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Faking It With The Bad Boy Boss
I’m fake-engaged to my bad boy boss… who also happens to be my brother’s best friend.
I know. How on earth did that happen?
Adrian Parker is sleek, smug, and every red flag rolled into one.
He’s the reason I triple-check my emails.
I never date at work.
And now? The reason I’m wearing a fake engagement ring.
It starts with one reckless pretending to be his fiancée so he can land a charity partnership. No kissing. No feelings. Just business.
Except he brushes my lower back when no one’s looking.
And looks at me like I’m not just his assistant anymore.
Between the staged dates, late-night meetings, and that almost-kiss under the stars…
I fall for him.
But my brother’s suspicious.
His ex is circling.
And if the truth gets out, I lose everything—including the man I might love.
Worst case? He doesn’t feel the same.
And I have to pretend my heart was never in it.
Faking It With The Bad Boy Boss is a sweet and swoony standalone closed-door romance, full of sizzling chemistry and completely spice-free.
I know. How on earth did that happen?
Adrian Parker is sleek, smug, and every red flag rolled into one.
He’s the reason I triple-check my emails.
I never date at work.
And now? The reason I’m wearing a fake engagement ring.
It starts with one reckless pretending to be his fiancée so he can land a charity partnership. No kissing. No feelings. Just business.
Except he brushes my lower back when no one’s looking.
And looks at me like I’m not just his assistant anymore.
Between the staged dates, late-night meetings, and that almost-kiss under the stars…
I fall for him.
But my brother’s suspicious.
His ex is circling.
And if the truth gets out, I lose everything—including the man I might love.
Worst case? He doesn’t feel the same.
And I have to pretend my heart was never in it.
Faking It With The Bad Boy Boss is a sweet and swoony standalone closed-door romance, full of sizzling chemistry and completely spice-free.
445 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2025
16 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 17, 2025
The main characters in this story are Adrian Parker, CEO of Parker Innovations and Mia Collins, Personal Assistant to Adrian Parker. Now, Mia is a creature of habit, she has all her ducks in a row and likes her life organized. Chad, who works at Parker Innovations has been trying to get some time with Mia, but she’s always busy with work. Mia doesn’t want the awkwardness of a relationship that might happen with someone she works with. She confirms her plans with her friend Lily for later that evening.
Right before 5:00 pm her phone buzzes with Adrian’s line. His request was abrupt and terse. Now, she’s wondering if she forgot or overlooked something. Adrian gets right to the point. It seems as if “The Morgan Foundation is considering our proposal for their major charitable partnership.” That’s good news, but Adrian doesn’t look happy. The company is “on the shortlist, but there’s a complication.” Adrian explains that the Foundation believes in traditions, old values, and family values. Mia is confused because Parker Innovations is an ethical company with high values. Adrian explains that it’s not about Parker Innovations, it’s about him. It seems “that they prefer partnering with companies whose leadership exemplifies ‘family values.’ This is about Adrian “rotating cast of model girlfriends and celebrity dates.” He’s always mentioned in the gossip columns and escorts a different woman to every event. Not exactly family values or a company leader they would want to associate with. Mia is still not sure why he called her in, but Adrian leans in “with unusual intensity. “Mia, I need you to marry me.” Mia is beyond shocked, but Adrian tells her “not marry….just get engaged.” Adrian really wants the funding for the children’s medical research that he’s been developing. He offers her a “Fifty-thousand-dollar bonus,” he clarifies. “And my full support for that wellness retreat concept” of yours. Mia thinks this isn’t a good idea, after all, Adrian and Daniel (her brother) are best friends. Daniel knows they haven’t been dating or seeing each other outside of work. They’ll find a way to say that they weren’t meant to be involved in a relationship and work better as partners in the business. He only needs three months for his plan to work. Adrian really wants the funding to help the kids.
Will Mia be able to be around co-workers, friends, and Adrian’s family without giving herself away? Will the two of them be able to convince a conniving woman who wants nothing more than to smear Mia’s name and work her way back into Adrian’s good graces? Will she be able to convince her brother and her best friend that this relationship is real? Don’t miss this action-packed drama with wonderful characters who you feel as if you know. Get your copy of Faking It With The Bad Boy Boss by Gina Cooper today! You won’t be sorry!
