfection. Beck and Sophie feel honest. Human. Two people carrying heavy things who somehow become a soft place for each other to land.
Their chemistry isn’t loud or explosive. It’s slow and intentional and built on trust. The emotional depth of their connection is what makes this book shine. It’s soft but meaningful. Simple but heartfelt. A romance that feels like stepping into warm light.
Beck is the kind of book boyfriend who stays with you. Gentle. Respectful. Steady in a way that makes you relax without even realizing it. And Sophie has this quiet strength that shines through every moment she tries to hold her world together. Her heart for kids and her desire to help them feel safe adds such a tender depth to who she is. Watching them find safety in each other is truly the heart of the story.
This story also touches on mental health in such a thoughtful way through Beck’s background and his psychology journey. Nothing feels dramatic or heavy. It is handled with real care, and it adds a deeper emotional layer to who he is and how he loves. And the way the book portrays living with an autoimmune condition feels grounded, real, and quietly powerful.
It’s a gentle romance, but it still grips your heart. It’s emotional without ever weighing you down. And the HEA made my heart feel full.
If you love romances that feel warm, human, and deeply genuine, this one absolutely belongs on your TBR.
Tropes
Sports romance
Slow burn
She falls first and he falls harder
Forced proximity
Football player and cheerleader
Friends to lovers
Fake dating
Thank you so much to Riley Paige for the ARC and the chance to experience this story ahead of release. I can’t wait for book 4 End Game.
November 21, 2025
Arc review -
Release date 21st Nov
Available on kindle unlimited.
Wow what a story!! 🥹♥️
He wasn’t looking for love, he’s still trying to figure out how to let anyone in. But then he meets Sophie Prescott…
The emotional dept and the conversation’s in this book was beautiful, watching Beck and Sophie slowly fall in love and not hide away from how they felt about each other, their chemistry, their friendship and emotions were so real and the slow burn GIRL talk about leaving me on the edge of my seat till they had their first kiss!
I’m in awe with these two! Beck literally pretends he lives on campus near Sophie so she doesn’t have to walk home alone, the way he has her back from the very first time they meet he’s literally the perfect book boyfriend!!
I absolutely love a friends to lovers trope so I really enjoyed watching their relationship grow from friends to something real. But when he falls he falls hard! The fake dating element was so fun to read along side their banter and texts, Paige does such a good job writing a real friends to lovers story that you feel every emotion.
This book is a beautiful unraveling of two people learning to trust again and I bloody LOVED IT!! It definitely gave me everything I wanted in a sports romance and more. Also not forgetting snickers 🥹
Release date 21st Nov
Available on kindle unlimited.
Wow what a story!! 🥹♥️
He wasn’t looking for love, he’s still trying to figure out how to let anyone in. But then he meets Sophie Prescott…
The emotional dept and the conversation’s in this book was beautiful, watching Beck and Sophie slowly fall in love and not hide away from how they felt about each other, their chemistry, their friendship and emotions were so real and the slow burn GIRL talk about leaving me on the edge of my seat till they had their first kiss!
I’m in awe with these two! Beck literally pretends he lives on campus near Sophie so she doesn’t have to walk home alone, the way he has her back from the very first time they meet he’s literally the perfect book boyfriend!!
I absolutely love a friends to lovers trope so I really enjoyed watching their relationship grow from friends to something real. But when he falls he falls hard! The fake dating element was so fun to read along side their banter and texts, Paige does such a good job writing a real friends to lovers story that you feel every emotion.
This book is a beautiful unraveling of two people learning to trust again and I bloody LOVED IT!! It definitely gave me everything I wanted in a sports romance and more. Also not forgetting snickers 🥹
November 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
Play Fake is book #3 in Riley Paige’s PCU Storm series, and honestly, this is her best yet. It hits that perfect mix of heart, healing, and slow-burn tension that makes you fall for the characters before you even realize it’s happening.
