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Destined Love #5
Faking with You
More Coming Soon!
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 16, 2026
About the author
Alex Taylor
7 books131 followersLiving in the Vancouver area of British Columbia with her husband, Alex enjoys spending her free time reading, watching Hockey (go Canucks), watching Disney movies and crime TV shows, and spending time outdoors. She started writing in 2023 when her first story just wouldn't leave her mind. From there, the ideas of a series formed and she's never looked back.
She enjoys talking to other authors and romance lovers. Her TBR is never-ending, but that doesn't stop her from adding at least one new book every day. Alex looks forward to experiencing more in the indie author community and can't wait to share her books with the world.
She enjoys talking to other authors and romance lovers. Her TBR is never-ending, but that doesn't stop her from adding at least one new book every day. Alex looks forward to experiencing more in the indie author community and can't wait to share her books with the world.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
May 1, 2026
I’m really disappointed in this book. I really wanted to give it a higher rating but I just couldn’t get into this book. It just seemed to drag and less than halfway through, I began to lose interest in the storyline. Normally I really enjoy Alex’s books but this book didn’t meet my expectations like I had hoped. Nevertheless it was a decent read so that’s why I’m giving it 3 stars.
I recently a free ARC copy of this book and I’m voluntarily leaving my review.
I recently a free ARC copy of this book and I’m voluntarily leaving my review.
April 19, 2026
Arc review
This is exactly the type of book I needed this weekend. Something easy to read and entertaining
This is exactly the type of book I needed this weekend. Something easy to read and entertaining
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏... 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞....𝙎𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙖 𝙫𝙞𝙧𝙜𝙞𝙣.
Yeah I started blushing immediately🤭.
I enjoyed reading this book so much. Mac is such a gentleman, he cooks and offers dessert, opens doors for her, drives her and always a kiss on the cheeks, and buys her flowers. Meanwhile, Eliza is adorable, shy (𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘥𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺), hardworking, lovely, very much independent and amazing! I love them for each other.
Mac needs help securing the CEO position in his father's company with the condition that he has to be settled. Eliza on the other hand is determined to achieve her manifestation to lose her virginity in the new year.
𝐒𝐨 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐧,,
Them accidentally kissing on New Year's Night after Mac accidentally seeing Eliza's manifestation,, which leads them into the perfect arrangement that fits both their situation.
It was amazing, watching them slowly fall head over heels for each other,, and Mac being the perfect man in every way I loved it.
🎀𝕱𝖆𝖛 𝕼𝖚𝖔𝖙𝖊𝖘:
✨️𝓖𝓸𝓸𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓼𝓮 𝔀𝓱𝓸 𝔀𝓪𝓲𝓽.
✨️𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓲𝓯 𝓔𝓵𝓲𝔃𝓪 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓲𝓽, 𝓘 𝔀𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓲𝓽 𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓫𝓮𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓽𝓪𝓫𝓵𝓮. 𝓘’𝓭 𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓪 𝓵𝓸𝓽 𝓫𝓮𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝓲𝓯 𝓲𝓽’𝓼 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓭.
✨️“𝓓𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓱𝓸𝓵𝓭 𝓫𝓪𝓬𝓴. 𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮. 𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻 𝓱𝓸𝔀 𝓘 𝓶𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓯𝓮𝓮𝓵 𝓰𝓸𝓸𝓭.”
✨️𝓘 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓴 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝔀𝓸𝓶𝓪𝓷 𝓲𝓼 𝓰𝓸𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓼 𝓶𝓮.
✨️𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝔀𝓸𝓶𝓪𝓷 𝓲𝓼 𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓯𝓮𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷 𝔀𝓻𝓪𝓹𝓹𝓮𝓭 𝓲𝓷 𝓪 𝓭𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓼, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓘 𝔀𝓲𝓼𝓱 𝓶𝔂 𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓭𝓼 𝓬𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓽𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓮 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂 𝓲𝓷𝓬𝓱 𝓸𝓯 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝔂 𝓶𝔂 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓼 𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓷𝓸𝔀.
✨️𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓪𝓫𝓵𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝔀𝓪𝓽𝓬𝓱 𝓔𝓵𝓲𝔃𝓪 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓶𝔂 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮. 𝓣𝓸 𝓼𝓮𝓮 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓼𝓶𝓲𝓵𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓵𝓪𝓾𝓰𝓱 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓹𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓮 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓮𝓮𝓴𝓼 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓽 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓷𝓮𝓮𝓭𝓼 𝓲𝓽. 𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓼𝓪𝓯𝓮 𝓹𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓮 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓮𝓮𝓵𝓼 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓯𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓪𝓼𝓵𝓮𝓮𝓹 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰’𝓼 𝓰𝓸𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽.
✨️“𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓷𝓲𝓬𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓼,”
✨️“𝓗𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓼𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓼? 𝓣𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝓼𝓹𝓪𝓻𝓴𝓵𝓮, 𝓮𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓲𝓪𝓵𝓵𝔂 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝔂𝓸𝓾’𝓻𝓮 𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓹𝔂.”
✨️“𝓘 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓼𝓶𝓲𝓵𝓮. 𝓘 𝓱𝓪𝓭𝓷’𝓽 𝓼𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓲𝓽 𝓾𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓵 𝔀𝓮 𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓲𝓶𝓮 𝓪𝓵𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓽𝓸𝓰𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓘’𝓶 𝓰𝓵𝓪𝓭 𝔂𝓸𝓾’𝓻𝓮 𝓼𝓶𝓲𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓷𝓸𝔀.”
✨️“𝓨𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓵𝓪𝓾𝓰𝓱 𝓲𝓼 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓹𝓾𝓻𝓮 𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓹𝓲𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓼. 𝓘 𝓭𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓱𝓸𝔀 𝓪𝓷𝔂𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓫𝓮 𝓼𝓪𝓭 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻 𝓲𝓽.”
🩷𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
🩷ꜰᴀᴋᴇ ᴅᴀᴛɪɴɢ
🩷ᴀɢᴇ ɢᴀᴘ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ -10ʏʀꜱ
🩷ᴠɪʀɢɪɴ ꜰᴍᴄ
🩷ꜰᴏʀᴄᴇᴅ ᴘʀᴏxɪᴍɪᴛʏ
🩷ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅ ꜰᴀᴍɪʟʏ
🩷ʜᴇ ꜰᴀʟʟꜱ ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ
🩷ꜱʟᴏᴡ ʙᴜʀɴ
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝓢𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮 𝓛𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓵: 🌶🌶🌶.8
Yeah I started blushing immediately🤭.
I enjoyed reading this book so much. Mac is such a gentleman, he cooks and offers dessert, opens doors for her, drives her and always a kiss on the cheeks, and buys her flowers. Meanwhile, Eliza is adorable, shy (𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘥𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺), hardworking, lovely, very much independent and amazing! I love them for each other.
Mac needs help securing the CEO position in his father's company with the condition that he has to be settled. Eliza on the other hand is determined to achieve her manifestation to lose her virginity in the new year.
𝐒𝐨 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐧,,
Them accidentally kissing on New Year's Night after Mac accidentally seeing Eliza's manifestation,, which leads them into the perfect arrangement that fits both their situation.
It was amazing, watching them slowly fall head over heels for each other,, and Mac being the perfect man in every way I loved it.
🎀𝕱𝖆𝖛 𝕼𝖚𝖔𝖙𝖊𝖘:
✨️𝓖𝓸𝓸𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓼𝓮 𝔀𝓱𝓸 𝔀𝓪𝓲𝓽.
✨️𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓲𝓯 𝓔𝓵𝓲𝔃𝓪 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓲𝓽, 𝓘 𝔀𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓲𝓽 𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓫𝓮𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓽𝓪𝓫𝓵𝓮. 𝓘’𝓭 𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓪 𝓵𝓸𝓽 𝓫𝓮𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝓲𝓯 𝓲𝓽’𝓼 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓭.
