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The Fake Play
MAYBE SOME RELATIONSHIPS JUST AREN’T MEANT TO BE FAKE
Bree Foutin has had enough. After dealing with a consistent onslaught of questions about her relationship status, she finally snaps and tells her parents what they want to hear. The only issue? She doesn’t actually have a boyfriend.
With no suitable options in her PhD program, she considers telling her parents the truth, potentially making for an awkward Christmas. Little did she know, her neighbor had been listening over her shoulder during another difficult phone call with her Mom.
Enter Boston Bulldogs’ rookie sensation—Carter Johnson. Trying to find his feet in Boston, the last thing he needs is his world turned upside down by a woman he meets in an elevator. But being Bree’s fake boyfriend sounds better than Christmas with his stuck-up parents.
Being a second year PhD student, almost drowning in work, Bree doesn’t have much of a choice. Having probably drank too much coffee, she accepts Carters offer.
The pair spend countless hours together, forming their backstory so her parents don’t see through the lie. Late nights and early morning coffees together. It all feels right.
Suddenly, the relationship might not be as fake as they first thought.
The Fake Play is AJ Victoria's debut novel and the first in the Boston Bulldogs series.
Bree Foutin has had enough. After dealing with a consistent onslaught of questions about her relationship status, she finally snaps and tells her parents what they want to hear. The only issue? She doesn’t actually have a boyfriend.
With no suitable options in her PhD program, she considers telling her parents the truth, potentially making for an awkward Christmas. Little did she know, her neighbor had been listening over her shoulder during another difficult phone call with her Mom.
Enter Boston Bulldogs’ rookie sensation—Carter Johnson. Trying to find his feet in Boston, the last thing he needs is his world turned upside down by a woman he meets in an elevator. But being Bree’s fake boyfriend sounds better than Christmas with his stuck-up parents.
Being a second year PhD student, almost drowning in work, Bree doesn’t have much of a choice. Having probably drank too much coffee, she accepts Carters offer.
The pair spend countless hours together, forming their backstory so her parents don’t see through the lie. Late nights and early morning coffees together. It all feels right.
Suddenly, the relationship might not be as fake as they first thought.
The Fake Play is AJ Victoria's debut novel and the first in the Boston Bulldogs series.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 4, 2025
4 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Victoria
2 books2 followersAJ Victoria is an author of soft, fluffy romance books. After immersing herself in romance books during the pandemic, she finally took the leap to write her first book—The Fake Play— in late 2024.
When she isn’t writing, she can be found with a steaming mug of coffee in one hand and her Kindle in the other, fully consumed by a book. Or maybe, if she’s ventured outside, at a sporting event, still with a coffee in one hand.
When she isn’t writing, she can be found with a steaming mug of coffee in one hand and her Kindle in the other, fully consumed by a book. Or maybe, if she’s ventured outside, at a sporting event, still with a coffee in one hand.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 29, 2025
The Fake Play 🩷
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes Pr & A.J. Victoria for trusting me with this ARC 🫶🏻
Bree is continually asked about her none existent relationship status.When she is finally done she admits that has a man of her own.The only issue:she actually doesn't.
Carter has his own world upside down by a woman she just met on an elevator.Agreeing to be her fake boyfriend is the best and worst idea he ever had in his entire life.
Everything goes as planned,until the relationship is not as fake as they believed it to be.
GIRL.THIS WAS NICE.
Read it on my vacation something I truly advice you to do.It was P E R F E C T.I loved literally everything.From the moment Carter & Bree met to the very last word of this book.
Victoria's writing style suited me so much!The pacing was a dream and the page time & depth that gave to each scene was insanely right.
Her romance was so lovely and one of my faves-our mcs were cuties <3.
Plus,you will love ALL characters,there is not one that is supposed to be loveable and actually ends up irritating.All of them are 🤌🏻.
Speaking of characters we have such a strong duo here.
Starting with Bree who is a smart,sorry a genius woman.She is well educated,passionate about her PhD and has a strong personality in general.I truly think this is one of a role model mc to look at.Added,she is so lovely as a person & all her lines are one of their kind.
I loved her character development at the end and that she restored relationships that could have been easily destroyed due to miscommunication.