Beck completely owns this book. He’s a celiac college football linebacker carrying the heavy weight of his mom’s schizophrenia, and the vulnerability he tries so hard to hide makes him impossible not to love. He’s tough, soft, loyal, and a little guarded in all the best, swooniest ways. Sophie matches him beautifully—warm, compassionate, and finally learning to step into her own power after past relationships dimmed her light. Her foster-agency storyline adds so much heart, especially in the epilogue 🥹
Their chemistry builds slowly and naturally, with just the right amount of spice—enough to get your pulse up without taking away from the emotional depth. The way they open up to each other feels so genuine and earned.
Play Fake is a standout sports romance about choosing vulnerability and love even when it scares you. Beck and Sophie linger long after the last page, and I’m honestly so sad to let them go. I’d read a whole other book about them in a heartbeat. 💜
🌶️🌶️.5
Play Fake is book #3 in Riley Paige’s PCU Storm series, and honestly, this is her best yet. It hits that perfect mix of heart, healing, and slow-burn tension that makes you fall for the characters before you even realize it’s happening.
Beck completely owns this book. He’s a celiac college football linebacker carrying the heavy weight of his mom’s schizophrenia, and the vulnerability he tries so hard to hide makes him impossible not to love. He’s tough, soft, loyal, and a little guarded in all the best, swooniest ways. Sophie matches him beautifully—warm, compassionate, and finally learning to step into her own power after past relationships dimmed her light. Her foster-agency storyline adds so much heart, especially in the epilogue 🥹
Their chemistry builds slowly and naturally, with just the right amount of spice—enough to get your pulse up without taking away from the emotional depth. The way they open up to each other feels so genuine and earned.
Play Fake is a standout sports romance about choosing vulnerability and love even when it scares you. Beck and Sophie linger long after the last page, and I’m honestly so sad to let them go. I’d read a whole other book about them in a heartbeat. 💜
March 6, 2026
This book had it all. Friends to lovers, fake dating, slow burn and mental health rep.
Beck and Sophie's story is so easy to read. They are both so clearly open and honest with each other about what they want in life and the struggles they go through.
On paper, Beck is a star. But you really see the struggles he goes through with his past relationship and with his family. Questioning what he really wants in life and seeing how he can make it all happen. And Sophie seems like the typical college girl, but you see how dedicated she is to everything she does. She doesn't complain about all that's going on because she knows she willingly signed up for everything in her life.
I love how they are constantly just there for one another. Letting each other make the decisions that they truly want, and supporting whatever decision they choose.
I will say that the ending of the book felt a bit rushed. There were unanswered questions about what happened with Beck and his moms relationship. How Sophie really made the decision on fostering Caleb and how that worked into her relationship with Beck. I would've loved to see a little more clarity on those situations, but I still loved reading the story.
Beck and Sophie's story is so easy to read. They are both so clearly open and honest with each other about what they want in life and the struggles they go through.
On paper, Beck is a star. But you really see the struggles he goes through with his past relationship and with his family. Questioning what he really wants in life and seeing how he can make it all happen. And Sophie seems like the typical college girl, but you see how dedicated she is to everything she does. She doesn't complain about all that's going on because she knows she willingly signed up for everything in her life.
I love how they are constantly just there for one another. Letting each other make the decisions that they truly want, and supporting whatever decision they choose.
I will say that the ending of the book felt a bit rushed. There were unanswered questions about what happened with Beck and his moms relationship. How Sophie really made the decision on fostering Caleb and how that worked into her relationship with Beck. I would've loved to see a little more clarity on those situations, but I still loved reading the story.
November 25, 2025
Beck and Sophie are simply the sweetest! Sophie has the biggest hearts ever, she wants to help everyone she can. Beck may have had a bit of a rough start in life with some issues with his mom, but his dad has made sure to make sure he has had a good life. Sophie and Beck have amazing chemistry and their banter is fantastic. Beck was hurt by his last girlfriend, so he is waiting and careful when it comes to women and I love how he is protective and careful. They may have started off fake dating to get her ex off her back, but they slowly grow closer and the feeling grow. I loved watching them get closer and it was so beautiful. They built a genuine friendship where they learned to trust one another and open up, but then it turned to more and it was no longer fake. At some point those “accidental” touches aren’t accidental anymore and the flirting became so cute and meant so much more.