Right before 5:00 pm her phone buzzes with Adrian’s line. His request was abrupt and terse. Now, she’s wondering if she forgot or overlooked something. Adrian gets right to the point. It seems as if “The Morgan Foundation is considering our proposal for their major charitable partnership.” That’s good news, but Adrian doesn’t look happy. The company is “on the shortlist, but there’s a complication.” Adrian explains that the Foundation believes in traditions, old values, and family values. Mia is confused because Parker Innovations is an ethical company with high values. Adrian explains that it’s not about Parker Innovations, it’s about him. It seems “that they prefer partnering with companies whose leadership exemplifies ‘family values.’ This is about Adrian “rotating cast of model girlfriends and celebrity dates.” He’s always mentioned in the gossip columns and escorts a different woman to every event. Not exactly family values or a company leader they would want to associate with. Mia is still not sure why he called her in, but Adrian leans in “with unusual intensity. “Mia, I need you to marry me.” Mia is beyond shocked, but Adrian tells her “not marry….just get engaged.” Adrian really wants the funding for the children’s medical research that he’s been developing. He offers her a “Fifty-thousand-dollar bonus,” he clarifies. “And my full support for that wellness retreat concept” of yours. Mia thinks this isn’t a good idea, after all, Adrian and Daniel (her brother) are best friends. Daniel knows they haven’t been dating or seeing each other outside of work. They’ll find a way to say that they weren’t meant to be involved in a relationship and work better as partners in the business. He only needs three months for his plan to work. Adrian really wants the funding to help the kids.
Will Mia be able to be around co-workers, friends, and Adrian’s family without giving herself away? Will the two of them be able to convince a conniving woman who wants nothing more than to smear Mia’s name and work her way back into Adrian’s good graces? Will she be able to convince her brother and her best friend that this relationship is real? Don’t miss this action-packed drama with wonderful characters who you feel as if you know. Get your copy of Faking It With The Bad Boy Boss by Gina Cooper today! You won’t be sorry!
July 19, 2025
I have read and own several of Gina's books and she has done it again, a great happily ever after story. Some of my favorite genres are best friend's sibling and fake engagement. This story covers both.
The reader meets Adrian, the brother(Daniel)'s best friend and CEO of Parker Innovations. Adrian is trying to shore-up a contract with a charitable foundation that stands on family values to do this he needs to get engaged quickly. Adrian has come up a plan that he thinks will work with no complications, Mia can be his fake fiancee. Mia is Adrian's personal assistant and Daniel's assistant. She spends the majority of her time with Adrian coordinating his life, schedule, and business. With some convincing, Mia agrees to the fake arrangement. Just keep your feelings to yourself, what can go wrong? Well, add in a curious brother, a difficult to sell co-workers, and a conniving ex-girlfriend and life gets more complicated. Watching Adrian and Mia take their fake feelings and find the real ones makes a wonderful story.
I would recommend this book for a great read and a wonderful happily ever after. Gina does a wonderful job at keeping her readers involved in the story and anxious to see what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The reader meets Adrian, the brother(Daniel)'s best friend and CEO of Parker Innovations. Adrian is trying to shore-up a contract with a charitable foundation that stands on family values to do this he needs to get engaged quickly. Adrian has come up a plan that he thinks will work with no complications, Mia can be his fake fiancee. Mia is Adrian's personal assistant and Daniel's assistant. She spends the majority of her time with Adrian coordinating his life, schedule, and business. With some convincing, Mia agrees to the fake arrangement. Just keep your feelings to yourself, what can go wrong? Well, add in a curious brother, a difficult to sell co-workers, and a conniving ex-girlfriend and life gets more complicated. Watching Adrian and Mia take their fake feelings and find the real ones makes a wonderful story.
I would recommend this book for a great read and a wonderful happily ever after. Gina does a wonderful job at keeping her readers involved in the story and anxious to see what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 23, 2025
Is a sweet brother's best friend, forced proximity, fake engagement, work place romance with no cliffhanger.