Carter was not only a good boyfriend but he shined as individual too.He was determined to grow as a person and develop as an athlete.He had goals that he would do anything to achieve and taking into consideration that the enviroment he had was anything rather that supporive he did a freaking good job.Oh,Carter the man you are!
An another aspect I truly loved about The Fake Play, is that we had a mental health representation about the mens' side.Carter had his own demons to battle and he did not hid it for an instant ,he took measurements to help himself without shame.Plus,I loved how honestly he taked about his feeling both good & bad.
Ending,I really,really enjoyed those red chilly pepper scenes,OHMYGOD girls just OHMYGOD.
Of course it was 5-star red and a big yes from me
out on Sept,4th
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes Pr & A.J. Victoria for trusting me with this ARC 🫶🏻
Bree is continually asked about her none existent relationship status.When she is finally done she admits that has a man of her own.The only issue:she actually doesn't.
Carter has his own world upside down by a woman she just met on an elevator.Agreeing to be her fake boyfriend is the best and worst idea he ever had in his entire life.
Everything goes as planned,until the relationship is not as fake as they believed it to be.
GIRL.THIS WAS NICE.
Read it on my vacation something I truly advice you to do.It was P E R F E C T.I loved literally everything.From the moment Carter & Bree met to the very last word of this book.
Victoria's writing style suited me so much!The pacing was a dream and the page time & depth that gave to each scene was insanely right.
Her romance was so lovely and one of my faves-our mcs were cuties <3.
Plus,you will love ALL characters,there is not one that is supposed to be loveable and actually ends up irritating.All of them are 🤌🏻.
Speaking of characters we have such a strong duo here.
Starting with Bree who is a smart,sorry a genius woman.She is well educated,passionate about her PhD and has a strong personality in general.I truly think this is one of a role model mc to look at.Added,she is so lovely as a person & all her lines are one of their kind.
I loved her character development at the end and that she restored relationships that could have been easily destroyed due to miscommunication.
Carter was not only a good boyfriend but he shined as individual too.He was determined to grow as a person and develop as an athlete.He had goals that he would do anything to achieve and taking into consideration that the enviroment he had was anything rather that supporive he did a freaking good job.Oh,Carter the man you are!
An another aspect I truly loved about The Fake Play, is that we had a mental health representation about the mens' side.Carter had his own demons to battle and he did not hid it for an instant ,he took measurements to help himself without shame.Plus,I loved how honestly he taked about his feeling both good & bad.
Ending,I really,really enjoyed those red chilly pepper scenes,OHMYGOD girls just OHMYGOD.
Of course it was 5-star red and a big yes from me
out on Sept,4th
August 23, 2025
*ARC REVIEW*
I was kindly given an ARC of The Fake Play and this was amazing! it was such a sweet and beautiful read, I enjoyed reading all of it! I loved the storyline, the characters, everything about this was great! Carter is the sweetest human being ever, he is perfect, I fell in love with him while reading this book. he’s so adorable but so caring and sweet and supportive and I loved how how all of this to Bree. they were so cute together, they understood each other and had such good tension and chemistry. their banter was so good too and how they leaned on each other throughout this book was so sweet. the friendships in this were amazing, I loved their little group and how supportive and caring they all were, it was lovely. truly enjoyed this book, it was such a sweet and heartwarming read, it was beautiful and I loved Carter and Bree. really good for a debut book, such an easy and good read, definitely recommend! (thank you to AJ Victoria and Love Notes PR for the ARC, all opinions are my own)
The Fake Play releases September 4!
4.25⭐
I was kindly given an ARC of The Fake Play and this was amazing! it was such a sweet and beautiful read, I enjoyed reading all of it! I loved the storyline, the characters, everything about this was great! Carter is the sweetest human being ever, he is perfect, I fell in love with him while reading this book. he’s so adorable but so caring and sweet and supportive and I loved how how all of this to Bree. they were so cute together, they understood each other and had such good tension and chemistry. their banter was so good too and how they leaned on each other throughout this book was so sweet. the friendships in this were amazing, I loved their little group and how supportive and caring they all were, it was lovely. truly enjoyed this book, it was such a sweet and heartwarming read, it was beautiful and I loved Carter and Bree. really good for a debut book, such an easy and good read, definitely recommend! (thank you to AJ Victoria and Love Notes PR for the ARC, all opinions are my own)
The Fake Play releases September 4!
