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Ace's Bluff: A Tempest Knights MC Age Gap, Fake Dating, Brother’s Best Friend Insta-Love Novelette

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He’s the Chief of Police walking the line between justice and corruption. She’s the one woman he swore he’d never touch. But when a single night blurs the line between duty and desire, how long can they resist before crossing it for good?

Ace
It’s Christmas in Broken Bend, which means one thing—the annual Policemen’s Ball. Normally, I’d skip it without a second thought. Being both a cop and a secret member of the Tempest Knights MC means I prefer to keep a low profile. But after a department-wide corruption purge left me holding the badge as interim chief, I can’t afford to fade into the background anymore.

If I want to keep this job—and this town—safe, I need to play the part. The new mayor insists I show up to the ball, and not just solo. He’ a “family man” and all about image, which means I need a date. A girlfriend.

Only problem? There’s just one woman I’ve ever wanted. Annie Wright. My best friend’s little sister. Off-limits, untouchable… and the only person who could make pretending feel real.

But I’m sure Torque will understand if I borrow his sister for one night. Right?

Annie
I’ve loved Asa “Ace” Campbell for as long as I can remember. But he’s my older brother’s best friend—the one man I was never supposed to want. Didn’t stop me from dreaming, though… or saving my heart for him.

And when I move back home after college, I finally get my chance. Ace needs a fake date for the Policemen’s Ball, and since I’m one of the few who know his secret—that the Chief of Police is also a hidden ally of the Tempest Knights—I say yes without hesitation.

One night, pretending to be his girlfriend? I can handle that. Except nothing about the way he looks at me feels pretend.
Then, when danger strikes and Ace has to rescue me from a rival MC, we both realize the truth—what’s between us isn’t an act, and one night will never be enough.

Can I convince him that love isn’t a weakness… it’s worth every risk?

The Tempest Knights MC is packed with morally gray heroes who’ll do whatever it takes to protect the women they love. If you crave fast-paced, insta-love romance with a touch of suspense and a HEA—jump on, hang tight, and enjoy the ride.

126 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 18, 2025

8 people are currently reading
22 people want to read

About the author

Eliza Rockwood

59 books67 followers
Eliza Rockwood is primarily a contemporary romance author who loves to write short, spicy, and sweet insta-love stories full of dynamic characters. Though the Hideaway Mountain series is her debut published work, Eliza has been writing since she was a kid (was even presented with the esteemed “Future Novelist” award in her fifth-grade class) and has an undergraduate degree in creative writing. Her romance books are safe reads with heroes who fall fast and hard for their heroines, no cheating, and ALWAYS a guaranteed happily ever after.

Eliza was born and raised in Colorado, so many of her stories are set in small mountain towns and reflect aspects of her lived experiences. Although romance literature is her first love, she also enjoys writing poetry and historical fiction. She currently lives in Denver with her husband and two dogs, and is happy to be realizing a lifelong dream of publishing her written work. When she’s not writing, she can be found reading, hiking, or doing yoga.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Madison.
514 reviews14 followers
December 13, 2025
Oh Ace and Annie 😍 I adored this story so much.

He’s the police chief AND part of the Tempest Knights MC 🥵 say less, I’m obsessed with him.

This is insta love, virgin FMC and no third act breakup. I love Eliza’s stories so much.

Thank you for the ARC.
Profile Image for Chandra Luna.
2,028 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy
December 15, 2025
Ace’s Bluff by Eliza Rockwood is the kind of romance that sneaks up on you—starting with simmering tension and ending with your heart completely in its grip. Equal parts forbidden love, small-town danger, and slow-burning emotion, this story proves that some lines are meant to be crossed.

Ace Campbell is walking a razor’s edge. As interim Chief of Police in a town freshly burned by corruption—and a secret ally of the Tempest Knights MC—he’s juggling two identities that can never collide. Image matters, especially at the annual Policemen’s Ball. He needs a date. A girlfriend. And the only woman he wants is the one he’s sworn off for years: his best friend’s little sister.

Annie Wright has loved Ace quietly, patiently, and fiercely for most of her life. She’s grown up, come home, and knows exactly what she wants—even if Ace keeps pretending he doesn’t feel the same. When he asks her to play pretend for one night, Annie steps in fully aware that fake dating a man she’s always loved is the most dangerous role she could accept.

The chemistry between these two is chef’s kiss. Every look, every almost-touch, every moment of restraint hums with longing. Their shared history makes the romance feel earned and deeply emotional rather than rushed. When danger from a rival MC puts Annie in harm’s way, Ace’s carefully controlled world cracks wide open—and watching him choose her is immensely satisfying.

What truly shines is the balance. The romance is tender and intense, the spice enhances rather than overwhelms, and the MC tension adds real stakes without overshadowing the heart of the story. Ace’s Bluff is about love that refuses to stay hidden, about choosing vulnerability over fear, and about realizing that the right woman isn’t a weakness—she’s the reason to fight harder.

If you love forbidden romance, protective heroes, and a couple whose connection has been years in the making, this book deserves a spot at the top of your TBR.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Juniper Grace.
172 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 15, 2025
Quick, fast-paced, spicy, and completely action-packed. Ace’s Bluff delivered everything I want in a novelette and more.

Ace is the acting chief of police, but he’s also secretly a member of the Tempest Knights MC, an organization that’s done far more to protect the community than the corrupt police force ever has. To secure his position, he’s “encouraged” to attend the annual Policemen’s Ball… and definitely not alone. The only woman he wants on his arm? His best friend’s little sister, Annie, the one woman he can’t have and absolutely can’t let go.

Annie has loved Ace for as long as she can remember. Ten years younger, she’s grown up, gone to college, and come back certain that Ace feels the same way, but refuses to cross that line. When Ace asks her to be his fake girlfriend for the ball, Annie knows this might be her one chance to make him face his feelings and finally choose her.

The tension between Ace and Annie was chef’s kiss; forbidden, emotional, and full of longing. Add in MC danger, a rival MC targeting Annie, and the looming question of how Ace’s best friend will react, and this story kept me hooked from start to finish.

If you love MC romance, fake dating, best friend’s little sister, age gap tension, and high-stakes action in a bite-sized read, this one is for you.
Profile Image for Crystal Reads.
1,030 reviews61 followers
December 18, 2025
Brothers best friend is my favorite trope EVER, add in a MC and it makes it even better! Eliza gives us delicious short and spicy reads that I just devour every single time.

Ace is the chief of police, but he knows it is full of corruption so he is also a secret member of the Tempest Knights MC. He is also best friends with the woman he has been in love with for years, Annie. And now that she is back, he is finding it harder and harder to stay away from her.

Annie has had a crush on Ace, her brother's best friend, for years and now that she’s back in town she is trying to find a way to make him hers. So when he asks her to be his “fake girlfriend” this is the perfect opportunity.

There is nothing fake about the feelings and chemistry between these two. They are electric and their feelings are real. Loyalty means everything to Ace and his best friend Torque is her brother, so he is conflicted and knows he has to tell him how he feels. So when she is put in danger, everything is on the line.

This book is full of tension, longing, and danger. Buckle up and get ready for an amazing story in just a few pages.
Profile Image for Natasha sebuwufu.
221 reviews7 followers
December 9, 2025
5 stars ⭐️

I don’t normally reach for short stories because I usually end up feeling like things were rushed — but this one completely surprised me. The characters felt well developed, the world was clear from the start, and I never felt confused or lost. So refreshing!

Ace and Annie already had history, which made their romance feel believable and not rushed at all. Their connection really came through on the page, and the chemistry was so sweet. The spice was balanced perfectly too — sprinkled throughout the story in a way that actually added to the romance.

I also loved the little touches of humour (the eggnog scene had me giggling 😂), and the pacing was spot on. The chapters were a great length and the plot felt complete.