Some of the lines I really like --- “that sometimes we need to step outside our normal patterns to see what’s missing." ---- “The most worthwhile things usually are complicated. That doesn’t mean they’re not worth pursuing.” --- “What matters isn’t where you start, but the values that ultimately guide your choices. --- “But knowing someone’s history doesn't mean you understand their present. Or their future.” --- “He doesn’t need saving. He just needed someone to believe in him.” --- “Everyone has a past. I don’t judge you for who you were.” --- Even the smallest seeds grow into something magnificent with the right care, --- "that family isn’t just about blood relations, but about the people who choose to care for each other.” --- "sometimes the best things happen when you’re not looking for them. When you’re too busy performing to realize you’ve stopped acting.” -----
What's David up to? What's Chad up to? What's Lily up to? What's Bella up to? These and other questions will all be answered.
I loved Mia and Adrian's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and can't wait to read her next book.
Some of the lines I really like --- “that sometimes we need to step outside our normal patterns to see what’s missing." ---- “The most worthwhile things usually are complicated. That doesn’t mean they’re not worth pursuing.” --- “What matters isn’t where you start, but the values that ultimately guide your choices. --- “But knowing someone’s history doesn't mean you understand their present. Or their future.” --- “He doesn’t need saving. He just needed someone to believe in him.” --- “Everyone has a past. I don’t judge you for who you were.” --- Even the smallest seeds grow into something magnificent with the right care, --- "that family isn’t just about blood relations, but about the people who choose to care for each other.” --- "sometimes the best things happen when you’re not looking for them. When you’re too busy performing to realize you’ve stopped acting.” -----
What's David up to? What's Chad up to? What's Lily up to? What's Bella up to? These and other questions will all be answered.
I loved Mia and Adrian's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and can't wait to read her next book.
July 13, 2025
This was a fantastic fake relationship read! I loved Mia and Adrian. He's the uptight, playboy, serious, everything perfect CEO and also Mia' brother's best friend. Mia is his overly organized, everything in its place, anticipating any outcome, big hearted Assistant. Together they are a dream team that is put on display when they fake an engagement in order to procure a charity foundation contract. While deceitful, yes, their reasons for wanting it are heartwarming. It gives a glimpse into Adrian that not many people get. I so love watching these two navigate these interactions and how they try to fool everyone, including themselves, what their feelings are. One of my fav lines:
“You know me,” I say dryly. “Why do something simply when you can create a complex strategic plan?”
That sums them both up perfectly but especially Adrian and will have you laughing when you fully understand its whole context. This was such a wonderful read. I want to know Daniel's and Lily's, Mia's brother and best friend, story now!
“You know me,” I say dryly. “Why do something simply when you can create a complex strategic plan?”
That sums them both up perfectly but especially Adrian and will have you laughing when you fully understand its whole context. This was such a wonderful read. I want to know Daniel's and Lily's, Mia's brother and best friend, story now!
July 17, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed relatable. Adrian and Mia were so easy to get to know and I was cheering for them from the start. Adrian was all serious business and shallow relationships. Mia was highly intelligent, organized and Adrian's assistant. When Adrian needs to give the appearance of a family man, he askes Mia to play his fake fiancé. Mia has been wanting to start a wellness retreat and this arrangement could get her closer to that goal. Can they keep their feelings out of it once they really get to know each other? Can they fool those closest to them? Some people have doubts. The timing doesn't add up. Then Adrian's ex girlfriend shows up asking questions and causing trouble. This is the first book by Gina Cooper that I have read. She is a great author and I will be reading more of her books. I couldn't put this book down.
July 15, 2025
This is simple love story between a woman and her boss. It was very straightforward with not many surprises. I didn’t feel as if I got to know the characters at all and the plot was thin. It didn’t seem to me as if the characters had a lot of personality. And, the opposition to their “romance” was a little ridiculous to me.
I do want to add that this is the first of this genre that I have tried. I usually read mystery or fairy tale retellings that have a twist, so this genre is different. While I might not like this genre, somebody who enjoys this style might love it.
I received this as an ARC, though the thoughts and opinions are my own.
I do want to add that this is the first of this genre that I have tried. I usually read mystery or fairy tale retellings that have a twist, so this genre is different. While I might not like this genre, somebody who enjoys this style might love it.
I received this as an ARC, though the thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 5, 2025
This was only my second Gina Cooper book and I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to read more of her!
Mia is the executive assistant for Adrian, a CEO and her brother’s best friend. In order to help win over a client, Adrian asks Mia to be his fake fiancée.