✨️“𝓓𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓱𝓸𝓵𝓭 𝓫𝓪𝓬𝓴. 𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮. 𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻 𝓱𝓸𝔀 𝓘 𝓶𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓯𝓮𝓮𝓵 𝓰𝓸𝓸𝓭.”
✨️𝓘 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓴 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝔀𝓸𝓶𝓪𝓷 𝓲𝓼 𝓰𝓸𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓼 𝓶𝓮.
✨️𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝔀𝓸𝓶𝓪𝓷 𝓲𝓼 𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓯𝓮𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷 𝔀𝓻𝓪𝓹𝓹𝓮𝓭 𝓲𝓷 𝓪 𝓭𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓼, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓘 𝔀𝓲𝓼𝓱 𝓶𝔂 𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓭𝓼 𝓬𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓽𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓮 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂 𝓲𝓷𝓬𝓱 𝓸𝓯 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝔂 𝓶𝔂 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓼 𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓷𝓸𝔀.
✨️𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓪𝓫𝓵𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝔀𝓪𝓽𝓬𝓱 𝓔𝓵𝓲𝔃𝓪 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓶𝔂 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮. 𝓣𝓸 𝓼𝓮𝓮 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓼𝓶𝓲𝓵𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓵𝓪𝓾𝓰𝓱 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓹𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓮 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓮𝓮𝓴𝓼 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓽 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓷𝓮𝓮𝓭𝓼 𝓲𝓽. 𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓼𝓪𝓯𝓮 𝓹𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓮 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓮𝓮𝓵𝓼 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓯𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓪𝓼𝓵𝓮𝓮𝓹 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰’𝓼 𝓰𝓸𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽.
✨️“𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓷𝓲𝓬𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓼,”
✨️“𝓗𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓼𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓼? 𝓣𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝓼𝓹𝓪𝓻𝓴𝓵𝓮, 𝓮𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓲𝓪𝓵𝓵𝔂 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝔂𝓸𝓾’𝓻𝓮 𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓹𝔂.”
✨️“𝓘 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓼𝓶𝓲𝓵𝓮. 𝓘 𝓱𝓪𝓭𝓷’𝓽 𝓼𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓲𝓽 𝓾𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓵 𝔀𝓮 𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓲𝓶𝓮 𝓪𝓵𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓽𝓸𝓰𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓘’𝓶 𝓰𝓵𝓪𝓭 𝔂𝓸𝓾’𝓻𝓮 𝓼𝓶𝓲𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓷𝓸𝔀.”
✨️“𝓨𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓵𝓪𝓾𝓰𝓱 𝓲𝓼 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓹𝓾𝓻𝓮 𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓹𝓲𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓼. 𝓘 𝓭𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓱𝓸𝔀 𝓪𝓷𝔂𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓫𝓮 𝓼𝓪𝓭 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻 𝓲𝓽.”
🩷𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
🩷ꜰᴀᴋᴇ ᴅᴀᴛɪɴɢ
🩷ᴀɢᴇ ɢᴀᴘ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ -10ʏʀꜱ
🩷ᴠɪʀɢɪɴ ꜰᴍᴄ
🩷ꜰᴏʀᴄᴇᴅ ᴘʀᴏxɪᴍɪᴛʏ
🩷ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅ ꜰᴀᴍɪʟʏ
🩷ʜᴇ ꜰᴀʟʟꜱ ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ
🩷ꜱʟᴏᴡ ʙᴜʀɴ
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝓢𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮 𝓛𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓵: 🌶🌶🌶.8
Review of advance copy
I went into thinking “cute fake dating, I’ll have a good time” and instead I got completely swept up like I tripped into a rom-com vortex and refused to leave.
Eliza??? I adore her. This is my structured, routine-loving, risk-averse queen who accidentally manifests chaos via one tiny, embarrassing New Year’s resolution and suddenly her life said “plot twist.” Watching her step out of that careful little box she built for herself was SO satisfying. It’s not instant, it’s not easy, and that’s what makes it feel real. Every small brave choice?? I was cheering.
And then there’s Mac. Mackenzie Carrington. This man really said “I need a fake girlfriend” and then proceeded to catch real feelings like it was part of the business plan. He’s got that polished, controlled, CEO-in-the-making energy, but underneath?? Soft. Down bad. Absolutely gone for her and trying to pretend he’s still in control of literally anything.
The fake dating setup is DELICIOUS. Forced proximity, high-stakes family expectations, the whole “act in love in public but oh no why does it feel real in private” tension?? Inject it straight into my veins. Every staged touch, every look that lingers just a second too long… I was giggling, kicking my feet, fully invested.
And the way their dynamic evolves?? It’s not just attraction—it’s growth. He pushes her out of her comfort zone in a way that feels supportive, not overwhelming. She challenges his idea of what “success” and “stability” actually mean. They balance each other in this really natural, satisfying way that sneaks up on you.
Also the emotional payoff??? RUDE. I was not expecting to feel that much. When the lines between fake and real finally blur beyond repair, it hits hard. That moment where everything is on the line and you’re just silently begging them to get it together??? Yeah. That.
Five stars, no question. It’s fun, flirty, and full of heart with just enough emotional punch to leave a mark. Fake dating supremacy remains undefeated, and Eliza and Mac just raised the bar.
Eliza??? I adore her. This is my structured, routine-loving, risk-averse queen who accidentally manifests chaos via one tiny, embarrassing New Year’s resolution and suddenly her life said “plot twist.” Watching her step out of that careful little box she built for herself was SO satisfying. It’s not instant, it’s not easy, and that’s what makes it feel real. Every small brave choice?? I was cheering.
And then there’s Mac. Mackenzie Carrington. This man really said “I need a fake girlfriend” and then proceeded to catch real feelings like it was part of the business plan. He’s got that polished, controlled, CEO-in-the-making energy, but underneath?? Soft. Down bad. Absolutely gone for her and trying to pretend he’s still in control of literally anything.
The fake dating setup is DELICIOUS. Forced proximity, high-stakes family expectations, the whole “act in love in public but oh no why does it feel real in private” tension?? Inject it straight into my veins. Every staged touch, every look that lingers just a second too long… I was giggling, kicking my feet, fully invested.
And the way their dynamic evolves?? It’s not just attraction—it’s growth. He pushes her out of her comfort zone in a way that feels supportive, not overwhelming. She challenges his idea of what “success” and “stability” actually mean. They balance each other in this really natural, satisfying way that sneaks up on you.
Also the emotional payoff??? RUDE. I was not expecting to feel that much. When the lines between fake and real finally blur beyond repair, it hits hard. That moment where everything is on the line and you’re just silently begging them to get it together??? Yeah. That.
Five stars, no question. It’s fun, flirty, and full of heart with just enough emotional punch to leave a mark. Fake dating supremacy remains undefeated, and Eliza and Mac just raised the bar.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book was a new author for me, and I enjoyed her writing. It was low angst, short and sweet read, that had some great tropes that are fan favorites (fake dating, grumpy/sunshine, virgin FMC, he calls first, hockey romance).
Mac is a business man that plays rec hockey (hence the hockey romance). I actually liked that he had a day job and did hockey for fun in the evenings. He’s quiet, focused, and has had a crush on Eliza from afar for quite some time. Eliza is the happy go lucky girl who has a bit of social anxiety and enjoys the quiet life. To me, she was super relatable and I liked that. When Mac’s father wants him to find a girl so he can settle down and take over the family business, Mac reaches out to Eliza with a deal — be his fake girlfriend and in exchange, he’ll help her with a New Year’s resolution she has (no spoilers here! But I’m sure you can guess). As these two learn more about each other, lines get blurry and feelings start to be had. It was cute how quickly Mac fell for Eliza and how she really leaned into the whole fake dating thing. They really had a sweet relationship. If spice is your thing, this book definitely has it! Mac brings out the sensual side of Eliza in the bedroom, and it’s really refreshing to see her break out of her virgin shell and become the woman she is deep down.