The hint at the end about who might be featured next made me so excited for the next instalment. Thank you so much for letting me beta read — I genuinely enjoyed this!

If you’re after a quick, romantic read with some spice and great vibes, this is a perfect pick. Plus, the series follows different couples, which I love!
Profile Image for FictionHealsMe.
137 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 13, 2025
Yes, Elisa did it again. I devoured this short story in one sitting. It’s fast-paced, captivating, and deliciously spicy ,exactly the kind of read that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go. I’m falling in love with this series more and more.

Even though it’s a short story, it has real depth. It never feels rushed or like something is missing. Ace and Annie have a shared history, and that foundation makes their relationship feel natural and believable. The chemistry between them is strong from the start and never feels forced.

This novella is part of a connected series, where each story focuses on a different couple while staying intertwined with the Tempest Knights MC and their tight-knit brotherhood. Ace’s Bluff made me even more obsessed. This is my second book in the series, and I’m honestly enjoying every moment of it. It’s the perfect pick when you want something quick, intense, and addictive.
Profile Image for Aida Rivero.
124 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 17, 2025
✨ NEW REVIEW: ACE’S BLUFF ✨
If you are looking for a quick, steamy read to melt the winter frost? I just finished Ace’s Bluff by Eliza Rockwood, and let’s just say Chief of Police Aiden “Ace” Callahan can arrest me any day.
This 2025 release is part of the Tempest Knights MC world and it hits ALL the right tropes:
✨ Brother’s Best Friend
✨ Fake Dating (at the Policeman’s Ball!)
✨ “Touch Her And Die” Energy
✨ Age Gap & High Heat
The Vibe: Annie is the "off-limits" sister, and Ace is the morally gray Chief of Police with a secret MC life. When they’re forced to play a couple for one night, the "fake" part disappears faster than Ace’s self-control.
Why you should read it:
If you love a fast-paced, insta-love story where the hero is obsessed and the MMC is a protector, this novelette is for you. It’s short, sweet, and incredibly spicy. Plus, we get a guaranteed HEA with no cheating!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Serenity_Reads.
13 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
DONT GET MAD, but a 4/5 because the entire kidnapping scene could have been better.
Asa definitely has my heart with this story. Sweet, loving— and a double blade of a man in uniform and someone in a motorcycle club? Yes please!!

It is also a 4/5 because I do believe @author_elizarockwood can definitely go deeper with knowing about motorcycle clubs— I would have loved the real depth of it in these books even if it is a novelette.

Annie is a super sweet girl! I love her— can’t say much about her since it wasn’t much to go off of besides the basic of her coming back from college.

Thank you again for this ARC @author_elizarockwood
Loved it!!!

#ARCREADER #motorcyclelove #booktok #biketok #bookishreader #readerofinstagram #smuttalk #booksmut #holidayromance #booktokromance #booktoksmut #readreadread
Profile Image for Melissa Mejia.
247 reviews59 followers
December 14, 2025
I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. I absolutely devoured this novella in one sitting!! Ace is the chief of police and is part of a MC club in secret. He needs a date for the police ball and he asks his best friend Torque’s sister Alice to fake date him. She has feeling for him so she says yes and he also has the same feelings for her!! Love their chemistry!! Absolutely love this whole series!! Eliza did it again chefs kiss!!

“He’s the Chief of Police walking the line between justice and corruption. She’s the one woman he swore he’d never touch. But when a single night blurs the line between duty and desire, how long can they resist before crossing it for good?”

722 reviews9 followers
December 24, 2025
A great story about a connection that has been brewing from years and will bloom under a fake relationship arc.

Ace is part of the police force and a member of the MC, He needs a date for the police ball and asks Annie to help him with this by faking a relationship with him. Well, Annie has been crushing on her older brother 's best friend since she was a young girl, so she is all in to help. Their true feelings start to mingle in the fake relationship, and their passion will take over.

But being open about their feelings will go through obstacles as it makes her a target of enemies, and there is her brother, too

A great read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Angela Sanchez.
329 reviews10 followers
December 19, 2025
Ace’s Bluff was amazing as expected. I love MC Romance books and will read anything Eliza writes so I already knew I was going to love this one. I don't want to give anything away so just read it because this Romance will have you laughing, gasping from suspense, fanning yourself from the spice and smiling because of the love. This story might be tiny (since it's a novella) but it's mighty (because you can feel the love.) Definitely read this series! Happy Reading Everyone!

🖤 Touch her & ☠️
🏍️ Pining 
🖤 Fake Dating
🏍️ Age Gap
🖤 Holiday Vibes 
🏍️ Morally Gray Cop w/Secret MC Life 
🖤 Innocent FMC
🏍️ Brothers Best Friend 
761 reviews5 followers
December 23, 2025
Ohmygawdohmygawdohmygaaaaaaaaawd!!!!!!
I freaking love this series by Eliza Rockwood!!!
Ace’s Bluff, a brothers best friend, age gap, MC, virgin heroine romance, was sweet, well written and edited, with a well thought out plot line that continues through the overarching series but also can be read as a stand-alone, with some awesome spicy scenes and a little bit of action/suspense, also with the perfect short length. Long enough to get all the good stuff in but short enough not to take all week to read😍

Sooooo goooood!!!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sam Blevins.
139 reviews2 followers
December 28, 2025
Ace needs a fake girlfriend and his best friend's little sister agrees to play along but they might not just be playing pretend. 
This book is clearly part of a MC and does play a minor part in the story but only because family members are members. This feels like it's a side story novelette to the main series. And this reads fairly quickly.  The short story has high spice and works as a standalone but reading the other booksin the series may give you more information on the relationship of the side characters to the main ones. 
Highly recommend to anyone who likes age gap and best friend's little sister tropes.
Profile Image for Merry Jelks-Emmanuel.
13.7k reviews157 followers
December 18, 2025
This is a wonderfully heartfelt story that had me connecting with Ace who is really a standup guy and loyal. He had always wanted to join the MC, but life's challenges had him going in a different direction but when an inside man was needed, he accepted. He also has secretly been in love with his best friend's little sister, who returns those feelings towards him. Will their relationship be accepted by his friend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ryland.
24 reviews
January 11, 2026
Well, she's done it again. Eliza has knocked my socks off with yet another stunning installment of the Tempest Knights MC series. I'm still in awe of how she makes these short novellas and takes you on an action-packed, spice-heavy journey where you feel you fully know these characters and are truly invested in their plot. Ace and Annie's story was chef's kiss. His possessiveness and protectiveness, paired with her sweet innocence, was everything. Yes, this man would burn the world down for her! I can't wait for the rest of this series!
Profile Image for Jess  Jackson.
146 reviews5 followers
December 8, 2025
Once again, Eliza has done it! What an amazing story, absolutely loved hearing Ace's story!
Just when I thought the Serpents had gone for good, they pop up again🫠
I absolutely loved reading about how both Annie & Ace had the same feelings for eachother but never had the guts to tell eachother🥹 I'm glad the Knights got involved to save the day again, better than the cops I say😏
I can't wait to see where Eliza takes us next with this series🖤
Profile Image for Ela.
50 reviews
December 18, 2025
LOVED THIS SO MUCH!

For a short story, the characters were actually really fleshed out and the yearning? Sooooo good. Annie and Ace's chemistry had me giggling and kicking my feet the whole time. I already love these characters and I’m fully invested now. Definitely need to read the other books, and that tease at the end has me needing the next one ASAP!!!

I’m so glad I read this today. It honestly made me really happy and was just exactly the pick-me-up I needed 🩷🩷
469 reviews2 followers
December 18, 2025
A cute love story with a dash of danger.
Makes me grin, these two lovesick lovebirds. I like Annie's smart assessments; even with some worries, she makes sure that Ace won't backpedal.
When Ace decides to embrace his feelings and finally go for what he wants, some situations made me worry that he might act cowardly, but he wouldn't.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Melissa Wilson.
1,333 reviews10 followers
December 18, 2025
This book is part of Tempest Knights MC series. Tropes: age gap, brother's best friend, chief of police, motorcycle club, fake dating, and innocent FMC. An instalove novella with an older cop in love with his best friend's younger sister. A fast paced story with fake dating and unrequited love. Enjoying the series. Can't wait for books on the motorcycle club.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Georgie.
144 reviews3 followers
December 18, 2025
4.5!
this and the letters series are my favourotes from Eliza, and this book is no exception. the banter between the MCs, the brother's best friend, the touch her and die?? amazing, no notes. I love the way Eliza builds up community through a series, the cameos are so fun to see and how everyone bonds together. I also liked that because it is a novelette, the overall focus was on their relationship, so it didn't feel like a fight between following plot or characters.
Profile Image for Tashii Sainsbury.
191 reviews10 followers
December 19, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Omg! I absolutely loved this book! Eliza has smashed it again!

Storyline is perfect and the characters 😍

Ace. Ace is so loyal it's lovable! He's absolutely in love with Annie. But he's best friends with her brother. Will loving Annie make it awkward between ace and her brother Torque?

Annie is in love with Ace. She never had the guts to tell Ace until she has to 'fake date'.

This is a MUST read !

Profile Image for Samantha Cheetham.
193 reviews4 followers
December 28, 2025
3.75 but rounding up :) for a short read I enjoyed this one. I think I would have loved if I had more time with the characters but the author did a good job of having me still love the story. she gives enough of their history so you can see why their connection is fast. I think if you have read the other books prior maybe you would feel more of all the characters as well. I may try one of them to get a full effect of a longer story from this author :)
Profile Image for Angela Griffin.
117 reviews2 followers
February 24, 2026
I am loving this MC romance series of short stories. They just prove that a book doesn’t have to be several hundred pages to be good. This series is also proving that not all insta-love books are cringe. Most of the ones I’ve read have me the ick 😅. Ace and Annie are so cute and so fiercely possessive of each other once they get past their reservations. I love how Torque was just like “about time” instead of being the overprotective jerk type of older brother. Definitely continuing this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Angi.
1,434 reviews
December 18, 2025
Ace believes in loyalty, it’s everything in his world. However, he is in love with Annie, his best friend Torques sister. This short but incredibly sweet book will leave you swooning. Get ready for a wonderful ride full of forbidden love, small town charm, tension and loads of steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jenn O'Leary.
1,055 reviews22 followers
December 18, 2025
Ace's Bluff is a spicy, action packed, insta-love, older brothers best friend romance.
I was so excited for another Tempest Knights MC read, and Eliza Rockwood did not disappoint.
I love Eliza's style of writing and world building. I could not put this down. I did not want it to end.
Ace & Annie are perfect for one another, and I can't wait to read more of the awesome series.
Profile Image for Victoria.
4,804 reviews
December 19, 2025
I believed in the connection and chemistry between Ace and Annie, and I liked seeing them together. I also liked seeing Ace's strength, he walked a fine line at times, but he did it with love, for his community, his brothers and the woman he loved.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Heather..
307 reviews44 followers
December 18, 2025
Another amazing read from Eliza! Annie and Ace might just be my favorite couple yet. The chemistry they have straight from the start you just know they were meant to be together. I can't wait to see what's next in the Tempest Knight's world!
180 reviews
December 19, 2025
Quick read!

This was an enjoyable, steamy quick read! The MMC and FMC finally after years got over themselves and got together. I also liked the little bit of romantic suspense in the story.
Profile Image for laura.lovesreading.
1,369 reviews6 followers
December 19, 2025
You’re in for a ride.

Despite being short it’s packed full of spice, action, danger, tension and love.

I love Annie and Ace! Their tension, the emotions, the forbiddenness - pure perfection.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
355 reviews2 followers
December 19, 2025
This MC romance is sweet, steamy with some suspense and corruption. It has a great story and character's that I would absolutely recommend adding to your TBR list.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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