December 19, 2025
(4.5⭐️) I loved everything about this book. I spent the whole night reading it and couldn’t stop. Beck and Sophie were the perfect match. He was there for her before he even knew who she was and after bad past relationships they were exactly what each other needed.
Honestly 10/10 on all accounts. The characters were so good and have such interesting stories. They were also both so nice you couldn’t help but love them. The plot line and pace of the story was really good. There was some friends to lovers and fake dating that happened and it didn’t feel forced or out of place it was so well done. There’s also a lot of good representation for celiac disease, which I honestly learned a lot from reading this, and schizophrenia. Also the football player/cheerleader trope was perfect. Definitely recommend everyone to read this.
Honestly 10/10 on all accounts. The characters were so good and have such interesting stories. They were also both so nice you couldn’t help but love them. The plot line and pace of the story was really good. There was some friends to lovers and fake dating that happened and it didn’t feel forced or out of place it was so well done. There’s also a lot of good representation for celiac disease, which I honestly learned a lot from reading this, and schizophrenia. Also the football player/cheerleader trope was perfect. Definitely recommend everyone to read this.
November 21, 2025
✨ARC REVIEW✨ 4⭐️ From the moment they first meet there is something different between Beck and Sophie. He steps in to save her and feels down to protect her. Beck is trying to figure out his next steps…does he want football or does he want to go down a different path. Sophie has her future path all figured out and she’s determined to make it happen. Her parents are adamant about giving the guy they like a second chance so Beck steps in as her fake boyfriend. When they find themselves working on a class project together though the lines between fake and real start to blur. They both have plans and no time for a relationship but the bond they share might just be too strong to pass up.
I really loved the way Beck treated Sophie throughout the whole book. He instantly was there to protect her because he knew what it was like to be where she was. He then instantly steps in as her fake boyfriend. He truly becomes her safe space. They both help each other navigate so many hard things and hard choices and come out stronger because of it. They have a foundation of such a strong friendship that it seamlessly transitions into more and they also seamlessly meld into each other lives. Another sweet story in this series!!
Tropes:
✨Football Romance
✨Fake Dating
✨Friends to Lovers
✨Forced Proximity
✨Slow Burn
I really loved the way Beck treated Sophie throughout the whole book. He instantly was there to protect her because he knew what it was like to be where she was. He then instantly steps in as her fake boyfriend. He truly becomes her safe space. They both help each other navigate so many hard things and hard choices and come out stronger because of it. They have a foundation of such a strong friendship that it seamlessly transitions into more and they also seamlessly meld into each other lives. Another sweet story in this series!!
Tropes:
✨Football Romance
✨Fake Dating
✨Friends to Lovers
✨Forced Proximity
✨Slow Burn
November 22, 2025
This is the third book in this awesome series, and this is Beck and Sophie’s story.
Beck is not looking for love after a betrayal and Sophie has just endured that same. Sophie makes it impossible to ignore her, as they keep sharing glances at each other in their shared advanced psych class.
This is a well written easy to read, slow burn, action packed, emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, tension, betrayal, heartbreak, forced proximity, football player / cheerleader, fake dating, challenges, healing, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and heartwarming page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Beck is not looking for love after a betrayal and Sophie has just endured that same. Sophie makes it impossible to ignore her, as they keep sharing glances at each other in their shared advanced psych class.
This is a well written easy to read, slow burn, action packed, emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, tension, betrayal, heartbreak, forced proximity, football player / cheerleader, fake dating, challenges, healing, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and heartwarming page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
December 5, 2025
⭐️4.5
Thank you to Riley Page for the eARC of Play Fake, book three in the PCU Storm Series! After meeting Beck in the first two books, I just knew he was going to completely steal my heart—and wow, did he ever. His chemistry with Sophie was undeniable, and I loved every moment of their journey together. From long-time friends to fake dating to finally embracing that soulmate-level connection, their story had me grinning, swooning, and kicking my feet the entire time.
I truly devoured this book. Riley has built such an addicting world with the Storm boys—each book pulls me in deeper, and Play Fake might just be my favorite yet. The mix of humor, heart, and slow-burn tension was absolute perfection.