4.25⭐
August 25, 2025
I received The Fake Play by AJ Victoria as an ARC, and I absolutely loved it! Carter and Bree completely stole my heart. Their banter, chemistry, and all the tension leading up to them finally giving in to each other in Bree’s childhood bedroom had me swooning. That moment was everything I was waiting for, and AJ Victoria delivered it perfectly.
This book was the perfect mix of fake-dating fun and genuine emotion. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m still thinking about these two. If you love fake dating, witty banter, and romance that makes you swoon, definitely add this one to your TBR.
This book was the perfect mix of fake-dating fun and genuine emotion. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m still thinking about these two. If you love fake dating, witty banter, and romance that makes you swoon, definitely add this one to your TBR.
August 15, 2025
LOVED this! Love Bree and Carter and the development of these characters throughout...
Obsessed with the found family feel of this hockey team and also some representation of the other sports!
Can't wait to see what is coming next... hoping for a little more Adam in my life!
Obsessed with the found family feel of this hockey team and also some representation of the other sports!
Can't wait to see what is coming next... hoping for a little more Adam in my life!
September 2, 2025
I unfortunately didn’t finish this. I tried so hard but I just didn’t connect with the story or characters at all in any way and there were a few ‘WTF’ moments that came from things that the main characters did and said…
*cough* Carter mentioning Bree having ‘a number of chins’ when she was lying down *cough*
The fake relationship felt so rushed and on their third time meeting she fell asleep, so he put her in bed and then without her permission got in with her (if that’s the ‘one bed’ trope then it ain’t it).
Carter was really quite insufferable and came across so condescending that it put me off completely and meant I just didn’t connect with or even like his character at all.
I’m really sad about it because I love sports fake dating romances!
*cough* Carter mentioning Bree having ‘a number of chins’ when she was lying down *cough*
The fake relationship felt so rushed and on their third time meeting she fell asleep, so he put her in bed and then without her permission got in with her (if that’s the ‘one bed’ trope then it ain’t it).
Carter was really quite insufferable and came across so condescending that it put me off completely and meant I just didn’t connect with or even like his character at all.
I’m really sad about it because I love sports fake dating romances!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2025
thank you to love notes pr for the arc! i was excited to read the book but it felt flat for me :( i was expecting a lot more with the tropes and characters but both were kinda of a let down, Bree was eh and Carter was lowkey an asshole 😭 the execution could’ve been better and the book could’ve been way shorter 👩🦯
September 10, 2025
This isn’t for me
September 12, 2025
This is the authors debut and it was so good, I'm definitely excited for more from her. Carter and Bree were fantastic. The story had so much making it good. The chemistry was good and it was well written.
October 15, 2025
Cosy, Addictive, and Absolutely Heartwarming 💖
Review of The Fake Play by A.J. Victoria
This book was everything I didn’t know I needed!
Bree, the overachieving PhD student with a no-nonsense attitude, and Carter, the kind hearted hockey rookie who can’t seem to say no—it’s the perfect setup for a fake dating romance that feels both cosy and refreshingly real.
When Bree gets tired of family questions about her love life, she blurts out that she does have a boyfriend. Small problem: she doesn’t. Enter Carter, the man who just so happens to cross her path at exactly the wrong (or right?) moment. What starts as a harmless arrangement quickly spirals into something much more genuine—and watching these two realize it had me smiling like a fool.
A.J. Victoria’s writing flows effortlessly. The pacing is spot-on, the banter is witty, and the chemistry between Bree and Carter? Off the charts. Their emotional connection felt authentic, with moments of vulnerability that gave the story real heart. I especially loved how the book touched on mental health from a male perspective, showing Carter’s growth and self-awareness with honesty and care.
And can we talk about the spice? Perfectly balanced—sweet, steamy, and full of emotion. 🔥
The friendships and side characters added warmth and humor, and the holiday backdrop tied everything together in the most feel-good way possible. I finished this book with the biggest smile on my face and a full heart.
