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Colorado Dragons
The First Rule of Faking It
What’s worse than being stuck in paradise with your ex and the woman he cheated on you with?
When your hot hockey player best friend–who’s always made your heart beat a little faster–insists on pretending to be your new boyfriend.
Alec means well, but no one–not my ex, not my friends, and certainly not my family–is going to believe he’s suddenly madly in love with me. The only person at risk of believing the act… is me.
But maybe I’ll get through this despite his tempting touches, lingering smiles, and the fact there’s only one bed in our hotel room… as long as I remember the most important rule of Don’t fall for your fake boyfriend.
When your hot hockey player best friend–who’s always made your heart beat a little faster–insists on pretending to be your new boyfriend.
Alec means well, but no one–not my ex, not my friends, and certainly not my family–is going to believe he’s suddenly madly in love with me. The only person at risk of believing the act… is me.
But maybe I’ll get through this despite his tempting touches, lingering smiles, and the fact there’s only one bed in our hotel room… as long as I remember the most important rule of Don’t fall for your fake boyfriend.
- GenresRomanceFriends To Lovers
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2026
About the author
A. Rivers
21 books417 followersA. Rivers writes steamy romance books with take-charge heroes and strong heroines who aren't afraid to fight the odds for love. On the rare occasions when she ventures out of the writing cave, you can probably find her face down in a book, cuddling her pets, or planning her next overseas adventure with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
April 18, 2026
“The First Rule Of Faking It” is third book in “The Colorado Dragons” series. Alec Wright plays for the Colorado Dragons in the National Hockey League. Tallulah Dufresne, aka Tully, owns her own business, Coco Luxe. Alec and Tully have been best friends since forever.
Tully decides to leave work early and surprise her boyfriend Thad. On arriving at his apartment, she discovers her boyfriend in bed with her cousin Coral. “Perhaps if you were more available and put more of an effort into being here for me when I need you, then I wouldn’t have had to find someone else.” His gaze skimmed down my body. “Losing a few pounds wouldn’t have hurt either.” First call is to her best friend Alec….
After crying on Alec’s shoulder, she realises that she has cousins wedding in Hawaii to attend….Thad and Coral will be going together, as a couple. Alec suggests they go as a couple and pretend that they are fake dating each other. Tully was already feeling vulnerable, and if she let myself get closer to Alec, it would only hurt more when it ended. “Right now, my heart was bruised. If I allowed myself to believe in a fairy tale where Alec loved me, it could end up broken.” Tally reluctantly agrees for Alec to be her fake date for the wedding….what could possibly go wrong?
On arrival at the hotel in Hawaii, Tully forgets that the room she originally booked only has one bed….they agree that they are both adults and can deal with it. The more time they spend together, their feelings begin to change towards each other. Is their relationship still fake or is it now more? “You’re certain there’s enough chemistry between us for something real? Something that could last?”
There is never a dull moment! This book is everything you expect from a sports romance with a touch of alpha male thrown in. I’m very happily hooked - I did not want it to end! Once I started reading, I could not put this book down! At times you will laugh, you will cry, get angry and frustrated - most of all, you will love the twists! This book will charm “the pants off you” and leave you going back for more. This is a lovely book that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. You will fall in love with Alec and Tully. They compliment each in some many ways - faults and all.
“The kiss was gentle, soft, but then a deep growl rumbled in his throat, and he pinned me more forcefully against the wall. I parted my lips, and he deepened the kiss, sweeping his tongue inside and stealing my ability to think rationally…..I think we have chemistry….”
I was hooked by the first chapter. This is a lovely book that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful love story. From page to page, chapter to chapter, from cover to cover - you will enjoy this beautiful story. This book will not disappoint! Highly recommended 😊
Tully decides to leave work early and surprise her boyfriend Thad. On arriving at his apartment, she discovers her boyfriend in bed with her cousin Coral. “Perhaps if you were more available and put more of an effort into being here for me when I need you, then I wouldn’t have had to find someone else.” His gaze skimmed down my body. “Losing a few pounds wouldn’t have hurt either.” First call is to her best friend Alec….
After crying on Alec’s shoulder, she realises that she has cousins wedding in Hawaii to attend….Thad and Coral will be going together, as a couple. Alec suggests they go as a couple and pretend that they are fake dating each other. Tully was already feeling vulnerable, and if she let myself get closer to Alec, it would only hurt more when it ended. “Right now, my heart was bruised. If I allowed myself to believe in a fairy tale where Alec loved me, it could end up broken.” Tally reluctantly agrees for Alec to be her fake date for the wedding….what could possibly go wrong?