This is book 5 of the series. And I will say that as much as I did enjoy the book, it started off feeling like I was missing something. I have not read any of the previous books, so I assume having read those would’ve helped. But it just felt like the depth of the character wasn’t there. I did push through and it did get better about 40%, but it did lack that emotional level that I look forward to in a book.
Even though it lacked things I look for, this book was a good one to read. I do feel like the other characters in this book would be enjoyable to read about. Overall I’m glad I finished it.
Rated 3.5, but rounded up to 4.
This was an ARC read for me, and these are my honest opinions.
Mac is a business man that plays rec hockey (hence the hockey romance). I actually liked that he had a day job and did hockey for fun in the evenings. He’s quiet, focused, and has had a crush on Eliza from afar for quite some time. Eliza is the happy go lucky girl who has a bit of social anxiety and enjoys the quiet life. To me, she was super relatable and I liked that. When Mac’s father wants him to find a girl so he can settle down and take over the family business, Mac reaches out to Eliza with a deal — be his fake girlfriend and in exchange, he’ll help her with a New Year’s resolution she has (no spoilers here! But I’m sure you can guess). As these two learn more about each other, lines get blurry and feelings start to be had. It was cute how quickly Mac fell for Eliza and how she really leaned into the whole fake dating thing. They really had a sweet relationship. If spice is your thing, this book definitely has it! Mac brings out the sensual side of Eliza in the bedroom, and it’s really refreshing to see her break out of her virgin shell and become the woman she is deep down.
This is book 5 of the series. And I will say that as much as I did enjoy the book, it started off feeling like I was missing something. I have not read any of the previous books, so I assume having read those would’ve helped. But it just felt like the depth of the character wasn’t there. I did push through and it did get better about 40%, but it did lack that emotional level that I look forward to in a book.
Even though it lacked things I look for, this book was a good one to read. I do feel like the other characters in this book would be enjoyable to read about. Overall I’m glad I finished it.
Rated 3.5, but rounded up to 4.
This was an ARC read for me, and these are my honest opinions.
April 21, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
The Destined Love series has been a fun, heartwarming, heated collection of stories that Alex Taylor has done a wonderful job in writing. Faking With You is book 5 and an excellent addition. Less than 300 pages, this book is easy to read, while providing romance and MCs that keep you captivated. You know the MCs that are fun to read about together, but also their personal journeys are a huge part of the story. As our MCs discover more about themselves as individuals, it only deepens their connection as a couple.
Mac is the MMC that starts out stiff and structured. Not a bad thing, but you know under the three piece suit is a man who is fighting to keep everything together. I appreciated how honest Alex wrote him, all while watching him fall head over heels for our FMC, it created a wonderful dynamic of what Mac wants vs needs. He is a total joy to read about and I had so much fun watching him come out of his CEO mold and learn that not everything needs to be controlled.
Eliza is the FMC who doesn’t know how beautiful she is. Yes, she agrees to fake date Mac, but this book is so much more than just a fake relationship. She is more happy go lucky and enjoys the quieter side of life. She never would have imagined anyone like Mac liking her. It does not take long at all for the fake dating to begin to feel very real and the lines blur.
Alex brings so much depth to their relationship. Mac helps Eliza step outside of her comfort zone and achieve things she never thought possible. Eliza helps Mac to see there is more to life than structure and routine. As these two grew closer, it never felt forced. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about these two falling deeper and deeper for each other. They were easy to root for and reading about them getting their HEA made my heart soar!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
💜Fake Dating
✨Age Gap Romance
💜Virgin FMC
✨Found Family
💜Forced Proximity
✨He Falls First
The Destined Love series has been a fun, heartwarming, heated collection of stories that Alex Taylor has done a wonderful job in writing. Faking With You is book 5 and an excellent addition. Less than 300 pages, this book is easy to read, while providing romance and MCs that keep you captivated. You know the MCs that are fun to read about together, but also their personal journeys are a huge part of the story. As our MCs discover more about themselves as individuals, it only deepens their connection as a couple.
Mac is the MMC that starts out stiff and structured. Not a bad thing, but you know under the three piece suit is a man who is fighting to keep everything together. I appreciated how honest Alex wrote him, all while watching him fall head over heels for our FMC, it created a wonderful dynamic of what Mac wants vs needs. He is a total joy to read about and I had so much fun watching him come out of his CEO mold and learn that not everything needs to be controlled.
Eliza is the FMC who doesn’t know how beautiful she is. Yes, she agrees to fake date Mac, but this book is so much more than just a fake relationship. She is more happy go lucky and enjoys the quieter side of life. She never would have imagined anyone like Mac liking her. It does not take long at all for the fake dating to begin to feel very real and the lines blur.
Alex brings so much depth to their relationship. Mac helps Eliza step outside of her comfort zone and achieve things she never thought possible. Eliza helps Mac to see there is more to life than structure and routine. As these two grew closer, it never felt forced. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about these two falling deeper and deeper for each other. They were easy to root for and reading about them getting their HEA made my heart soar!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
💜Fake Dating
✨Age Gap Romance
💜Virgin FMC
✨Found Family
💜Forced Proximity
✨He Falls First
Review of advance copy received from Author
🌶️🌶️/5
Faking With You is a sweet, cozy fake dating romance that leans into low angst and feel-good vibes.
It follows Mac and Eliza, two people who share the same hockey friend group. While there’s an initial curiosity between them, things really start to shift when Mac’s father pressures him to be in a relationship in order to take over as CEO. Around the same time, Mac learns that Eliza wants to lose her virginity. He proposes a mutually beneficial arrangement: she’ll fake date him to help his image and he’ll help her gain experience.
What follows is a light, easy to read story about two slightly socially anxious people who tend to stay on the periphery, finding connection with each other. There are genuinely sweet moments here and I really appreciated how they showed up for and took care of one another.
That said, I did find myself wanting a bit more depth and development. The story felt a little surface-level at times and I wanted more emotional build and maturity in both the characters and their relationship. Some of the dialogue also felt slightly stilted, which made it harder to fully sink into certain moments.
The spice is there and fits the story well and we do get a HEA. Though there is a bit of miscommunication along the way (which, if you’re like me, can be a little frustrating).
Overall, this is a light, cozy, low-angst romance that I think will really work for readers looking for something quick and comforting. For me, I was just hoping for a little more depth, which is what ultimately landed this at three stars. But I still enjoyed my time with it.
✨ Thank you to Alex Taylor for the ARC and the opportunity to read and review.
Faking With You is a sweet, cozy fake dating romance that leans into low angst and feel-good vibes.
It follows Mac and Eliza, two people who share the same hockey friend group. While there’s an initial curiosity between them, things really start to shift when Mac’s father pressures him to be in a relationship in order to take over as CEO. Around the same time, Mac learns that Eliza wants to lose her virginity. He proposes a mutually beneficial arrangement: she’ll fake date him to help his image and he’ll help her gain experience.
What follows is a light, easy to read story about two slightly socially anxious people who tend to stay on the periphery, finding connection with each other. There are genuinely sweet moments here and I really appreciated how they showed up for and took care of one another.
That said, I did find myself wanting a bit more depth and development. The story felt a little surface-level at times and I wanted more emotional build and maturity in both the characters and their relationship. Some of the dialogue also felt slightly stilted, which made it harder to fully sink into certain moments.
The spice is there and fits the story well and we do get a HEA. Though there is a bit of miscommunication along the way (which, if you’re like me, can be a little frustrating).
Overall, this is a light, cozy, low-angst romance that I think will really work for readers looking for something quick and comforting. For me, I was just hoping for a little more depth, which is what ultimately landed this at three stars. But I still enjoyed my time with it.