If you love fake dating, sports romance, and slow-burn chemistry that turns real before anyone’s ready, this debut needs to be on your TBR.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25 — Heartfelt, funny, and irresistibly romantic.
Thank you to A.J. Victoria and LoveNotes PR for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. 💕
Review of The Fake Play by A.J. Victoria
This book was everything I didn’t know I needed!
Bree, the overachieving PhD student with a no-nonsense attitude, and Carter, the kind hearted hockey rookie who can’t seem to say no—it’s the perfect setup for a fake dating romance that feels both cosy and refreshingly real.
When Bree gets tired of family questions about her love life, she blurts out that she does have a boyfriend. Small problem: she doesn’t. Enter Carter, the man who just so happens to cross her path at exactly the wrong (or right?) moment. What starts as a harmless arrangement quickly spirals into something much more genuine—and watching these two realize it had me smiling like a fool.
A.J. Victoria’s writing flows effortlessly. The pacing is spot-on, the banter is witty, and the chemistry between Bree and Carter? Off the charts. Their emotional connection felt authentic, with moments of vulnerability that gave the story real heart. I especially loved how the book touched on mental health from a male perspective, showing Carter’s growth and self-awareness with honesty and care.
And can we talk about the spice? Perfectly balanced—sweet, steamy, and full of emotion. 🔥
The friendships and side characters added warmth and humor, and the holiday backdrop tied everything together in the most feel-good way possible. I finished this book with the biggest smile on my face and a full heart.
If you love fake dating, sports romance, and slow-burn chemistry that turns real before anyone’s ready, this debut needs to be on your TBR.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25 — Heartfelt, funny, and irresistibly romantic.
Thank you to A.J. Victoria and LoveNotes PR for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. 💕
September 10, 2025
Cosy, addictive, and absolutely heartwarming
This book was everything I didn’t know I needed! Bree, the overachieving PhD student with her little white lie, and Carter, the sweet ice hockey rookie who literally cannot say no—it was the perfect recipe for a fake dating romance that felt cosy, funny, and completely addictive.
The Christmas setup had me grinning from the start—Bree panicking about her sister bringing her boyfriend to dinner, and Carter swooping in with the fake-dating plan? Chef’s kiss. Their chemistry was so natural, it didn’t even feel fake. Carter’s “problem-solver” personality shone through on every page, and I found myself falling for him right alongside Bree.
The pacing was perfect—each twist in their fake relationship turning real kept me hooked. By the time love snuck up on them, I was fully invested and cheering for their happy ending. The holiday backdrop made it extra magical, the emotions hit just right, and the romance was pure perfection.
I closed the book with the biggest smile. Highly recommend to anyone who loves fake dating, sports romance, and those slow-burn “oh no…it’s real now” moments
This book was everything I didn’t know I needed! Bree, the overachieving PhD student with her little white lie, and Carter, the sweet ice hockey rookie who literally cannot say no—it was the perfect recipe for a fake dating romance that felt cosy, funny, and completely addictive.
The Christmas setup had me grinning from the start—Bree panicking about her sister bringing her boyfriend to dinner, and Carter swooping in with the fake-dating plan? Chef’s kiss. Their chemistry was so natural, it didn’t even feel fake. Carter’s “problem-solver” personality shone through on every page, and I found myself falling for him right alongside Bree.
The pacing was perfect—each twist in their fake relationship turning real kept me hooked. By the time love snuck up on them, I was fully invested and cheering for their happy ending. The holiday backdrop made it extra magical, the emotions hit just right, and the romance was pure perfection.
I closed the book with the biggest smile. Highly recommend to anyone who loves fake dating, sports romance, and those slow-burn “oh no…it’s real now” moments
September 11, 2025
This book has nice ideas and tropes (Ice hockey, rookie falling in love, fake dating, christmas), but it totally lacked to execute those on the pages.
The middle part of the book was great - the chemistry between the main characters is great, but the beginning and most of all the end pushed it down for me.
- The female lead only mentions that she needs a fake date and the unknown stranger in the elevator directly offers to do that? That's too unrealistic, even for a romance book
- first her parents are depicted as horrible people, but then they are actually really nice!!??