Now I’m anxiously counting down the days until book four. I cannot wait to dive into Logan Brooks’ story and see how his best-friend’s-sister romance unfolds. ❤️
Thank you to Riley Page for the eARC of Play Fake, book three in the PCU Storm Series! After meeting Beck in the first two books, I just knew he was going to completely steal my heart—and wow, did he ever. His chemistry with Sophie was undeniable, and I loved every moment of their journey together. From long-time friends to fake dating to finally embracing that soulmate-level connection, their story had me grinning, swooning, and kicking my feet the entire time.
I truly devoured this book. Riley has built such an addicting world with the Storm boys—each book pulls me in deeper, and Play Fake might just be my favorite yet. The mix of humor, heart, and slow-burn tension was absolute perfection.
Now I’m anxiously counting down the days until book four. I cannot wait to dive into Logan Brooks’ story and see how his best-friend’s-sister romance unfolds. ❤️
February 9, 2026
I received an ARC for End Game. So I decided to start from the beginning. Im so glad that I did.
This is Beck and Sophie's
I've been waiting for this book since book one.
Beck is a Running Back. He is going to school to be a counselor. He is scared to open his heart again after a bad breakup.
Sophie is a cheerleader.She is going to school to be a social worker. She even volunteers at the Office.
After watching Sophie go through a breakup similar to his he jumps in to help. When her family and ex keep pushing they decide to fake date but its never fake. This book was amazing very slow burn and no third act breakup. Can't wait for Logan's book.
This is Beck and Sophie's
I've been waiting for this book since book one.
Beck is a Running Back. He is going to school to be a counselor. He is scared to open his heart again after a bad breakup.
Sophie is a cheerleader.She is going to school to be a social worker. She even volunteers at the Office.
After watching Sophie go through a breakup similar to his he jumps in to help. When her family and ex keep pushing they decide to fake date but its never fake. This book was amazing very slow burn and no third act breakup. Can't wait for Logan's book.
November 14, 2025
I received this as an ARC.
After reading (and loving) the first 2 in the PCU series I was so excited to be able to get this one as well. Also love me a good sports romance
This one was definitely a different vibe (in a good way) from the first 2. This was more serious and deeper emotions with the plot and storyline of the characters.
Beck and Soph became one of my favorites of the series. Both gone through a lot, definitely loved the slow burn and how their relationship progressed and of course the happily ever after .
If you like the first 2 in this series you will definitely like this one as well!!! Can’t wait for book #4
After reading (and loving) the first 2 in the PCU series I was so excited to be able to get this one as well. Also love me a good sports romance
This one was definitely a different vibe (in a good way) from the first 2. This was more serious and deeper emotions with the plot and storyline of the characters.
Beck and Soph became one of my favorites of the series. Both gone through a lot, definitely loved the slow burn and how their relationship progressed and of course the happily ever after .
If you like the first 2 in this series you will definitely like this one as well!!! Can’t wait for book #4
February 6, 2026
This was so sweet! I’m a gluten free girlie and I was happily surprised when I found out that the MMC has celiac! I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where someone is gluten free, so that hit a special spot for me 🥹
I loathe bad parents and this sweet girl’s are on my 💩 list. The way that the MMC and even her sister stood up for her was perfect and very realistic - which I love!
I was able to get an advanced listener copy or the audiobook and it was great! These were new-to-me narrators and I enjoyed them!
I loathe bad parents and this sweet girl’s are on my 💩 list. The way that the MMC and even her sister stood up for her was perfect and very realistic - which I love!
I was able to get an advanced listener copy or the audiobook and it was great! These were new-to-me narrators and I enjoyed them!
November 9, 2025
I loved Beck and Sophie’s story 🥹 He’s the football star with trust issues, and she’s done with her parents pushing her towards her awful ex. Beck and Sophie were drawn to each other from the moment they met so when Beck sees her in need of help he doesn’t hesitate to step in. Their slow burn was so good and the spice was worth the wait 🙌🏻 I cannot wait for Logan’s book but sad the series is coming to an end 🥹
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