✨ Thank you to Alex Taylor for the ARC and the opportunity to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
✨ Book Review ✨ ARC
📚 Title: Faking with you
📚 Series: Destined Love
📚 Book Number: 5
📚 Release date: 16th April 2026
📚 Author: @authoralextaylor
**Note** Although this is book 5 in a series, it can also be read as a standalone.
***My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️***
This story follows our FMC Eliza. She’s one for routine with a small group of friends. She loves nothing more than cosying up on her sofa to read a book and binge her favourite tv shows after a long day of work/socialising. (Relatable right? 🤭) But she also has a personal issue that she hasn’t even told her closest of friends about.
Our MMC ‘Mac’ aka Mackenzie. Is a hockey player in his spare time, abit of a loner and is on a mission to gain the position as CEO of his father’s company in real estate upon his retirement. But there’s a catch.
One New Year’s Eve party, their friend makes everyone write down their manifestation on a peice of paper and throw it into the fire.
Upon accidentally seeing what Eliza has written down, Mac comes up with a plan to make both their ‘wishes’ come true.
✨ Slow burn
✨ Fake Dating
✨ Age gap
✨ Goody friends
✨’Business deal’
If you love what you’ve read so far, the this one is for you. Without saying too much as I do not want to give away more than I should, this book was just the perfect palette cleanser. Mac, despite being 10 years older than Eliza, was tentative towards her trust, progression timing and her feelings. He didn’t push her into anything she felt uncomfortable with and He did what she liked to do when she needed to wind down and tried so hard to not fall for her. Despite admiring her from afar for some time.
Their relationship development was great. The way it was written and with an added extra of spice. 🌶️ I literally went to bed thinking about how adorable Mac was towards Eliza and how he brought her out of her shell and gained more confidence as the story progressed 💖
Perfect 👌🏻
#arcreader #arcreview #slowburn #fakedating #bookstagram
📚 Title: Faking with you
📚 Series: Destined Love
📚 Book Number: 5
📚 Release date: 16th April 2026
📚 Author: @authoralextaylor
**Note** Although this is book 5 in a series, it can also be read as a standalone.
***My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️***
This story follows our FMC Eliza. She’s one for routine with a small group of friends. She loves nothing more than cosying up on her sofa to read a book and binge her favourite tv shows after a long day of work/socialising. (Relatable right? 🤭) But she also has a personal issue that she hasn’t even told her closest of friends about.
Our MMC ‘Mac’ aka Mackenzie. Is a hockey player in his spare time, abit of a loner and is on a mission to gain the position as CEO of his father’s company in real estate upon his retirement. But there’s a catch.
One New Year’s Eve party, their friend makes everyone write down their manifestation on a peice of paper and throw it into the fire.
Upon accidentally seeing what Eliza has written down, Mac comes up with a plan to make both their ‘wishes’ come true.
✨ Slow burn
✨ Fake Dating
✨ Age gap
✨ Goody friends
✨’Business deal’
If you love what you’ve read so far, the this one is for you. Without saying too much as I do not want to give away more than I should, this book was just the perfect palette cleanser. Mac, despite being 10 years older than Eliza, was tentative towards her trust, progression timing and her feelings. He didn’t push her into anything she felt uncomfortable with and He did what she liked to do when she needed to wind down and tried so hard to not fall for her. Despite admiring her from afar for some time.
Their relationship development was great. The way it was written and with an added extra of spice. 🌶️ I literally went to bed thinking about how adorable Mac was towards Eliza and how he brought her out of her shell and gained more confidence as the story progressed 💖
Perfect 👌🏻
#arcreader #arcreview #slowburn #fakedating #bookstagram
April 18, 2026
I really liked Eliza and Mac. I’ve always liked Eliza from the previous books, so I was so happy to get to read hers. She didn’t have the best relationship with her parents, so I loved how we continued to see her relationship with her found family in this book. She also needed time to decompress after spending a lot of time out or with a lot of people and I felt like that was relatable. I loved getting to see her friendship with her friends, but I think it was really nice to see more of her friendship with Hannah, specifically.
Mac was a great MMC. After making a deal with Eliza that he would help her with her manifestation goal of losing her virginity and she would pretend to be his girlfriend, I loved that he took things slow with her. He wanted to make sure she was ready and he didn’t want to push her into anything she wasn’t ready for. I thought he was super sweet and I loved all of the small things he did for Eliza.
Mac and Eliza were really cute together. Even I, as a reader, forgot that this was a faking dating book for a bit because there was definitely nothing fake about them when they were together. I loved getting more of the other couples and how easily the guys accepted Mac in their group. The way they were all there for Eliza during the conflict was top tier.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I thought this was a nice, easy read. I do think that the reason the “couldn’t” be together was a little weak. I didn’t feel like there was enough to back up their reasoning.
So, I would recommend this, especially if you love a fake dating, age gap, found family romance.
Thank you Alex Taylor for the ARC for an honest review.
Mac was a great MMC. After making a deal with Eliza that he would help her with her manifestation goal of losing her virginity and she would pretend to be his girlfriend, I loved that he took things slow with her. He wanted to make sure she was ready and he didn’t want to push her into anything she wasn’t ready for. I thought he was super sweet and I loved all of the small things he did for Eliza.
Mac and Eliza were really cute together. Even I, as a reader, forgot that this was a faking dating book for a bit because there was definitely nothing fake about them when they were together. I loved getting more of the other couples and how easily the guys accepted Mac in their group. The way they were all there for Eliza during the conflict was top tier.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I thought this was a nice, easy read. I do think that the reason the “couldn’t” be together was a little weak. I didn’t feel like there was enough to back up their reasoning.
So, I would recommend this, especially if you love a fake dating, age gap, found family romance.
Thank you Alex Taylor for the ARC for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3 stars
I feel like this story would make a great airplane ride read. It is on the shorter side, under 300 pages and is fast paced. I didn’t realize I read half the book in one evening. At the beginning of the book, the character and story building is a little cringy. However, once established the story and characters flow. Mac and Eliza are both hard working home-bodies who need to step out of the comfort of their couch and routine. Mac wants to take over his father’s company and apparently can only do that if he’s in a relationship. Despite Mac’s father being the poster man for a workaholic and bad parent and partner. Eliza has her found family of friends and an otherwise quiet life. She manifests more for herself and Mac proposes a 6 month fake relationship.
I struggled with the beginning writing and set up the story. Mac calls Eliza “love,” there’s nothing wrong with the nickname but there’s also no mention of how he randomly starts calling her love. The first sign that the relationship is no longer fake. I also think Eliza who has limited dating experience would have a reaction to the term of endearment, yet it’s never mentioned in her POV chapters. Overall, I rated this story three stars because it was an enjoyable quick read and pretty run of the mill fake dating story.
For readers who enjoy
-fake dating
-found family
-interconnected standalones
-Vancover, Canada and London settings
I feel like this story would make a great airplane ride read. It is on the shorter side, under 300 pages and is fast paced. I didn’t realize I read half the book in one evening. At the beginning of the book, the character and story building is a little cringy. However, once established the story and characters flow. Mac and Eliza are both hard working home-bodies who need to step out of the comfort of their couch and routine. Mac wants to take over his father’s company and apparently can only do that if he’s in a relationship. Despite Mac’s father being the poster man for a workaholic and bad parent and partner. Eliza has her found family of friends and an otherwise quiet life. She manifests more for herself and Mac proposes a 6 month fake relationship.
I struggled with the beginning writing and set up the story. Mac calls Eliza “love,” there’s nothing wrong with the nickname but there’s also no mention of how he randomly starts calling her love. The first sign that the relationship is no longer fake. I also think Eliza who has limited dating experience would have a reaction to the term of endearment, yet it’s never mentioned in her POV chapters. Overall, I rated this story three stars because it was an enjoyable quick read and pretty run of the mill fake dating story.