- they decide to turn the fake dating situation into real dating and already spend so much time together, but when he says 'I love you' she freaks and tells him, that this was only fake -> come on!
- and after breaking up with him it takes only ONE sentence of a friend for her to realise her mistake? Really?
I loved Carter, he was way too good for her. She way okay as a character, but the beginning and end felt so rushed that it hurt the book. A shorter middle part and better beginning & ending would have been better, in my opinion.
The middle part of the book was great - the chemistry between the main characters is great, but the beginning and most of all the end pushed it down for me.
- The female lead only mentions that she needs a fake date and the unknown stranger in the elevator directly offers to do that? That's too unrealistic, even for a romance book
- first her parents are depicted as horrible people, but then they are actually really nice!!??
- they decide to turn the fake dating situation into real dating and already spend so much time together, but when he says 'I love you' she freaks and tells him, that this was only fake -> come on!
- and after breaking up with him it takes only ONE sentence of a friend for her to realise her mistake? Really?
I loved Carter, he was way too good for her. She way okay as a character, but the beginning and end felt so rushed that it hurt the book. A shorter middle part and better beginning & ending would have been better, in my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2025
When Bree finds herself in a bind and needing a fake boyfriend, like, yesterday, she doesn't expect her brand-new, incredibly handsome neighbor to volunteer during their very first meeting in the elevator. But hockey star Carter offers to play the part, no questions asked.
Carter is the ultimate green-flag MMC. He steps in just to help Bree, but he's the one who ends up falling first and falling hard. The way he goes from helpful stranger to a man completely smitten was an absolute delight to read. Bree is his perfect counterpart—a smart, witty FMC who is more than capable but finds an unexpected partner in Carter. Their chemistry is instantaneous.
What starts as a simple arrangement to help Bree out of a jam quickly becomes the one thing Carter didn't know he was missing. This story beautifully executes the fake dating trope, showing how a relationship built on a pretense can become the most real and supportive foundation for love.
If you love a golden-retriever hockey hero who worships the ground his smart, independent heroine walks on, you will absolutely devour this book. A must-read for any fan of hockey romance and fake dating!
Carter is the ultimate green-flag MMC. He steps in just to help Bree, but he's the one who ends up falling first and falling hard. The way he goes from helpful stranger to a man completely smitten was an absolute delight to read. Bree is his perfect counterpart—a smart, witty FMC who is more than capable but finds an unexpected partner in Carter. Their chemistry is instantaneous.
What starts as a simple arrangement to help Bree out of a jam quickly becomes the one thing Carter didn't know he was missing. This story beautifully executes the fake dating trope, showing how a relationship built on a pretense can become the most real and supportive foundation for love.
If you love a golden-retriever hockey hero who worships the ground his smart, independent heroine walks on, you will absolutely devour this book. A must-read for any fan of hockey romance and fake dating!
August 25, 2025
I picked up my first hockey-themed sports romance, and it pleasantly surprised me with its slow-building love story. Bree’s desire to impress her family during the holidays, and Carter’s eagerness to support everyone around him. Watching their relationship unfold was a cute and sweet romance that is best when it grows quietly. What stood out most was the sense of found family woven throughout the story. The characters fit together seamlessly, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that goes beyond just the romance. The chemistry between Bree and Carter adds a nice touch of heat without overpowering the emotional depth, making the story balanced and engaging. If you enjoy stories where relationships develop with care and characters feel like people you’d want to know, this book is worth a read. I’m already eager to see what happens next, especially hoping for more about Marianne and Adam. If you’re curious about a hockey romance that’s more about connection than clichés, give this one a try.
September 4, 2025
This is a Debut Novel for AJ Victoria. Unfortunately it shows a bit in her writing. One of the most annoying things for me was the "National League" instead of the NHL references, and the winning the "National League" instead of winning the Stanley Cup. I believe the author is British, but research would have fixed these issues up really easily. The chapters are really short and quick, and there were times when the writing felt slightly childish.
That said, Carter and Bree are cute characters. The story addresses mental health issues for both characters in a great way, especially "normalising" therapy, etc. I love the fake dating trope, and did enjoy how Carter and Bree's relationship started (their meet cute was cute), and how it developed as they fake dated.
So overall, an OK quick read for a chilled afternoon/day...
I received a free copy of this book through Love Notes PR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
That said, Carter and Bree are cute characters. The story addresses mental health issues for both characters in a great way, especially "normalising" therapy, etc. I love the fake dating trope, and did enjoy how Carter and Bree's relationship started (their meet cute was cute), and how it developed as they fake dated.
So overall, an OK quick read for a chilled afternoon/day...
I received a free copy of this book through Love Notes PR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 12, 2025
A cute, low angst read between two characters which helps normalize therapy. Each has their own mental health reps.
The story of Bree, a PhD student and Carter, a rookie NHL sensation, was adorable and begins in an elevator.
Overhearing Bree’s conversation with her parents, who are always pressuring her about being in a relationship, Carter volunteers to be her fake boyfriend. She did just tell her parents she was bringing a boyfriend home for the holidays.
Carter has his own issues. Primarily, avoiding his snobby parents and his anxiety. So he is more than happy to offer his services for the holidays.
So over late night coffees and meetings they get to know each other to ensure their back story is air tight. However, at what point do things stop being fake?
Thanks to Love Notes and A.J. Victoria for an ARC opportunity.
The story of Bree, a PhD student and Carter, a rookie NHL sensation, was adorable and begins in an elevator.
Overhearing Bree’s conversation with her parents, who are always pressuring her about being in a relationship, Carter volunteers to be her fake boyfriend. She did just tell her parents she was bringing a boyfriend home for the holidays.
Carter has his own issues. Primarily, avoiding his snobby parents and his anxiety. So he is more than happy to offer his services for the holidays.
So over late night coffees and meetings they get to know each other to ensure their back story is air tight. However, at what point do things stop being fake?
Thanks to Love Notes and A.J. Victoria for an ARC opportunity.
September 11, 2025
ARC Review
I thought this book was a sweet and cute book. There were moments when this book made me giggle, but also moments where it fell flat. I think that Bree and Carter were cute, but not my favorite characters ever. I could tell that the author was not super-well-versed in the US/Canada hockey league, given that she called it the National League instead of the NHL, which, as someone from MN, is a large irk to me. It is something little, but it kept pulling me out of the book.
I enjoyed the shorter chapters, which made me feel like I was flying through the book. Sometimes the sentences seemed redundant, and some explanations of events could have been shortened.
Overall, a cute hockey book.
I thought this book was a sweet and cute book. There were moments when this book made me giggle, but also moments where it fell flat. I think that Bree and Carter were cute, but not my favorite characters ever. I could tell that the author was not super-well-versed in the US/Canada hockey league, given that she called it the National League instead of the NHL, which, as someone from MN, is a large irk to me. It is something little, but it kept pulling me out of the book.
I enjoyed the shorter chapters, which made me feel like I was flying through the book. Sometimes the sentences seemed redundant, and some explanations of events could have been shortened.
Overall, a cute hockey book.
October 4, 2025
Carter and Bree live in the same building - he is a rookie NHL hockey player, she is a PhD student. When she lies to her family about having a boyfriend, she off-the-cuff asks Carter if he will play her boyfriend for the holidays and to her surprise, he agrees. But as they spend more time together, what starts out fake becomes a real friendship and a real romance. Can they both put aside their insecurities to build a real relationship?
I love that Carter wants nothing but the best for Bree and is in awe of her accomplishments. His character has some anxiety issues and it is handled with realism and great care. Overall, a terrific first book in a new series. Looking forward to the next one!
I read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I love that Carter wants nothing but the best for Bree and is in awe of her accomplishments. His character has some anxiety issues and it is handled with realism and great care. Overall, a terrific first book in a new series. Looking forward to the next one!
I read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
September 2, 2025
ARC REVIEW 2.5 stars
Firs, thank you Lovenotes PR and A.J. Victoria for kindly giving me this arc. With that being said, I promised an honest review in exchange for an arc.
This was a quick read but not really a good read. A short book but truly not a lot happening. The plot has so much potential, to me it was just not executed in the best way. 60 chapters in 289 pages but it felt like there was not even a story there. Now, this could be a different book for other people than it was for me. I love hockey romances more than anything and this just did not hit the spot. I think Victoria has so much potential and I wish that this book could have been better for me.
Firs, thank you Lovenotes PR and A.J. Victoria for kindly giving me this arc. With that being said, I promised an honest review in exchange for an arc.
This was a quick read but not really a good read. A short book but truly not a lot happening. The plot has so much potential, to me it was just not executed in the best way. 60 chapters in 289 pages but it felt like there was not even a story there. Now, this could be a different book for other people than it was for me. I love hockey romances more than anything and this just did not hit the spot. I think Victoria has so much potential and I wish that this book could have been better for me.
September 9, 2025
*3⭐️3.5🌶️ (look on my profile to see what my ratings mean to me)
**ARC REVIEW**
First of all I would like to thank AJ Victoria and LoveNotesPr for allowing me to read this ARC.
Main Tropes:
Dual POV
Found Family
Fake Dating
Only One Bed
Forced Proximity
Sports Romance 🏒⛸️
Friends To Lovers
Points I enjoyed in this book:
Cooking Lessons
Relationships And Friendships
The Plot
Christmas
The 🔥 Scenes
Didn’t like/ improve:
In this arc I did wish there were some more conflict between some characters but that’s just me being a tad twisted. I also wish there were some more tension build up between the mmc and fmc. Overall I can’t wait to read more from this author.
**ARC REVIEW**
First of all I would like to thank AJ Victoria and LoveNotesPr for allowing me to read this ARC.
Main Tropes:
Dual POV
Found Family
Fake Dating
Only One Bed
Forced Proximity
Sports Romance 🏒⛸️
Friends To Lovers
Points I enjoyed in this book:
Cooking Lessons
Relationships And Friendships
The Plot
Christmas
The 🔥 Scenes
Didn’t like/ improve:
In this arc I did wish there were some more conflict between some characters but that’s just me being a tad twisted. I also wish there were some more tension build up between the mmc and fmc. Overall I can’t wait to read more from this author.
September 3, 2025
3.5⭐️
This was such a cute, fluffy romance and honestly, a great debut novel! I’m a sucker for anything with a hockey player, so the second Carter showed up, I was hooked.
Both characters were great and I really enjoyed watching their relationship grow from fake dating into something real. My only issue was with some of the pacing, especially towards the end of the book - I would’ve loved a little more detail in some parts.
Overall, such a sweet, feel-good romance that’s perfect if you’re in the mood for something light and heartwarming!
This was such a cute, fluffy romance and honestly, a great debut novel! I’m a sucker for anything with a hockey player, so the second Carter showed up, I was hooked.
Both characters were great and I really enjoyed watching their relationship grow from fake dating into something real. My only issue was with some of the pacing, especially towards the end of the book - I would’ve loved a little more detail in some parts.
Overall, such a sweet, feel-good romance that’s perfect if you’re in the mood for something light and heartwarming!
September 7, 2025
The Fake Play was such a fun surprise! I went in expecting a lighthearted fake-dating sports romance, and while it definitely delivered on the banter, swoony moments, and chemistry, it also had a lot more heart than I expected. The characters felt real — messy, funny, and vulnerable in a way that made me root for them the whole time.
It’s the kind of book that makes you smile but also hits you with little emotional punches when you least expect it. If you’re into sports romance, fake relationships turning real, and a mix of humor and heart, this is definitely worth picking up.
It’s the kind of book that makes you smile but also hits you with little emotional punches when you least expect it. If you’re into sports romance, fake relationships turning real, and a mix of humor and heart, this is definitely worth picking up.
September 7, 2025
3.75/5
Such a cute sports romance read. Carter, a rookie on the hockey team, and Bree, a phd student decide to fake date for her family’s Christmas to stop the hounding from her parents. Bree has no idea who Carter at first leading to an authentic beginning to their fake relationship. The banter between the two was very cute and the slow burn definitely slow burned. I liked the addition of other characters which sets up the following books nicely. Side note- Carter’s mom.. don’t get me started on her haha!
Such a cute sports romance read. Carter, a rookie on the hockey team, and Bree, a phd student decide to fake date for her family’s Christmas to stop the hounding from her parents. Bree has no idea who Carter at first leading to an authentic beginning to their fake relationship. The banter between the two was very cute and the slow burn definitely slow burned. I liked the addition of other characters which sets up the following books nicely. Side note- Carter’s mom.. don’t get me started on her haha!
September 8, 2025
This was my first time reading A.J. Victoria, and sadly it didn’t quite work for me. While I usually love fake dating and hockey romances, the story felt rushed and I couldn’t really connect with the characters. Some of the moments that were supposed to be tropey and fun ended up feeling a bit awkward instead.
The idea was cute and I can see other readers enjoying it, but overall it just didn’t click for me.
Thank you to Love Notes PR and A. J. Victoria for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The idea was cute and I can see other readers enjoying it, but overall it just didn’t click for me.
Thank you to Love Notes PR and A. J. Victoria for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2025
Thank you to the author and LoveNotes PR for this ARC.
I enjoyed the storyline, but I do wish there was a bit more tension between Bree and Carter before they realized they really liked each other. At the same time, I liked how quick and smooth their transition into fake dating was. This is a great read if you are looking for something fun, interesting, and non-suspenseful. It was the perfect read for me in-between thrillers so I could just sit back and enjoy the love story. This is a great debut novel!!
I enjoyed the storyline, but I do wish there was a bit more tension between Bree and Carter before they realized they really liked each other. At the same time, I liked how quick and smooth their transition into fake dating was. This is a great read if you are looking for something fun, interesting, and non-suspenseful. It was the perfect read for me in-between thrillers so I could just sit back and enjoy the love story. This is a great debut novel!!
September 9, 2025
Thank you to Love Note PR for the ARC! I absolutely loved this book. Fake dating, sweet MMC who struggles with anxiety mixed with a smart FMC who is also sweet as pie. Carter wasn’t your run of the mill hockey MMC and boy was it refreshing. I loved Bree and Carter’s banter, the sweet moments of “I wonder if they like me too” and the spicy scenes were spicy and oh so good. I am excited for more Boston Bulldogs!
September 12, 2025
This book was such a sweet & heartwarming read 💕 I adored the story, the friendships, and every single character.
Carter completely stole my heart—sweet, caring, supportive, and just perfect 🥹 The way he was with Bree made me melt. Their chemistry, banter, and the way they leaned on each other? Absolute cuteness overload.
Such a beautiful read filled with love, friendship, and all the warm fuzzy feels ✨
Carter completely stole my heart—sweet, caring, supportive, and just perfect 🥹 The way he was with Bree made me melt. Their chemistry, banter, and the way they leaned on each other? Absolute cuteness overload.
Such a beautiful read filled with love, friendship, and all the warm fuzzy feels ✨
September 4, 2025
This book is such a fun fake-dating romance! The chemistry feels real, the banter is cute, and I loved the mix of lighthearted moments with just enough emotion to keep me hooked. It’s an easy, feel-good read with a sporty backdrop that adds to the charm. Perfect if you’re in the mood for something sweet, a little steamy, and impossible to put down.
September 6, 2025
This one wasn’t really for me. Honestly, it felt like too much was happening at once, and it could’ve used a little more research or focus to make the story flow smoother. I love the premise and the potential was definitely there, but somewhere along the way it just didn’t click with me.
I’m sure some readers might enjoy it more, but personally—it just missed the mark.
I’m sure some readers might enjoy it more, but personally—it just missed the mark.
September 11, 2025
Thank you, Love Notes PR and A.J. Victoria for giving me a chance to read this ARC.
I really wanted to like this book. Fake Dating and Hockey Romances are my thing. But I just couldn't get into it. The writing felt robotic and lacking of research. It's a debut novel. So, I'm sure it's only up from here. It just wasn't my cup of tea.
I really wanted to like this book. Fake Dating and Hockey Romances are my thing. But I just couldn't get into it. The writing felt robotic and lacking of research. It's a debut novel. So, I'm sure it's only up from here. It just wasn't my cup of tea.
September 11, 2025
Since this was my first time reading anything written by A. J Victorias , I was really excited and to be really honest it was such a sweet and beautiful read.
Carter is really the sweetest human being ever, he makes you fall in love with him while reading this book.
It really was an easy, light read, that was enjoyable.
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