The loss of Mia’s parents makes it hard for her to let anyone get too close. Adrian has a reputation of not being interested in commitment.
Throughout the story they are able to see beyond the personas they put on at work and lose track of what is real and what is fake.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Mia is the executive assistant for Adrian, a CEO and her brother’s best friend. In order to help win over a client, Adrian asks Mia to be his fake fiancée.
The loss of Mia’s parents makes it hard for her to let anyone get too close. Adrian has a reputation of not being interested in commitment.
Throughout the story they are able to see beyond the personas they put on at work and lose track of what is real and what is fake.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
July 15, 2025
This is a fake dating, brother’s best friend romance. It’s a very entertaining story. The “relationship” is for business reasons. The chemistry between the two was amazing and they complimented each other perfectly. It’s a slow burn sweet romance which is nice since it starts out as a fake relationship. Turns out, they are perfect for each other. You can feel the connection between the characters as they grow closer. An enjoyable, easy read that will keep you engaged.
I received a free copy of this book, and this is my voluntary review. Hope you enjoy the book.
I received a free copy of this book, and this is my voluntary review. Hope you enjoy the book.
July 16, 2025
A great summer read
This delivers a sweet and swoony closed-door love story that leans into familiar tropes with charm and restraint.... the main characters Adrian and Mia are supported in the story by Daniel, Lily, Chad and Bella and it's the subplots and chemistry that help make this a great story.
As Gina says in the story "the best things happen when you're not looking for them".....
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This delivers a sweet and swoony closed-door love story that leans into familiar tropes with charm and restraint.... the main characters Adrian and Mia are supported in the story by Daniel, Lily, Chad and Bella and it's the subplots and chemistry that help make this a great story.
As Gina says in the story "the best things happen when you're not looking for them".....
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2025
Unless you’re brand new to the fake engagement/marriage genre, you know that this fake engagement won’t remain fake. Adrian and Mia have worked together seamlessly and a fake engagement for the best of reasons makes sense. It starts to get messy when it just won’t stay in its assigned role, fake engagement. We get humor, romance, angry exes, and unbelieving brothers/friends. I enjoyed this book.
July 20, 2025
Great book. It was a page turner and the suspense was so intense. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn't even put it down. The chemistry between them was sweet and steamy hot of forbidden love affair at this moment . Could she tamed her boss as their emotions was getting real and serious.
I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones
I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones
July 25, 2025
Once again Gina Cooper had me captivated from the start and entangled in this well crafted world of romance. This emotionally charged read will have you rooting for Adrian and Mia to find their HEA. I couldn't put it down until the last page was read. I'm looking forward to the next amazing book from Cooper and highly recommend reading this one.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 6, 2025
Fake relationships is my favorite trope and this book is the perfect example why. You could feel the chemistry. Mia and Adrian are the perfect team and compliment each other well. A great clean romance and you could still feel the intimacy between them. A great slow burn that shows the relationship build between them.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 15, 2025
What starts out as a business agreement quickly develops into something more. However, rough roads are ahead with a friend, brother and ex-girlfriend all highly skeptical of said relationship. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this romance between Adrian and Mia unfold. So beautiful. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.
July 17, 2025
He is her boss and brother's best friend who happens to be placed in a precarious position when she is asked to pose as his fake fiancé. This story is not only entertaining, but it has great characters that drew me in and had me all caught up in it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 21, 2025
I loved everything about this story. I loved how they started off as friends and over time fell for each other. I also loved how the ex girlfriend showed up it backed off when she saw how much they were in love with each other.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 28, 2025
when playacting becomes reality
Two people with excellent professional skills, but faulty personal ones. They discover each others personal problems, her fear of losing someone she loves, his fear of never being good enough. Together, they defeat their demons and find love and fulfillment both personally and professionally. A sweet love story.
Two people with excellent professional skills, but faulty personal ones. They discover each others personal problems, her fear of losing someone she loves, his fear of never being good enough. Together, they defeat their demons and find love and fulfillment both personally and professionally. A sweet love story.
July 23, 2025
Great book! Loved how I felt a connection with the characters. Loved the chemistry! Just the right amount of trouble and managing that along with feelings! An entertaining page turner!
dnf-2025
October 28, 2025the writing feels stiff
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews