Perfectly Pretend

by Grace Worthington

He needs a girlfriend for his sister’s over-the-top wedding week. She needs a miracle for her struggling cafe. Now they’re pretending to date—and neither is ready for what comes next.Scarlett never planned to fake date her brother’s best friend, Brendan Marco. But when the grumpy hockey coach needs a girlfriend for a week of wedding events, she suddenly finds herself playing the part at his hockey games and a long list of lavish family events.

In exchange, Brendan agrees to help her land the arena vendor contract that could save her cafe.
It’s the perfect arrangement—temporary, harmless, and completely fake.

Between a dreamy week at an extravagant estate and wedding week shenanigans, their pretend relationship starts to feel dangerously real.

Scarlett is determined to keep things professional, which should be easy, right?

Except Brendan Marco has always been her weakness—ever since that kiss they shared back in high school that neither of them has ever mentioned again.

Now he’s looking at her differently.
Not like a friend.
Not like a teammate’s sister.
Like she’s the best thing that’s ever walked into the room.

When wedding week chaos brings family secrets and buried feelings to the surface, Scarlett has to face the
Pretending to date her brother’s best friend was never the real problem.
Falling in love with him might be.



Fake DatingFriends to LoversBrother's Best FriendForced ProximityWedding Week Chaos Perfect for readers who love a closed door romance with sizzle but no spice. Just crackling chemistry and a sweet, feel-good romance. This book reads beautifully as a standalone.

For fans of Jenny Proctor, Emma St. Clair, the Appies Hockey Series, Courtney Walsh, Leah Brunner, Katie Bailey, and readers who enjoy no spice hockey romances.

Genres: Sports, Romance, Second Chance, Contemporary, Closed Door Romance, Chick Lit, Fiction

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2026

About the author

Grace Worthington is a three-time award-winning author who lives and breathes sweet closed door romcoms.
A former musical theatre gal and playwright, she brings that same energy, heart, and comedic timing to her stories, crafting witty banter and lovable characters you can’t help but root for.
She holds a master’s degree in psychology and human development and has also completed graduate studies in creative writing. Her inspiration comes from charming coastal towns and classic romcoms from the ’80s and ’90s.
When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids.

Reviews

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has some of my very favorite tropes. Brendan and Scarlett end up fake dating for the majority of the story, which always brings some great tension. But, added into the tension is the fact that these two have history and heartbreak that they need to work through. The second chance romance aspect of the story definitely pulled at my heart. More tension was added by the fact that Brendan was the former best friend of Scarlett's brother, but that friendship had dissolved for some reason. And, finally, the forced proximity for these two during the wedding week was super enjoyable.

I loved when Brendan and Scarlett finally began opening up to each other and working through what really happened in the past. And how determined Brendan was to make sure Scarlett and everyone else knew exactly how much she meant to him. This story left me with a happy smile on my face.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brother's Best Friend! Can I just say this is one of my absolute favorite tropes! Or even just Sibling's Best Friend! And Grace Worthington nailed this trope in the best of ways with this book!!! This whole series has been so much fun and with this book we get Brendan and Scarlett's story! Yes, Yes, YES!!!!!!!

If you can't tell I really loved this one! From the unknown history between these two, to his brooding self sitting in the corner of her cafe, to his telling his family that she's his date to his sister's wedding without her even knowing!!! Yep!!! You better believe that right there makes this book such a fun read! I was all here for it! If you could see my face right now, you'd see that I am just grinning from ear to ear thinking about it all. And that's probably how I was throughout the whole time I was reading the book. It seriously just made me so so soooo happy!!! I couldn't get enough of these two! And all of the family drama-Brendan's side-and his hockey team's support and ribbing of him and Scarlett!!! I was laughing and cheering them all on!

I loved that these two get a second chance and I love how they finally open up and talk and explain what happened in the past. Even though this started out as a way to help Scarlett, and Brendan to get his family from setting him up with a girl he could never be happy with, it all works out for the best for both of them. They are just making the chemistry come bursting off the pages! And causing me to be grinning from ear to ear!!! I just can't help it!

Any time Grace Worthington announces a new book, I am so excited!!! I love her books! I love her writing style! I love her characters and their struggles and mistakes and finding joy and love!!! I'm hooked!!!

Content: Clean. The characters share a room due to a misunderstanding but nothing happens. There are some sweet kisses but nothing further.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brendan, former Marine and now the Carolina Crushers' new assistant coach, has a lot to prove since he's also the team owner's nephew. He's been in love with the same girl for twelve years, but circumstances have prevented him from doing something about it.

Scarlett struggles to keep her family's café going while her dad gets treatment for cancer. She's very stubborn and doesn't want to ask for help, but when Brendan needs a fake date to his sister's wedding and promises to help her with the business she reluctantly agrees. The date is just pretend, it doesn't matter that Scarlett has never forgotten that kiss with Brendan in highschool.

I've read the previous books in the series and it was so much fun to see some "old" characters again! However, there's a new couple in every book, so it can easily be read on its own. With Brendan and Scarlett we get dual POV, fake dating, friends to lovers, brother's best friend, forced proximity and hockey romance (no spice) - all lovely tropes! I also want to mention found family because the team players are really there for each other.

The chemistry between our protagonists is chef's kiss and it's almost comical that they don’t realise how they feel for one another! Speaking of comical, I've laughed out loud several times and that doesn't happen often! Between the laughing moments there are many sweet and romantic scenes, so Perfectly Pretend really has everything I want and could wish for in a hockey romance! (Except maybe Brendan's uncle - him I could do without! 😉)

* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *

[Megan Crofton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was so sweet and fun! This series always brings the fun and sweet romance. I was super excited to read Brendan's book since he was first mentioned in Grace's Renovation Romance series.

Brendan and Scarlett are such opposites but had this slight enemies vibes going on even though they called each other friends. Their history really played into all the layers of their story. They could each be so timid around the other in different ways but I felt this had something to do with their past. I giggled quite a few times with their antics and hilarious circumstances. They were so adorable. I loved her spunk and his seriousness. They complimented each other so well. I loved their banter. And their denial was so fun and perfect for the storyline.

The character growth progressed so nicely throughout the story. It wasn't rush to be solved at the end of the book. I liked that. I enjoyed the overarching theme of belonging, it was so relatable, and how Scarlett grew in her struggle with this. Brendan was good for her in this struggle. Her confidence in who she was really grew.

I loved the moments with the hockey players and how they were the comic relief but also there for Brendan. And Brendan's family was hilarious, especially his mom, aunt, and grandmother.

[rach · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ebook from the author via Booked with the Emily’s. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Brendan Marco has been gone for Scarlett ever since he saw her on the beach in high school. They shared one kiss, only to never discuss it again.

Now over a decade later, Brendan is the assistant coach for the local professional hockey team and Scarlett is running her family’s cafe. Scarlett is in need of more money for her father’s medical bills and is considering a vendor contract with the arena for games. When Brendan needs a date to his sister’s wedding and the week long festivities, he offers her a deal — she pretends to be his girlfriend and he will help her get access to his uncle who owns the team.

As the two spend time together, Scarlett begins to wonder if her feelings ever really went away. Scarlett is guarded— she isn’t sure she can survive another heartbreak from Brendan.

Read if you like:
• fake dating
• second chance romance
• assistant hockey coach x shop owner
• hockey/sports romance
• he fell first

[Danielle Kaitlin (daniallreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This might be my favorite Grace Worthington book

[Angie (mushmysteriesandmore) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good, I really enjoyed it from start to finish. I think fake dating is definitely my favourite trope; it’s certainly at the top end of the list.

Brendan and Scarlett matched so well. Whilst their original plan of mutual benefit fake dating served both their purposes, it was obvious from the start that they both felt strongly about each other.

Scarlett threw herself into every curveball that was sent her way. She went from wedding guest to a fully fledged bridesmaid and accepted it with dignity and grace. She went from attending the wedding only to the whole week-long shenanigans with ease and a calm sense of acceptance. She even handled the one-bed scenario easier than Brendan seemed to.

Brendan was a complicated guy. He would make a good poker player with his stone face, keeping his emotions close to him. He felt conflicted about being a coach, he was good friends with the guys on the team, some of them were his close confidents, but he was wary about acting too friendly with them because of the other coaches, and his uncle, who got him the job. He was always determined to prove himself to everyone.

I loved how close Scarlett and Brendan were at the end, how they would both go to extreme lengths for the other, proving how important they had become to each other. I also loved the Marco women, they were strong, sassy and loyal without question and knew exactly what was needed and when.

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I love this series! And it just seems like each book gets better. No exception with this one. She’s a cafe owner who is dealing with rent increase and he’s the new assistant coach for the local team, and just happens to be the nephew of the team owner. I love the players, the team, and now the assistant coach. There are so many fun moments in this story, it’s hard to not share them all. So here’s some things I do love:
💕 fake dating at a sister’s wedding
🩷 reconnection
🩷 the Marco women
🩷 the pool scene
🩷 the carnival

Okay, I’m stopping myself there. I just absolutely adore every book I’ve read of Grace’s and this one was just as delicious! Just go, read the book, read the series, and become a fan of the Carolina Crushers!

“Women love when you attempt something idiotic for them.”

“I want to be with you. Not just this week or when everything feels magical and the setting is perfect.” His hand traces a line down the curve of my neck. “I want to be the man you come home to on an ordinary Tuesday. The one who makes you feel safe. Who chooses you first, every single day.”

And this quote just because it’s hilarious:

“Believe me, the only thing the tuba is good for is the Veggie Tales theme song.”

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sophie Toovey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grace Worthington’s Perfect Crush Hockey series is always such a fun read, and Perfectly Pretend is no exception.

Brendan and Scarlett’s relationship is built on years of friendship and quiet, deep longing, which made their story especially satisfying. Friends-to-lovers is one of my favourite tropes right now (and I’m so glad it’s having a comeback), and this one delivered perfectly.

When Brendan asks Scarlett to be his plus-one for his sister’s wedding, it sets off a chain of genuinely funny moments. One of my absolute favourite scenes has to be the hockey team attempting to teach Brendan to tango… using hockey sticks. It’s chaotic in the best way.

The book balances humour with a lot of heart. Scarlett’s situation—navigating her father’s health and the pressure of paying bills—felt really well drawn and grounded. She’s such a warm, resilient character you can’t help but root for.

And Brendan? Completely swoon-worthy. His loyalty to Scarlett and the way he slowly realises he wants more than friendship is just *chef’s kiss*.

A perfect mix of comedy, emotion, and romantic tension—definitely a standout in the series and can't wait for Jaxon's spinoff.

[Erin Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review ♾️ ⭐️

Perfectly Pretend is officially my favorite Grace Worthington novel! From the very beginning I was enchanted by Brendan and Scarlett’s story. I loved their backstory and the way it impacted their relationship in present day. Second chance is typically not my favorite however… this second chance story was INCREDIBLE! The slow burn, chemistry and banter was off the charts. It’s evident throughout the story that these two people deeply care for one another no matter the outcome. Not only that, but I feel like Brendan and Scarlett demonstrated maturity in their miscommunications which helped me fall in love with them more. Their relationship felt authentic and genuine from start to finish. I loved the way these two were constantly supporting and encouraging each other. Such a beautiful love story that I will definitely be reading again! 💜💜💜

[Krysta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarlett and Brendan have a history. Unfortunately, it didn't end well and now she hates him. But he needs a date and only wants her. She needs his connections. They agree to fake date, but aren't prepared for the real feelings. This love story was so sweet. I loved his Brendan took care of Scarlett and would do anything to make her happy! 😍 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is part of a series, I have not read the other books in the series and it can be read as a standalone.

[Colleen's Conclusions · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another very cute read, I loved every minute of the book and I am excited to know there's two more books coming!

[Farah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarlett and Brandon agree that pretending to date will benefit both parties. They don't anticipate what usually happens in this scenario.

But I do! And I'm all in for it. Fake dating is by far my new favourite trope. It was really sweet watching these two realize that things might not be as pretend as they first began and then figure out how to maneuver their feelings in order to make things work. Both of the characters were likeable and their chemistry together was off the charts. I really adore this series. It feels like each story is just as good as the last! I'm already looking forward to reading more from Grace Worthington.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sublime reading and it’s brother’s best friend and that’s mighty pleasing to me no end,my favourite trope ,because that’s me and my dope ,shh don’t tell him ,not that he’ll do any yelling as he loves me to bits …Anyway as I was trying to say.

This story blew me away in no uncertain terms. This is what a Grace Worthington book claims each and every time her storytelling is sublime . No one needs telling me twice to pick up her books because with just a few sentences I’m hooked . Smitten as a kitten am I with these characters she introduces us to so that we’re rooting for their do or die success.

Anyway I digress . Again! I’ll try and refrain. I’ll tell you how I found this book and what it was that had me in its hooks. Scarlett is our FMC and shes got the looks ,she’s needing help with her cafe, is down on her luck. Shes trying to score big at the rink and seeing Brendan MMC makes her shrink. There’s history there. I was looking forward to going there with them and witnessing what I was sure could come good between them.

He needs to fake date so he can just skate without the worry of who he’s going to be matched with to take when his sister does marry. So while he’s here and so is she ,well it’s as easy as a,b,c. Well it is to him but someone’s in the dark even though there may have once been a spark. But how’s about letting Scarlet in on it first . Because she just got caught unawares. Yup he just announced to all and sundry that she is his girl..

Best make yourself scarce a while until you can do something for Scarlett to make her smile. Well it’s as easy might just be that they can make a pact ,he’ll help out with the rink contract and she can ease into the role he landed her in with at least a smile if not a grin ,every little bit is a worthy win. He’s not only the assistant coach but the nephew of the owner. Result? In the bag? We’ll see…

He’s the grumpy to her sunshine . Is he going to shine a light for her snow her he does care ? A dreamy week at an extravagant estate might just have sealed their fate because each and every day feels realer and realer and Scarlett is bright red one minute and paler the next. Well it sure beats feeling vexed. But what happens next ,a misunderstanding is a scream because it’s landing them with just one room… Is this a dream ? No nothing untoward ,a gent is he but this ain’t half a cute love story . Grace Worthington,you blew me away with this .It’s ,to coin a phrase perfectly bliss . Families and friends and hockey mates ,as well as a few dates to set you up for life . Maybe Brendan is next to get him a wife ….

[Alexandria Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay this book got me like genuinely GOT ME. I thought I was walking into a cute fake dating hockey romance because who doesn’t love fake dating books?🙋🏽‍♀️ But instead I ended up sitting on my couch at 3am (late night reader here🤗) cuddling my blanket over a man who has loved the same girl for YEARS and never stopped. It seriously took me a while to try to sleep after finishing.

📖 Perfectly Pretend by Grace Worthington

Brendan Marco is a man that loves QUIETLY. He notices everything. He remembers everything. He shows up every single time. Even when Scarlett is stressed. Even when she’s stubborn. Even when she’s trying so hard to hold herself together that she forgets she deserves someone to hold her too.

Scarlett is trying to save her café while carrying the weight of her family, her dad’s health, the bills, the pressure, all while pretending she’s “fine”.

But sometimes being the strong one is exhausting. Sometimes you smile and keep going because you don’t know what else to do. And this book understood that feeling so well.

And Brendan…He sees it. Oh babes, he sees it all.

That’s what made this book hit different for me. Not grand gestures. Not over the top drama. Just a man quietly loving a woman in all the ways she’s been needing for years.🥹🥹

These two had me losing my mind over the lingering looks, jealousy, forced proximity, fake dating (one of my faves), one bed, and those old feelings that never actually went away.

There’s this constant tension between them where you can FEEL how much history they have. The unsaid stuff. The missed timing. The “I never really got over you” energy.

The wedding week chaos, the hockey team constantly meddling, the family dynamics, the emotional moments hidden between all the banter🤌🏾👏🏾👏🏾

And when Brendan basically says he doesn’t just want the magical moments… he wants the ordinary Tuesdays too? OMG babes🫣🥰 I was so done for!

Because at the end of the day this book isn’t just about fake dating. It’s about finally being loved out loud by the person who’s been loving you quietly the entire time. And whewwww that got me🥹💛🏒

Thank you, Partner, @bookedwiththeemilys @graceworthingtonauthor 🫶🏽

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️

Another wonderful addition to the Perfect Crush Hockey Romance series by Grace Worthington. Perfectly Pretend combines brother’s best friend, fake dating (for her at least), and swoony moments that have you giggling and kicking your feet. Grace once again captivates her audience with sweet romance and witty banter that leaves your heart full. I always know Grace’s books will lift me out of any negative mood, reading rut, or chaos of the real world.

Both Brendan and Scarlett have been introduced earlier in the series. This book gives us a deeper look at their relationship and what happened between them in the past. While they are determined to stay civil to each other, their paths continuously cross as they share mutual friends and acquaintances. The one secret they unknowingly share is they still harbor feelings for one another. They both have the need for a significant other to help propel them in life, so what harm can come from fake dating?

With their families both watching them, Brendan and Scarlett find themselves in situations that bring them closer than they planned. As the past looms over them, because they refuse to talk about it, the tension is high and the yearning addictive. As the reader, I know they still want each other and found myself wanting to scream for them to just talk. And while it took some time, when it finally happened it was magnificent!

Grace’s story writing talents not only lie in giving readers wonderful MCs that carry the story, but also in her ability to give side characters so much meaning. She develops all characters equally and in this story, provided us an easter egg of what’s to come. I can’t wait for more of this universe or anything that Grace writes. Her books never fail to bring the heat without the spice, while still giving romance fans everything they love in a romance.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
🏒Fake Dating
💜Friends to Lovers
🏒Brother’s Best Friend
💜Forced Proximity
🏒Second Chance Romance
💜Hockey Coach MMC
🏒Cafe Owner FMC
💜Wedding Hijinks

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh, this was totally a mutual pining situation with these two, and I was there for it! We were introduced to these two in previous books, but I had no idea what had happened between them in the past or what was coming in the future… but gosh, I loved it!

Scarlett’s family business is struggling, and her father’s medical bills and health are making things even more stressful. When an opportunity arises for her to possibly have a chance at a contract that could turn her financial situation around, she has to consider it, even if it means fake dating Brendan Marco, the man she’s never been able to move on from.

Brendan and Scarlett have history...a history they want to skirt around and just get through his sister's wedding week shenanigans. But when both of them are still harboring feelings and struggling with words left unsaid, the faking they’re doing soon starts to feel very real, and the feelings are stronger than ever. But they walked out of each other’s lives before, so is it safe to give them another chance? And this time, they have an audience (their families) that are standing in the way.

Brendan was crazy swoony in this, but I also found myself getting a little impatient, wanting these two to unpack their past and put it all aside and just be together. But gosh, when those walls start crumbling down, the chemistry was off the charts!

I love how Grace started writing in the next romances to come after these ones, and I am SO excited to see what she writes next. If you are looking for chemistry that is off the charts and yearning that will have you rushing to turn the pages, this is the book for you.

I gave this a 4.5, rounded to a 5!

I received a complimentary copy; this review reflects my honest opinion.

***What You'll Find: Fake Dating, Friends to Lovers, Brother’s Best Friend, Forced Proximity, Wedding Week Shenanigans and He Fell First.

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reader’s Notes:

*Series or Connected Books?* part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone

*Point Of View:* Scarlett & Brendan

*Any Cursing Or Possibly Offensive Language?* there are about 3 uses of the ‘a’ word for donkey/butt (they are used as a shortened version of ‘assistant’ as well as the word)

*Romance?* Yes! Just kisses

-there are about 3 mentions of a character moaning/groaning

-there was one mention of tongue in a kiss

*Things To Know:*

–a character’s parent is going through cancer & treatment related to it (brief mentions & the emotional toll it has on the character mentioned)

-it is mentioned that a character’s sibling had a bad car accident when they were younger (past event)

Review:

I’ve been waiting for Brendan’s book ever since he made his appearance in Grace Worthington’s books and I loved his story! There was so much to learn about him and Scarlett that we hadn’t in past books and I loved every second of it. Their shared past with a hint of miscommunication that led to them not reconnecting until now was so heart wrenching and I loved seeing how they both took to their thoughts on what happened. I loved seeing Scarlett being immediately brought into the fold by the women in Brendan’s family and his mother’s over enthusiasm over him inviting her to be his wedding date. I loved the matchmaking some of the side characters participated in when it came to giving Brendan and Scarlett more time together. And I absolutely loved when both characters were given a chance to go to bat for the other one and chose their love over the other option presented!

I’m so very excited about both stories hinted at throughout this book! I don’t know which I hope for to come first, but I did see a preorder for one of them so I’m guessing that’s the one we’ll be getting first! 😉

Summary:

When Scarlett receives a notice that could end her family’s café, she can’t figure out how she’ll be able to keep things afloat. Her only option would be to apply for the hockey arena’s vender contract, but with no experience for hockey fare she doesn’t have high hopes of securing it. Though Brendan comes along in order to ask Scarlett for help, he offers to put in a personal good word from himself to go along with her application. And with his uncle being the owner of the arena that’s a pretty good offer. All Scarlett would have to do is accept the position of Brendan’s fake girlfriend and attend a week long of wedding activities for his sister’s wedding. Easy peasy if it weren’t for the fact that Scarlett has been pining over Brendan since their kiss back in high school…

Brendan is desperate to keep himself from being set up with a date for his sister’s wedding. And that would have been the case even if his heart hadn’t only ever wanted Scarlett. So when he’s asked who he’ll be bringing to the wedding, the only name on his mind is hers. But will she be willing to keep up the lie with him after everything they’ve went through since that first kiss?

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is part of the Perfect Crush series but can be read as a standalone. The characters do crossover, and you'll want to get their stories as well, but you won't feel like you're missing part of the story if you read the series out of order or read just this book.

This is a cute hocky romcom that will have you rooting for the characters.

In this story we get
🏒Friend's Sister
🏒 Second Chance
🏒 Fake Dating
🏒 One Room
🏒 High School Crush
🏒 Found Family (Hocky Brothers)
🏒 Slow Burn
🏒 Family Ties

I admit, I am a sucker for a good Fake Dating romance, and this one is a good one! Of course there is an element of "just have the conversation!" moments, but the tension between Scarlett and Brendon as they navigate their feelings works well in this story. One thing I loved is that once they did have the conversation, they didn't let the outside influences change their minds and there wasn't a 3rd act run away or breakup.

The side characters also sparkle in this book. Of course, this is where you will want to read the other books the Grace has written to get their stories. And we get a hint of two new books that will be coming - which I'm super excited for!!

I love clean/closed door romances that bring all the heat but none of the spice!!

I received an advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Quotes:
"There's something valuable about knowing what you like."

"Sometimes you need your friends to point out when you're an idiot."

"For the first time in my life, someone chose me."

"...being the most authentic version of yourself requires bravery and the ability to accept that some people might not like what they see."

"Maybe it's when things are at their absolute worst, that life surprises you the most."

[Angeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh! I loved this book ! I didn’t want to put it down. The books in this series just keep on getting better and better. Perfectly Pretend is the 5th book in Grace Worthington’s Perfect Crush Hockey Romance. I just loved this book and the characters
Scarlett and Brendan had history. He used to be her brother’s best friend and they were almost “something” years ago. It was cool to learn about their story and history. They knew each other well but had drifted apart. They both had feelings for each other but were afraid to even consider a relationship.
They had to learn to be brave for each other and be willing to risk their hearts. As they pretended to date, they began to wish for something more. Scarlett was so strong but I love how Brendan saw her and encouraged her. He always wanted her to succeed. Brendan was trying to prove himself to his uncle but Scarlett helped him see that he was enough. They were honestly perfect together. Brendan cared for Scarlett and Scarlett helped him let loose.
Brendan’s family was a lot of fun and I love how they just accepted Scarlett. They reminded me of my crazy but loving family. I also loved seeing the hockey team, they were each other’s found family. The scenes where Brendan was with the boys were just hilarious.
I adored this book and I would totally recommend it! The characters and the story were everything! I love the themes of family, standing up for yourself, and choosing to love. I am so excited for the next books to come! Perfectly Pretend is a closed door romantic comedy.

Book Highlights
Hockey romance
Fake relationship
Brother’s former best friend
Found family
Big family celebrations
Coffee shop
He’s a hockey coach
Wedding planning

I received a complimentary copy

[Anna Serfass · Rating 4 out of 5]

***ARC Review***


Thank you partners @bookedwiththeemilys and @graceworthingtonauthor for this #gifted arc!

What You’ll Find:
💜Fake Dating
▫️Friends to Lovers
💜Brother’s Best Friend
▫️Forced Proximity
💜Wedding Week Shenanigans
▫️He Fell First


Synopsis: 
He needs a girlfriend for his sister’s over-the-top wedding week. She needs a miracle for her struggling cafe. 
Now they’re pretending to date—and neither is ready for what comes next.

Scarlett never planned to fake date her brother’s best friend, Brendan Marco. But when the grumpy hockey coach needs a girlfriend for a week of wedding events, she suddenly finds herself playing the part at his hockey games and a long list of lavish family events.
In exchange, Brendan agrees to help her land the hockey arena vendor contract that could save her cafe.
It’s the perfect arrangement—temporary, harmless, and completely fake.
Between a dreamy week at an extravagant estate and wedding week shenanigans, their pretend relationship starts to feel dangerously real.
Scarlett is determined to keep things professional, which should be easy, right?
Except Brendan Marco has always been her weakness—ever since that kiss they shared back in high school that neither of them has ever mentioned again.
Now he’s looking at her differently. 
Not like a friend. 
Not like a teammate’s sister.
Like she’s the best thing that’s ever walked into the room.
When wedding week chaos brings family secrets and buried feelings to the surface, Scarlett has to face the truth:
Pretending to date her brother’s best friend was never the real problem.
Falling in love with him might be.
Perfect for readers who love a closed door romance. This book reads beautifully as a standalone.

[Cassondra Perea · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Grace Worthington is five books into her Perfect Crush Hockey Romance Series (featuring the Carolina Crushers) and showing no signs of writing burnout!!!

It is unusually for an interconnected series to last more than four books. If by some miracle they do the writing tends to become formulaic, predictable, and/or repetitive. Luckily that is not the case for Grace Worthington’s Carolina Crushers.

Perfectly Pretend marks the fifth book in the series and it is not only a five-star read, but a series standout!!!

The decision to feature Brendan Marco, an assistant coach for the Carolina Crushers, as the male main character was brilliant. While hockey romances continue to saturate the shelves, few authors (if any) are giving readers a coach’s perspective.

Getting to see hockey from a viewpoint other than a player was not only refreshing, but down right needed. It affords readers the opportunity to stay in the world of hockey, reconnect with the players they fell in love with, as well as witness the pressure the coaching staff faces from the higher ups.

As if a new perspective wasn’t enough, Worthington also tackles nepotism. Brendan is faced with obstacles simply because of whom his uncle is. Despite not coming from a hockey background, his military experience makes him an ideal coach. Unfortunately, he has to prove his worth time and time again.

This book also features:
-Second Chance Romance
-Fake Dating
-Brother’s Best Friend (former)
-Forced Proximity (Only One Bed)

I received a complimentary copy (electronic) of Perfectly Pretend courtesy of Grace Worthington and Poets and Saints Publishing. This is an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kaci Bonar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brendan Marco’s the one of the assistant coaches for the Crushers hockey team and a man of mystery.  We know he was in the Marines, worked as a conditioning trainer, but not much else, until now.  He may be the nephew to the team owner, but he has a lot more to him that.  Brendan spent his teenage summers with his family here, but they were too much for him.  Losing his dad at a younger age, made him want to disappear from everyone and he was quite successful until a loveable dog named Max found him that’s when everything changed.  He befriended the dog’s owners and joy returned to his life, fast forward a few years...he found love too only to have it stripped away from him before his departure to the Marines.  Now 12 years later and he’s out to prove that he’s more than his uncle’s nephew and that he can succeed on his own terms.

Scarlett Rossi’s a longtime local and has taken on running the family’s coffee shop, Magnolia Brew.  With her dad being diagnosed with cancer, her mom being the primary caregiver, and her brother wanting nothing to do with the business, this woman stepped up in a big way!  Only to receive a crushing blow that the lease would be doubling and have little to no ideas of how to make up the extra.  Thankfully she got an inside tip from a friend about the hockey arena searching for a new food vendor, this might be her lucky break but that would require her to potentially contend with the man who broke her heart over a decade ago.  Fate plays its hand as Brendan needs a plus 1 to his sister’s upcoming wedding.  Not so easy when they still haven’t discussed their past and fully processed all that happened.

Second chance romance when done right can leave you not only feeling happy but elated!  While on their road to figuring out that their feelings, they deal with the insanity that is his family, her brother’s drama, and the hockey team, no side characters are to be discounted.  I love how they all lend something to the story, and I appreciate each of them!  The little moments in this book are so amazing and some even make you swoon!  This book has officially made the Top 3 of all Grace Worthington books!  Can’t wait to see what’s next!

[Page Escapes by J · Rating 5 out of 5]

The "Pretend" was Fake, but the Feelings were Very, Very Real.

I went into Perfectly Pretend expecting a cute, lighthearted hockey romance. What I got was a masterclass in slow-burn tension and characters that I want to adopt as my best friends.

Characters & Growth:
Grace Worthington has a gift for creating leads that feel like actual humans. The FMC isn't just a foil for the athlete; she has her own agency, fears, and a wit that matches him hit-for-hit. Watching the MMC navigate the line between his public persona and the vulnerability he shows her was—chef’s kiss—perfection.

The Banter:
If you live for the "forced proximity" and "fake dating" tropes, the dialogue here is your playground. It’s snappy, intelligent, and genuinely funny. It’s not just sarcasm for the sake of it; the banter actually moves the plot forward and reveals how much they’re starting to care.

Prose & Pacing:
The writing is incredibly smooth. Worthington knows exactly when to lean into the humor and when to let the emotional beats breathe. I finished this in two sittings because the pacing is relentless—there are no "lull" chapters here. Every scene feels intentional.

Setting:
The hockey world felt authentic without being bogged down by too many technicalities. It provided the perfect high-stakes backdrop for a relationship built on secrets.

The contrast between the cold ice and the heat between the leads? Stunning.

Final verdict: A must-read for anyone who loves a romance that prioritizes emotional connection as much as it does the "steam." I’ll be thinking about these two for a long time

[Simone Gremillion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small town, brother’s best friend, fake dating, second chance adequately named romcom had me laughing and almost in tears. Definite 5 star book that I can’t recommend enough.

Scarlett is the epitome of sweet and feisty small town girl. She has been working in her parents cafe since she was able to and now is running it alone while her mother cares for her father.

Brendan is the grumpy hockey coach who is trying to earn his keep not just be in a position because of his wealthy uncle.

While young Brendan would visit for the summers and that’s when they met. He met her first and became best friends with her brother who doesn’t make the best choices. Now he’s back in town and every morning visits her cafe but doesn’t bother with conversation.

Never mind that their mothers are best friends. One morning, when his mother comes in to the cafe with a huge smile on her face, she tells Scarlett how excited she is that she is Brendan’s date for his sister’s wedding. What is this lady talking about?

A Couple Favorite Quotes:
“This arrangement between us was supposed to be simple-one wedding date and that was it. But it's spreading into every corner of our lives like some kind of super-virus. Because that's what gossip does. It multiplies faster than rabbits, and pretty soon you have an entire commune of cute, little bunnies taking over the space under your porch.”

“He was my first kiss. First love. First heartbreak. You never forget your first. But you also never forget your best. Mine are the same.”

#arcread #fakedating #forcedproximityromcom #brothersbestfriend #hefallsfirst

**I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mitzi Neiderhiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfectly Pretend by Grace Worthington has a little of it all - second chances, fake dating, crazy family, recurring characters and my absolute favorite sibling’s best friend. Grace does it again.

The reader is introduced to Brendan Marco, Assistant Coach for the Carolina Crushers and nephew of the owner. As well as Scarlett Rossi, whose family owns the Magnolia Brew Coffee Shop near the arena for the hockey team. Brendan and Scarlett have a history over 12 years old and Scarlett is holding tightly to her hurt feelings. Brendan knocks her for a loop when he tells his family that she is coming to his sister’s wedding as his plus one before he ever asks her. This puts Scarlett in a very award place and she has to decide how to make this benefit her and still come out with her heart intact. The twists and turns of this story kept me coming back for more. There are so many side glimpses that keep the story moving and keep the reader from predicting what will happen next. Wondering what actually happened in the past, to waiting to see what the group of hockey players will do next keeps the reader turning the pages.

I enjoyed this book and I will be going back to follow up with some of the books that I missed in this series to catch up. I really appreciated the depth of the characters, the symbolism explained, and HEA. Grab a copy for yourself and get comfortable.

I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving an honest and volunteer review.