For readers who enjoy
-fake dating
-found family
-interconnected standalones
-Vancover, Canada and London settings
April 17, 2026
This fake‑dating romance between Mac (36) and Eliza (26) had such a fun, engaging setup that pulled me in right away. Eliza’s New Year’s resolution to finally take control of her love life, starting with losing her virginity, collides perfectly with Mac’s need to convince his father he’s in a serious relationship before taking over the company. Their deal feels mutually beneficial, a little chaotic, and full of that delicious slow build as they work their way from strangers to something real.
Their dynamic is genuinely sweet. Mac is steady and quietly protective with an oh so filthy mouth. Eliza is earnest and determined, and watching them navigate their fake relationship while catching real feelings was the best part of the book. The age gap works, the tension works, and the emotional progression feels natural.
“Don’t hold back. I want to hear you, love. I want to hear how I make you feel good.”
But the third‑act breakup didn’t land for me. The miscommunication trope pulled the rug out from under all the growth they’d built. It felt very beneath Eliza to just run away over part of a conversation she hears. The break up before the ending felt unnecessary and frustrating. It dimmed the momentum of an otherwise charming story.
Still, the plot is strong, the chemistry is there, and Mac and Eliza’s journey has plenty of heart, I just wish the conflict had matched the maturity of the rest of their story.
A huge thanks to Alex Taylor & Ember Literary PR for the early copy!
Their dynamic is genuinely sweet. Mac is steady and quietly protective with an oh so filthy mouth. Eliza is earnest and determined, and watching them navigate their fake relationship while catching real feelings was the best part of the book. The age gap works, the tension works, and the emotional progression feels natural.
“Don’t hold back. I want to hear you, love. I want to hear how I make you feel good.”
But the third‑act breakup didn’t land for me. The miscommunication trope pulled the rug out from under all the growth they’d built. It felt very beneath Eliza to just run away over part of a conversation she hears. The break up before the ending felt unnecessary and frustrating. It dimmed the momentum of an otherwise charming story.
Still, the plot is strong, the chemistry is there, and Mac and Eliza’s journey has plenty of heart, I just wish the conflict had matched the maturity of the rest of their story.
A huge thanks to Alex Taylor & Ember Literary PR for the early copy!
April 27, 2026
Faking With You by Alex Taylor was a perfect simple, sweet and easy to read romance to mix into my tbr rotation.
I’ve read the previous two books in the Destined Love series by Alex Taylor and I was so excited to get to revisit the characters again. This series has such a good mixture of characters and strong found family vibes which I love. Plus it’s always fun getting to read Canada based romances.
I am so glad to finally get Eliza’s book. Eliza’s character felt very relatable and we had a lot of things in common. She thrives off structure and routine while being very risk adverse and I loved seeing her being forced out of her comfort zone. It wasn’t always easy, and it wasn’t instantaneous but we slowly got to see her take more and more risks with the support of Mac and her friends.
Mac was such a gentleman. Honestly, I fell for this man instantly. Not only was he the polished and controlled business man but he had such a soft side. He was such a supportive presence for Eliza. While he did force her out of her comfortable little box, he did it slowly and was there by her side to help her along the way.
I loved the fake dating aspect of this book. The high stakes pressure of Mac’s father needing to be fooled by their relationship and the tension as their fake feelings don’t feel so fake in private kept me turning each page waiting to see what would come next.
Mac and Eliza were a great couple. They really balanced each other nicely. While Mac helped Eliza to step out of her comfort zone, Eliza really helped Mac to learn what it meant to be part of a family and that there is more to life than work. Mac and Eliza had a lot of growth through this book, not only independently but also together. I really also enjoyed that their relationship felt organic. They were both aware of each other, intrigued by each other, and developed a friendship before falling in love.
Thank you Alex Taylor and Ember Literary PR for the opportunity to receive an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve read the previous two books in the Destined Love series by Alex Taylor and I was so excited to get to revisit the characters again. This series has such a good mixture of characters and strong found family vibes which I love. Plus it’s always fun getting to read Canada based romances.
I am so glad to finally get Eliza’s book. Eliza’s character felt very relatable and we had a lot of things in common. She thrives off structure and routine while being very risk adverse and I loved seeing her being forced out of her comfort zone. It wasn’t always easy, and it wasn’t instantaneous but we slowly got to see her take more and more risks with the support of Mac and her friends.
Mac was such a gentleman. Honestly, I fell for this man instantly. Not only was he the polished and controlled business man but he had such a soft side. He was such a supportive presence for Eliza. While he did force her out of her comfortable little box, he did it slowly and was there by her side to help her along the way.
I loved the fake dating aspect of this book. The high stakes pressure of Mac’s father needing to be fooled by their relationship and the tension as their fake feelings don’t feel so fake in private kept me turning each page waiting to see what would come next.
Mac and Eliza were a great couple. They really balanced each other nicely. While Mac helped Eliza to step out of her comfort zone, Eliza really helped Mac to learn what it meant to be part of a family and that there is more to life than work. Mac and Eliza had a lot of growth through this book, not only independently but also together. I really also enjoyed that their relationship felt organic. They were both aware of each other, intrigued by each other, and developed a friendship before falling in love.
Thank you Alex Taylor and Ember Literary PR for the opportunity to receive an arc in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2026
Oh. My. God. Where do I even BEGIN with this one??? This is hands down the spiciest book in the Destined Love series so far and I was NOT prepared 🥵
I love a grumpy, older MMC and Mac definitely fits the bill. He’s officially joined the book boyfriend hall of fame because that man is ticking every single box. The attitude, the tension, the way he softens just for Eliza? Unreal.
And Eliza. She is SO adorable. Watching her grow in confidence every time she’s around Mac made my heart so happy. You can literally feel her coming into herself and it makes their dynamic even more addictive to read.
Now listen… there is slight miscommunication (or lack of communication). And normally me and the miscommunication trope are NOT friends. BUT in this book, I’ll allow it 🙂↕️. Because the way it builds the tension and anticipation? I was sat there like “when this explodes it’s going to be EVERYTHING” you can feel it coming and trust me… it does not disappoint!
The chemistry between Mac and Eliza is off the charts, the spice is immaculate and the tension is unbearable and knee weakening in the best way.
This was honestly the PERFECT way to finish the series. I devoured it, I screamed internally (and externally), and I’m not ready to let these characters go. Obsessed is an understatement. 💋
What to expect:
💋 Fake dating
🔥 Age gap
🏠 Forced proximity
🌸 Virgin FMC
💘 He falls first
🤍 Found family
I love a grumpy, older MMC and Mac definitely fits the bill. He’s officially joined the book boyfriend hall of fame because that man is ticking every single box. The attitude, the tension, the way he softens just for Eliza? Unreal.
And Eliza. She is SO adorable. Watching her grow in confidence every time she’s around Mac made my heart so happy. You can literally feel her coming into herself and it makes their dynamic even more addictive to read.
Now listen… there is slight miscommunication (or lack of communication). And normally me and the miscommunication trope are NOT friends. BUT in this book, I’ll allow it 🙂↕️. Because the way it builds the tension and anticipation? I was sat there like “when this explodes it’s going to be EVERYTHING” you can feel it coming and trust me… it does not disappoint!
The chemistry between Mac and Eliza is off the charts, the spice is immaculate and the tension is unbearable and knee weakening in the best way.
This was honestly the PERFECT way to finish the series. I devoured it, I screamed internally (and externally), and I’m not ready to let these characters go. Obsessed is an understatement. 💋
What to expect:
💋 Fake dating
🔥 Age gap
🏠 Forced proximity
🌸 Virgin FMC
💘 He falls first
🤍 Found family
April 20, 2026
I really liked this book. It’s the kind of low-stakes romance that’s easy to sink into, with just the right amount of emotion and a satisfying, feel-good ending. Sometimes you just want a story that doesn’t drag you through unnecessary drama, and this delivered exactly that.
Even though this is part of a series, I hadn’t read any of the other books and was able to follow along just fine. It definitely works well as a standalone, which I appreciated.
One of my favorite parts was Eliza’s friend group—they felt genuine and supportive, and added so much warmth to the story. The friendships were just as enjoyable as the romance itself, which made everything feel more well-rounded.
I also liked that the book didn’t feel overly long or stretched out. It kept a steady pace and stayed engaging the whole way through.
The only thing that slightly threw me off was the trigger warnings at the beginning. Based on those, I was expecting a heavier or more intense backstory regarding Eliza’s upbringing and inexperience, but it ended up being portrayed in a much softer, more approachable way. That said, I actually think it was handled really well and fit the tone of the book perfectly.
Overall, this was a great read full of love, chemistry, and strong friendships. Definitely one I’d recommend if you’re in the mood for something light, romantic, and enjoyable.
Even though this is part of a series, I hadn’t read any of the other books and was able to follow along just fine. It definitely works well as a standalone, which I appreciated.
One of my favorite parts was Eliza’s friend group—they felt genuine and supportive, and added so much warmth to the story. The friendships were just as enjoyable as the romance itself, which made everything feel more well-rounded.
I also liked that the book didn’t feel overly long or stretched out. It kept a steady pace and stayed engaging the whole way through.
The only thing that slightly threw me off was the trigger warnings at the beginning. Based on those, I was expecting a heavier or more intense backstory regarding Eliza’s upbringing and inexperience, but it ended up being portrayed in a much softer, more approachable way. That said, I actually think it was handled really well and fit the tone of the book perfectly.
Overall, this was a great read full of love, chemistry, and strong friendships. Definitely one I’d recommend if you’re in the mood for something light, romantic, and enjoyable.
April 16, 2026
I've read other installments in this series and was glad that we were getting more! I picked this fifth installment up and got back into the Destined Love world. I so enjoyed it!
Eliza and Mac's journey got my attention! These two are in the same friend group. When circumstances leave Mac in need of a girlfriend he asks Eliza to be his. The two of them begin fake dating, but what happens when feelings come into the picture?
I really liked Mac and Eliza's New Year’s Eve beginning. I enjoyed how they were there for each other and seeing them fake date. From manifestation, fake dating, and real feelings, I couldn't wait to see how Eliza and Mac would take it all on.
I related to Eliza. I adored how Mac really saw Eliza. The chemistry between them was so good! Mac and Eliza were awesome together. It was enjoyable to see them figuring things out between them.
With Faking With You, Alex Taylor has created such a good fake dating romance that brought feels, spice, and relatability! 💜
Check out the author's note about the content.
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Ember Literary PR / the author*
Eliza and Mac's journey got my attention! These two are in the same friend group. When circumstances leave Mac in need of a girlfriend he asks Eliza to be his. The two of them begin fake dating, but what happens when feelings come into the picture?
I really liked Mac and Eliza's New Year’s Eve beginning. I enjoyed how they were there for each other and seeing them fake date. From manifestation, fake dating, and real feelings, I couldn't wait to see how Eliza and Mac would take it all on.
I related to Eliza. I adored how Mac really saw Eliza. The chemistry between them was so good! Mac and Eliza were awesome together. It was enjoyable to see them figuring things out between them.
With Faking With You, Alex Taylor has created such a good fake dating romance that brought feels, spice, and relatability! 💜
Check out the author's note about the content.
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Ember Literary PR / the author*
Review of advance copy
Thank you to Ember Literary PR and Alex Taylor for the free ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
ahhh hi this book is So good. I love fake dating tropes can you tell?
Eliza and Mac had me in my feels .From their new years kiss to them getting married. What I loved most was how patient Mac was with her.(MAC IS A CONSENT KING👑) He never rushed anything, and their relationship felt soft, safe, and genuinely built on trust. It made their connection feel real, and I was kicking my feet and screaming into my pillow the entire time.
The tension was so good and perfectly seasoned, the spice? Easily a 🔥🔥 10/10. It was the perfect balance of slow build and payoff, and it never felt forced but was still hot af.
But for me, their love confession was amazing.It was so heartfelt and emotional, The way Mac wanted to just to prove his love and make it a meaningful moment to show how much he loved her and even going out to buy a ring before they even said I love you (just ahh) just made it hit so much harder >.<
ahhh hi this book is So good. I love fake dating tropes can you tell?
Eliza and Mac had me in my feels .From their new years kiss to them getting married. What I loved most was how patient Mac was with her.(MAC IS A CONSENT KING👑) He never rushed anything, and their relationship felt soft, safe, and genuinely built on trust. It made their connection feel real, and I was kicking my feet and screaming into my pillow the entire time.
The tension was so good and perfectly seasoned, the spice? Easily a 🔥🔥 10/10. It was the perfect balance of slow build and payoff, and it never felt forced but was still hot af.
But for me, their love confession was amazing.It was so heartfelt and emotional, The way Mac wanted to just to prove his love and make it a meaningful moment to show how much he loved her and even going out to buy a ring before they even said I love you (just ahh) just made it hit so much harder >.<
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mac and Eliza are such a cute couple!
Mac plays hockey with the spouses of Eliza's BFFs and though they've been in the same circle for awhile, they just start to become closer after a sweet smooch at a new year's party.
The ladies write down manifestations and Mac just so happened to read Eliza's over her shoulder and is intrigued.
Mac's father wants him to take over the company when he's ready to retire, but refuses to let that happen unless Mac is in a serious and committed relationship.
Thus begins Mac's quest at a fake relationship with hopes that they can each benefit from the situation... which goes fine .. until it doesn't.
This was my first read by this author and I look forward to digging deeper into her other stories as well. Also as the final book in the series and not having read any of the others - I didn't notice any issues with getting lost in the storyline. :)
Mac plays hockey with the spouses of Eliza's BFFs and though they've been in the same circle for awhile, they just start to become closer after a sweet smooch at a new year's party.
The ladies write down manifestations and Mac just so happened to read Eliza's over her shoulder and is intrigued.
Mac's father wants him to take over the company when he's ready to retire, but refuses to let that happen unless Mac is in a serious and committed relationship.
Thus begins Mac's quest at a fake relationship with hopes that they can each benefit from the situation... which goes fine .. until it doesn't.
This was my first read by this author and I look forward to digging deeper into her other stories as well. Also as the final book in the series and not having read any of the others - I didn't notice any issues with getting lost in the storyline. :)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Faking With You hooked me from the very first chapter because both main characters step into their fake relationship with such clear, deeply personal reasons. It isn’t just a trope for the sake of the trope—Alex Taylor gives each of them emotional stakes that feel real, relatable, and honestly kind of tender. Watching them navigate their arrangement while slowly letting their walls down was incredibly satisfying.
What really made this book shine was how both characters grow. They don’t just fall in love; they learn to trust, to be vulnerable, and to let someone else truly see them. Their chemistry is fun and flirty, but it’s the emotional shift—the way they open their hearts bit by bit—that makes the story linger.
By the end, I wasn’t just rooting for their romance; I was rooting for them as people. And now I absolutely need to read the rest of the series because if the other books have this same mix of heart, humour, and character depth, I’m all in.
What really made this book shine was how both characters grow. They don’t just fall in love; they learn to trust, to be vulnerable, and to let someone else truly see them. Their chemistry is fun and flirty, but it’s the emotional shift—the way they open their hearts bit by bit—that makes the story linger.
By the end, I wasn’t just rooting for their romance; I was rooting for them as people. And now I absolutely need to read the rest of the series because if the other books have this same mix of heart, humour, and character depth, I’m all in.
Review of advance copy
I received this book from Ember Lit PR and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Mac + Eliza
Faking with You starts off as your standard quid pro quo between our MCs. What we end up with is SO much more. Mac is such a wonderful male character. He listens, he is attentive and he is so reassuring with Eliza. Eliza is shy but her character arc allowed for her to really blossom.
Eliza agrees to the deal with Mac and honestly, they both start to fall in love with the other BUT they have a horrible way of communicating.. Not saying something is just as bad as saying something that hurts the other person. So, we have a miscommunication trope along with a messy entanglement (added with intimacy) & a group of friends who are encouraging Eliza to let loose a little bit.
I really enjoyed Faking with You. I think the only thing I didn't like was near the end. Always stay for the WHOLE conversation and NEVER assume. Communication is KEY.
Mac + Eliza
Faking with You starts off as your standard quid pro quo between our MCs. What we end up with is SO much more. Mac is such a wonderful male character. He listens, he is attentive and he is so reassuring with Eliza. Eliza is shy but her character arc allowed for her to really blossom.
Eliza agrees to the deal with Mac and honestly, they both start to fall in love with the other BUT they have a horrible way of communicating.. Not saying something is just as bad as saying something that hurts the other person. So, we have a miscommunication trope along with a messy entanglement (added with intimacy) & a group of friends who are encouraging Eliza to let loose a little bit.
I really enjoyed Faking with You. I think the only thing I didn't like was near the end. Always stay for the WHOLE conversation and NEVER assume. Communication is KEY.
April 19, 2026
Faking With You by Alex Taylor is a fun and steamy contemporary romance that nails the fake-relationship trope with witty banter, sizzling tension, and heartfelt surprises. The story follows a spunky heroine striking a pretend-dating deal with a charming yet guarded hero, where their scripted romance quickly blurs into real sparks amid family pressures, flirty mishaps, and undeniable chemistry. Taylor's playful writing builds delicious slow-burn anticipation with emotional depth and steamy payoff that kept me smiling.
I loved the hero's cool confidence cracking into genuine swoon, the heroine's bold wit driving their connection, and those fake-date moments turning into authentic, heated passion.
While fake-dating tropes feel familiar, Taylor's fresh humor and satisfying HEA make it addictive. Overall, I’m giving Faking With You four stars. It’s a lighthearted, spicy read perfect for fans of rom-coms with heart.
I loved the hero's cool confidence cracking into genuine swoon, the heroine's bold wit driving their connection, and those fake-date moments turning into authentic, heated passion.
While fake-dating tropes feel familiar, Taylor's fresh humor and satisfying HEA make it addictive. Overall, I’m giving Faking With You four stars. It’s a lighthearted, spicy read perfect for fans of rom-coms with heart.
April 28, 2026
Faking with You by Alex Taylor is a fake dating romance that’s more on the emotional/steamy side than light and fluffy.
The story follows Eliza and Mac, who basically make a deal—he needs a “serious” girlfriend to secure his CEO position, and she wants to step out of her comfort zone and gain experience. So it starts off transactional, but pretty quickly stops feeling fake the more time they spend together.
The dynamic is a mix of sweet and messy. Mac is very attentive and lowkey soft for her, while Eliza starts off more reserved and grows into herself over the course of the book. Their chemistry is strong, but there’s definitely frustration too—miscommunication and holding things back is a big part of what drives the conflict.
Overall, it’s a fast, easy read with good tension and decent spice, but it leans more into character growth and relationship development than heavy drama. I had an enjoyable time!
Thank you to the author for an arc!
The story follows Eliza and Mac, who basically make a deal—he needs a “serious” girlfriend to secure his CEO position, and she wants to step out of her comfort zone and gain experience. So it starts off transactional, but pretty quickly stops feeling fake the more time they spend together.
The dynamic is a mix of sweet and messy. Mac is very attentive and lowkey soft for her, while Eliza starts off more reserved and grows into herself over the course of the book. Their chemistry is strong, but there’s definitely frustration too—miscommunication and holding things back is a big part of what drives the conflict.
Overall, it’s a fast, easy read with good tension and decent spice, but it leans more into character growth and relationship development than heavy drama. I had an enjoyable time!
Thank you to the author for an arc!
May 2, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Faking With You
Okay but why did chapter one have me blushing already 😩😂
I honestly loved this so much. Mac is literally the definition of a gentleman… flowers, cooking, opening doors, little kisses, like sir?? And Eliza was so cute and shy but also had her moments where I was like okay girl 👀
The whole fake dating setup was perfect. Him needing a “serious girlfriend” for the CEO position and her just trying to step out of her comfort zone… it worked so well together. And that New Year’s moment?? Yeah that’s where it all started and I was hooked.
What I loved most was how it slowly turned real. He falls first energy was STRONG and the way he cared about her and wanted to be her safe place?? Stop 😭
It’s sweet, a little spicy, and just one of those books that makes you smile the whole time.
Definitely recommend if you love fake dating, age gap, and soft but obsessed MMCs 💕
THANK YOU FOR THE ARC OPPORTUNITY! 💕
Faking With You
Okay but why did chapter one have me blushing already 😩😂
I honestly loved this so much. Mac is literally the definition of a gentleman… flowers, cooking, opening doors, little kisses, like sir?? And Eliza was so cute and shy but also had her moments where I was like okay girl 👀
The whole fake dating setup was perfect. Him needing a “serious girlfriend” for the CEO position and her just trying to step out of her comfort zone… it worked so well together. And that New Year’s moment?? Yeah that’s where it all started and I was hooked.
What I loved most was how it slowly turned real. He falls first energy was STRONG and the way he cared about her and wanted to be her safe place?? Stop 😭
It’s sweet, a little spicy, and just one of those books that makes you smile the whole time.
Definitely recommend if you love fake dating, age gap, and soft but obsessed MMCs 💕
THANK YOU FOR THE ARC OPPORTUNITY! 💕
Review of advance copy
Eliza lleva toda su vida siguiendo reglas que ni siquiera sabe si quiere seguir, pero debe hacerlo o al menos eso le inculcaron. Creció con ideas muy estrictas sobre el amor y el sexo, así que cuando empieza a cuestionarse todo, se da cuenta de que está totalmente perdida en ese tema. Una noche, por impulso, escribe un deseo sin imaginar que alguien lo vería.
Mac es más reservado, no cree en el amor, le gusta su soledad, pero lleva tiempo fijándose en Eliza sin entender por qué. Cuando descubre su secreto, se le ocurre una propuesta que podría solucionar los problemas de ambos. Él necesita aparentar una relación seria y ella quiere dejar atrás sus miedos, así que hacen un trato. El le enseña sobre su cuerpo y el sexo a cambio de que ella finja que son novios.
Gracias Ember Literary PR por el ARC.
Mac es más reservado, no cree en el amor, le gusta su soledad, pero lleva tiempo fijándose en Eliza sin entender por qué. Cuando descubre su secreto, se le ocurre una propuesta que podría solucionar los problemas de ambos. Él necesita aparentar una relación seria y ella quiere dejar atrás sus miedos, así que hacen un trato. El le enseña sobre su cuerpo y el sexo a cambio de que ella finja que son novios.
Gracias Ember Literary PR por el ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Finding your person
This is book 5 of the Destined Love series and can be read as a stand alone story.
It follows Eliza and Mac as they end up in a fake relationship and with him fulfilling her New Year’s Eve resolution.
This is an enjoyable quick read, it’s a slow burn story which had me in awe of just how gorgeous Mac was to Eliza trying to make things perfect for her.
A steamy at times story with amazing characters and based around a Hockey team that Mac plays for and Eliza goes regularly to games with her friends.
It’s fun, it’s emotional and it’s lovely to read along as their fake relationship becomes more.
Neither character is perfect and they show their vulnerabilities to each other, which makes them stronger together as a couple.
Thank you Alex Taylor for the opportunity to read this story.
This is book 5 of the Destined Love series and can be read as a stand alone story.
It follows Eliza and Mac as they end up in a fake relationship and with him fulfilling her New Year’s Eve resolution.
This is an enjoyable quick read, it’s a slow burn story which had me in awe of just how gorgeous Mac was to Eliza trying to make things perfect for her.
A steamy at times story with amazing characters and based around a Hockey team that Mac plays for and Eliza goes regularly to games with her friends.
It’s fun, it’s emotional and it’s lovely to read along as their fake relationship becomes more.
Neither character is perfect and they show their vulnerabilities to each other, which makes them stronger together as a couple.
Thank you Alex Taylor for the opportunity to read this story.
April 18, 2026
Faking with You is the fifth story in the Destined Love series. It was my first story from this author and was so well-written.
Eliza and Mac know each other through mutual friends. They kiss during New Year's Eve. Eliza wants to lose her virginity and has made a resolution to lose it. Mac wants to show his father that he can be in a serious relationship. He wants to take over his father's company. They make a pact to fake date in order to get what they both want. What they don't plan on is their feelings getting involved in their relationship. They spend a lot of time together and the more time they do spend together the more difficult it is to not fall in love.
I loved the chemistry between Eliza and Mac. i love how he sees her for who she is. I loved how good they were for each other. I look forward to the next story.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy.
Eliza and Mac know each other through mutual friends. They kiss during New Year's Eve. Eliza wants to lose her virginity and has made a resolution to lose it. Mac wants to show his father that he can be in a serious relationship. He wants to take over his father's company. They make a pact to fake date in order to get what they both want. What they don't plan on is their feelings getting involved in their relationship. They spend a lot of time together and the more time they do spend together the more difficult it is to not fall in love.
I loved the chemistry between Eliza and Mac. i love how he sees her for who she is. I loved how good they were for each other. I look forward to the next story.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy.
April 18, 2026
This is the fifth book in the Destined Love series but the first I have read so I can say, it can definitely be read as a standalone.
Mac needs a girlfriend to appease his father and allow him to take over as CEO of the company and he has always been intrigued with Eliza. When he accidentally sees her NYE manifestation he knows he can help. They make a deal to fake date for both of their benefit.
Eliza felt like such a relatable character to me. I feel like I connected with her so much. The fact that she wants to stay in instead of going out and needing to recharge after being with people is so me. Lol
The chemistry between the two of them was good. I did just want to shake both of them at times and tell them to just tell the other how they felt.
Thank you Ember PR and Alex for the ARC!
Mac needs a girlfriend to appease his father and allow him to take over as CEO of the company and he has always been intrigued with Eliza. When he accidentally sees her NYE manifestation he knows he can help. They make a deal to fake date for both of their benefit.
Eliza felt like such a relatable character to me. I feel like I connected with her so much. The fact that she wants to stay in instead of going out and needing to recharge after being with people is so me. Lol
The chemistry between the two of them was good. I did just want to shake both of them at times and tell them to just tell the other how they felt.
Thank you Ember PR and Alex for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
**ARC Review**
The premise behind the story was great. I'm such a sucker for the fake dating trope.
What was missing from this story was more. I wish there was MORE. More depth, more details, more conversation, more character development. This came across as a great first draft, but was definitely missing that **more**. Eliza had all kinds of interesting quirks that could have been developed to make her more well rounded. Mac definitely needed more character development - he came across fairly flat. The potential for his character was absolutely there and it kept me reading.
It's an easy read if you're looking for something high level and super light. Totally great for that. But it just was missing that *ooomph* for me.
Overall though, I'd give the author another read!
The premise behind the story was great. I'm such a sucker for the fake dating trope.
What was missing from this story was more. I wish there was MORE. More depth, more details, more conversation, more character development. This came across as a great first draft, but was definitely missing that **more**. Eliza had all kinds of interesting quirks that could have been developed to make her more well rounded. Mac definitely needed more character development - he came across fairly flat. The potential for his character was absolutely there and it kept me reading.
It's an easy read if you're looking for something high level and super light. Totally great for that. But it just was missing that *ooomph* for me.
Overall though, I'd give the author another read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐
ARC review
This book follows Eliza and Mac as they enter a fake relationship. Mac needs to prove to his dad that he can have a serious girlfriend before he can take over the company. Eliza made a New Year’s resolution about losing her virginity. Eliza is risk-averse and comes across as anxious but Mac is there for her every step of the way. They both catch feelings quickly but do not know how to communicate about this, which leads to some misunderstandings between them.
This is the second book I read from this author and I really like her writing style! I did feel a little lost in the beginning with the other characters as this is the fifth book in a series and I did not read the other books. The other characters sound interesting and I am adding the first four books to my TBR. Definitely a book I would recommend!.
What to expect:
🩷 fake dating
🩷 age gap
🩷 virgin fmc
🩷 forced proximity
🩷 found family
🩷 he falls first
🩷 slow burn
ARC review
This book follows Eliza and Mac as they enter a fake relationship. Mac needs to prove to his dad that he can have a serious girlfriend before he can take over the company. Eliza made a New Year’s resolution about losing her virginity. Eliza is risk-averse and comes across as anxious but Mac is there for her every step of the way. They both catch feelings quickly but do not know how to communicate about this, which leads to some misunderstandings between them.
This is the second book I read from this author and I really like her writing style! I did feel a little lost in the beginning with the other characters as this is the fifth book in a series and I did not read the other books. The other characters sound interesting and I am adding the first four books to my TBR. Definitely a book I would recommend!.
What to expect:
🩷 fake dating
🩷 age gap
🩷 virgin fmc
🩷 forced proximity
🩷 found family
🩷 he falls first
🩷 slow burn
April 16, 2026
💜 PUB DAY REVIEW 💜
Happy pub day to FAKING IT WITH YOU by @authoralextaylor 🥳🥳 the final book in the Destined Love series is now available on Amazon and KU!
I really enjoyed my time reading this last book in a series I have loved!! Mac and Eliza are actually perfect together (despite a 10 year age gap!). I loved how they go together- but we all know fake dating doesn’t stay fake… especially when both members of the fake dating admit to being “intrigued” by the other… but Mac? He really fell hard and I loved it!!!
I loved Eliza’s story line, and I could relate to parts of her story…. I love a FMC who loves to stay home and read!! But also, Mac is the same way too…. So even better! I loved seeing Mac and Eliza grow in their relationships, and seeing it become something more, and have both of them question if it’s real or not. The steamy scenes were also so good 🔥🔥 🔥
I also loved the found family vibes 💜💜💜
Happy pub day to FAKING IT WITH YOU by @authoralextaylor 🥳🥳 the final book in the Destined Love series is now available on Amazon and KU!
I really enjoyed my time reading this last book in a series I have loved!! Mac and Eliza are actually perfect together (despite a 10 year age gap!). I loved how they go together- but we all know fake dating doesn’t stay fake… especially when both members of the fake dating admit to being “intrigued” by the other… but Mac? He really fell hard and I loved it!!!
I loved Eliza’s story line, and I could relate to parts of her story…. I love a FMC who loves to stay home and read!! But also, Mac is the same way too…. So even better! I loved seeing Mac and Eliza grow in their relationships, and seeing it become something more, and have both of them question if it’s real or not. The steamy scenes were also so good 🔥🔥 🔥
I also loved the found family vibes 💜💜💜
Review of advance copy
Eliza and Mac know each other because they share many of the same friends. They make a deal to help each other out by faking dating for 6 months. Mac needs to appease his dad by having a relationship and Eliza no longer wants to be a virgin. They agree to the arrangement but never expect feelings to become involved. They try to resist falling for each other but that’s hard to do when you spend so much time together. Mac appreciates all the little things about Eliza and works to make her feel special and they have plenty of chemistry. She thinks it’s all part of the arrangement but develops feelings anyway. When the 6 months comes to an end, will both of them realize the feelings they’ve developed are real?
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