On arrival at the hotel in Hawaii, Tully forgets that the room she originally booked only has one bed….they agree that they are both adults and can deal with it. The more time they spend together, their feelings begin to change towards each other. Is their relationship still fake or is it now more? “You’re certain there’s enough chemistry between us for something real? Something that could last?”
There is never a dull moment! This book is everything you expect from a sports romance with a touch of alpha male thrown in. I’m very happily hooked - I did not want it to end! Once I started reading, I could not put this book down! At times you will laugh, you will cry, get angry and frustrated - most of all, you will love the twists! This book will charm “the pants off you” and leave you going back for more. This is a lovely book that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. You will fall in love with Alec and Tully. They compliment each in some many ways - faults and all.
“The kiss was gentle, soft, but then a deep growl rumbled in his throat, and he pinned me more forcefully against the wall. I parted my lips, and he deepened the kiss, sweeping his tongue inside and stealing my ability to think rationally…..I think we have chemistry….”
I was hooked by the first chapter. This is a lovely book that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful love story. From page to page, chapter to chapter, from cover to cover - you will enjoy this beautiful story. This book will not disappoint! Highly recommended 😊
May 29, 2026
I went into The First Rule of Faking It purely for the tropes…. best friends to lovers, fake dating, and forced proximity with that classic one bed setup in paradise, and it checked every box with a smile. 😊
The setup is deliciously awkward, Tally is stuck at a family wedding event with her cheating ex and his new woman, and her longtime hockey player bestie Alec is the fake boyfriend savior.
Rewind a moment …. Tally found her ex, in their bed with her cousin! Not wanting to appear like a loser, she asks Alec to come to the island wedding and protestor be her boyfriend. Simple …. Nope! Not when Tally has loved Alec forever. Hence the awkward situation we are in now…..
Alec is a great hero, protective without being overbearing, charming and a little cocky in that athlete way, but genuinely caring.
His long standing feelings for her make the “fake” touches and lingering looks feel electric right from the start. The best friend’s foundation gives the romance real warmth, so the emotional intimacy clicks faster than in many fake dating stories. It’s steamy but not overwhelming, the tension builds nicely through the forced proximity. The ex boyfriend drama is present but not dragged out into unnecessary angst, keeping the story light and breezy overall.
At around 170 pages, it’s a quick, satisfying read rather than a deep epic. Some side characters and family dynamics felt a bit surface level, but that fits the shorter format. (If you’re craving massive character arcs or heavy emotional turmoil, this isn’t it, it’s more of a smile while reading on the couch kind of book.)
Overall, if you enjoy hockey romances with low drama, high chemistry, and that satisfying “they’ve been in love the whole time” realization, this one is worth picking up.
It’s perfect for a palate cleanser between heavier reads that I’ve done lately.
I’d happily read more from the Colorado Dragons world.
Recommended for fans of best friends to lovers hockey romance that leans into the fun rather than the pain.
A fun, low angst hockey romance that delivers exactly what it promises.
🦋
4.5 ⭐
The setup is deliciously awkward, Tally is stuck at a family wedding event with her cheating ex and his new woman, and her longtime hockey player bestie Alec is the fake boyfriend savior.
Rewind a moment …. Tally found her ex, in their bed with her cousin! Not wanting to appear like a loser, she asks Alec to come to the island wedding and protestor be her boyfriend. Simple …. Nope! Not when Tally has loved Alec forever. Hence the awkward situation we are in now…..
Alec is a great hero, protective without being overbearing, charming and a little cocky in that athlete way, but genuinely caring.
His long standing feelings for her make the “fake” touches and lingering looks feel electric right from the start. The best friend’s foundation gives the romance real warmth, so the emotional intimacy clicks faster than in many fake dating stories. It’s steamy but not overwhelming, the tension builds nicely through the forced proximity. The ex boyfriend drama is present but not dragged out into unnecessary angst, keeping the story light and breezy overall.
At around 170 pages, it’s a quick, satisfying read rather than a deep epic. Some side characters and family dynamics felt a bit surface level, but that fits the shorter format. (If you’re craving massive character arcs or heavy emotional turmoil, this isn’t it, it’s more of a smile while reading on the couch kind of book.)
Overall, if you enjoy hockey romances with low drama, high chemistry, and that satisfying “they’ve been in love the whole time” realization, this one is worth picking up.
It’s perfect for a palate cleanser between heavier reads that I’ve done lately.
I’d happily read more from the Colorado Dragons world.
Recommended for fans of best friends to lovers hockey romance that leans into the fun rather than the pain.
A fun, low angst hockey romance that delivers exactly what it promises.
🦋
4.5 ⭐
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I’ve read several books by this author that focused on MMA fighters and have loved them. This is the first book featuring a hockey player, and it’s an enjoyable and entertaining, and fairly short (170 pgs).
Tally and Alec have been best friends for many years and when she walks in on her boyfriend in bed with her cousin, her first call is to Alec as she’s in full emotional meltdown. Alec steps up and takes care of Tally, and is sweet in his attention to her. He offers to be her fake boyfriend and attend a destination wedding for a different cousin since the bride’s sister (the cheater) is bringing Tally’s
Ex as her plus one. Awkward!
Once the fake dating plan is hatched, they try to share the fake status with both sets of parents, but the parents immediately get excited that Tally and Alec are finally dating. This was a little weird, but gave the impression those around them suspected these two could be more.
When they arrive in Hawaii they are faking for the first day or two, but Alec is definitely territorial when other male wedding guests which surprises Tally as this is out of character for him. Alec is the first to declare an interest in making their relationship real and no longer fake. Prior to this, Tally has had inner thoughts about being attracted to Alec, but quickly dismisses those thoughts.
While the story shows these two together, I just didn’t feel the romantic or sexual connection between them. In my opinion, there needed to be more emotional or sexual tension that builds before they end up together. This is an enjoyable book and an average read. I just wasn’t wowed, but the storyline which was unexpected because I’ve enjoyed many other books by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Tally and Alec have been best friends for many years and when she walks in on her boyfriend in bed with her cousin, her first call is to Alec as she’s in full emotional meltdown. Alec steps up and takes care of Tally, and is sweet in his attention to her. He offers to be her fake boyfriend and attend a destination wedding for a different cousin since the bride’s sister (the cheater) is bringing Tally’s
Ex as her plus one. Awkward!
Once the fake dating plan is hatched, they try to share the fake status with both sets of parents, but the parents immediately get excited that Tally and Alec are finally dating. This was a little weird, but gave the impression those around them suspected these two could be more.
When they arrive in Hawaii they are faking for the first day or two, but Alec is definitely territorial when other male wedding guests which surprises Tally as this is out of character for him. Alec is the first to declare an interest in making their relationship real and no longer fake. Prior to this, Tally has had inner thoughts about being attracted to Alec, but quickly dismisses those thoughts.
While the story shows these two together, I just didn’t feel the romantic or sexual connection between them. In my opinion, there needed to be more emotional or sexual tension that builds before they end up together. This is an enjoyable book and an average read. I just wasn’t wowed, but the storyline which was unexpected because I’ve enjoyed many other books by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 17, 2026
This is a charming friends‑to‑lovers story done just right. Tally discovers her boyfriend cheating with her cousin and turns to her best friend, hockey player Alec, for comfort. What starts as support slowly becomes something deeper—especially when Alec ends up accompanying her to her cousin Lake’s wedding, where Lake’s sister Coral is dealing with her ex, Thad.
The connection between Alec and Tally is strong from the start, with undeniable chemistry that feels completely natural. I loved how the author took two people who had always seen each other as just friends and gave them a storyline that allowed that friendship to evolve into something more—something they were clearly meant to have.
When Alec makes the shift from friend to lover, he’s all in, and that made his character such a standout. The drama felt believable, never overdone, and it was refreshing to see the family refuse to let Thad come between them.
The real charm of this story is Tally and Alec—their bond, their growth, and how perfectly they fit together. This is a romance with spice, tension, and just the right amount of drama, topped off with a deeply satisfying HEA that truly connects with the reader. I loved the bonus epilogue.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The connection between Alec and Tally is strong from the start, with undeniable chemistry that feels completely natural. I loved how the author took two people who had always seen each other as just friends and gave them a storyline that allowed that friendship to evolve into something more—something they were clearly meant to have.
When Alec makes the shift from friend to lover, he’s all in, and that made his character such a standout. The drama felt believable, never overdone, and it was refreshing to see the family refuse to let Thad come between them.