[Carmen Dieleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfectly pretend

⭐️Scarlett never planned to fake date her brother’s best friend, Brendan Marco. But when the grumpy hockey coach needs a girlfriend for a week of wedding events, she suddenly finds herself playing the part at his hockey games and a long list of lavish family events. In exchange, Brendan agrees to help her land the arena vendor contract that could save her cafe. It’s the perfect arrangement—temporary, harmless, and completely fake.
Between a dreamy week at an extravagant estate and wedding week shenanigans, their pretend relationship starts to feel dangerously real.
Scarlett is determined to keep things professional, which should be easy, right?
Except Brendan Marco has always been her weakness—ever since that kiss they shared back in high school that neither of them has ever mentioned again.
⭐️Fake dating altijd hele leuke boeken. Ook dit verhaal was erg leuk om te lezen. Door de fale dating kwam er meer spanning tussen  de twee, ze hadden hun eigen momenten, maar ook nog momenten samen binnen het heden en verleden. Ik vond het fijn dat je vanuit het heden las, maar je stukjes vanuit het verleden ook mee kreeg. Hierdoor kon je je meer inleven in de personages wat voor mij een echte plus was. Ik heb al vaker boeken van Grace gelezen en ze stellen nooit teleur. Je kan heerlijk in dit verhaal wegdromen, zeker een aanrader om te lezen!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ sterren
#lezenisontspanning #neverstopreading #spreadthebooklove #reading #bookstagramreadsapril

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I enjoy reading this author and this series. This is a standalone, but with all series I do suggest reading them in order so that you have a good understanding of the characters and the setting.

Grace Worthington writes clean romances with complex and well developed characters and themes. Her books leave you with something to think about.

The main characters , Brendan and Scarlett, are lovely. It is satisfying to see how these long lost friends become something more in their present day. Their second chance romance will warm your heart.

My only issue with the book is the lack of understanding of food allergies. For this reason I could not rate it higher. There is a scene where Brandon has a severe food allergy reaction at a party. He is given Benadryl to counteract anaphylaxis and then he is sent home. As someone with multiple food allergies, I know first hand that Benadryl is never what should be given to someone who is having a reaction, especially an anaphylactic one. This character knows he has a food allergy so I also wondered why he was not carrying Epi with him as we all do with food allergies. Why would he go to a party, especially, without his Epi device? After having such a severe reaction he should have gone to a hospital, not home to sleep it off. While I enjoyed the book overall, I do think that this scene needed to be better researched.

Thank you to the author for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

[Cadence · Rating 5 out of 5]

- First Person, Dual POV
- Sports Rom-Com
- kisses only romance
- Book 5: The Perfect Crush Hockey Romance Series (okay as standalone)

Thank you to @bookedwiththeemilys and @graceworthingtonauthor for the # gifted copy of this beautiful book.

I have absolutely loved every book I've read from this series (I've read all except book 1, which I can't wait to finally get to once I'm caught up on ARCs). Grace always has the perfect combination of humor, heart, and hockey.

Perfectly Pretend had my attention and my love right from the opening line. (Technically, right from the character list warning... "Proceed anyway" 🤣)

Not only is this cover adorable, but the story is full of so many super sweet and laugh out loud moments. I will never look for a lost earring again without letting out a little cackle. (Best scene, hands down 😂) "This is dangerous. You can't contort yourself under the dashboard while I'm driving." (Words he probably thought would never leave his mouth)

Something I was especially thankful for was the communication among the characters. Forget the miscommunication trope, I'm here for open and honest conversation.

One last note before I wrap this up...."Friends don't count each other's abs" for Pete's sake Scarlet!

I definitely recommend picking it up along with the rest of this series.

I received an advanced review copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion and thoughts

[Romcom Queenie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfectly Pretend is a clean hockey romance that will absolutely melt the ice!
Brendan has been waiting for years to rekindle the romance with Scarlett that ended before it could really take off. Although they never forgot that initial attraction or their first kiss, life and misunderstandings pulled them apart, leaving old wounds behind. When the opportunity arises for Brendan to fake-date Scarlett at his sister’s week-long wedding celebration, it’s the perfect setup for those buried feelings to resurface.
Reading them get stuck together throughout the wedding festivities is pure magic. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the way their attraction manifests through sweet, heartfelt moments—from hand-holding and dancing to cozy snuggles and stolen kisses—is beautiful to read.
I absolutely loved the ending, and the epilogue was, quite simply, perfection. This is such a wonderful addition to the Perfect Crush hockey series. It is so much fun to see the hockey team join together to help nudge this romance toward its happy ending. I love the group dynamics, and the lead-in to the next two books has me very excited for what’s coming next!
If you love hockey, meddling family and friends, and story moments that will bring tears to your eyes and make you say "aww," this book is a must-read for you.
5 out of 5 hockey pucks!