The real charm of this story is Tally and Alec—their bond, their growth, and how perfectly they fit together. This is a romance with spice, tension, and just the right amount of drama, topped off with a deeply satisfying HEA that truly connects with the reader. I loved the bonus epilogue.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 24, 2026
The First Rule of Faking It is the third story in the Colorado Dragons series. It was well-written and hard to put down.
Alec is a hockey player who has been friends with Tully for a long time. When Tully goes to surprise her boyfriend, she finds him with her cousin, Coral. He has humiliated her and then makes comments to make her feel bad. Tally calls Alec who comes to her side. He comes and gets her and takes care of her. She realizes she still has to attend her cousin's wedding which will now be awkward because it is Coral's sister's wedding. Tally needs a date. Alec says they can go together and act like they are dating. They have to go to Hawaii for the wedding. Tally sees her ex and Coral together. He accuses her of cheating on him with Alec. That never happened. As Alec and Tally spend more time together their feelings change. They have to decide if their relationship is still fake or are their real feelings.
I love the trope of friends to lovers and fake dating so this was one was so good for me. I loved the chemistry and the foundation that Alec and Tally already had. I loved how he was there for her and so good together. I look forward to the next story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Alec is a hockey player who has been friends with Tully for a long time. When Tully goes to surprise her boyfriend, she finds him with her cousin, Coral. He has humiliated her and then makes comments to make her feel bad. Tally calls Alec who comes to her side. He comes and gets her and takes care of her. She realizes she still has to attend her cousin's wedding which will now be awkward because it is Coral's sister's wedding. Tally needs a date. Alec says they can go together and act like they are dating. They have to go to Hawaii for the wedding. Tally sees her ex and Coral together. He accuses her of cheating on him with Alec. That never happened. As Alec and Tally spend more time together their feelings change. They have to decide if their relationship is still fake or are their real feelings.
I love the trope of friends to lovers and fake dating so this was one was so good for me. I loved the chemistry and the foundation that Alec and Tally already had. I loved how he was there for her and so good together. I look forward to the next story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
I hadn’t read any other books in this series, but I promise that you won’t be lost if you haven’t either. I mean, yeah, Alec is a hockey player. But this is about Alec the friend. The best friend. The man who’s really afraid of ruining a friendship but also really ready to take his chance when it appears. So, yeah. It’s a friends to lovers to everything ride with some spite and nastiness thrown in just to keep Tally and Alec on their toes.
I despised Thad, first and foremost. I mean, who wouldn’t! THAD? Oh, well played with the name, author. For real. And Coral deserves every bit of the misery she endures. I actually wanted some misery for Lake also, just because of the eagerness to buy into the lies over the truth. But Alec and Tally prove that they’ve got staying power beyond the friendship they’ve always had. They’ve got each other and aren’t afraid to tear someone apart for coming at the person they love.
Trust me when I say that Alec is sort of fabulous and I only wish I’d had more time with him and Tally!
I despised Thad, first and foremost. I mean, who wouldn’t! THAD? Oh, well played with the name, author. For real. And Coral deserves every bit of the misery she endures. I actually wanted some misery for Lake also, just because of the eagerness to buy into the lies over the truth. But Alec and Tally prove that they’ve got staying power beyond the friendship they’ve always had. They’ve got each other and aren’t afraid to tear someone apart for coming at the person they love.
Trust me when I say that Alec is sort of fabulous and I only wish I’d had more time with him and Tally!
Review of advance copy
Review:
🏒First Rule Of Faking It🏒
Colorado Dragons Novel
By A. Rivers
🏒 Hockey Romance
🏒 Sports Romance
🏒 Friends to Lovers
⭐ 5/5
Alec and Tally
This sports romance follows Alec and Tally. It is a sweet friends to lovers romance that is placed at the wonderful setting at a beach resort.
Tally has to attend a wedding where her ex who cheated on her is too, with the woman he cheated on her. Which strikes a nerve too because it isn’t just a random strange woman.
So Tally takes the offer of her best friend, hockey player Alec, and brings him with her as her new boyfriend.
Faking it is one thing, but falling for him another. But with the forced proximity, the pretending and the kisses and touches they share, the lines blurry. When they were there in the first place.
With people constantly questioning their relationship and her ex in her face, Tally has a hard time to keep her attraction and emotions at bay. And then Alec suggests that they stop pretending.
🏒First Rule Of Faking It🏒
Colorado Dragons Novel
By A. Rivers
🏒 Hockey Romance
🏒 Sports Romance
🏒 Friends to Lovers
⭐ 5/5
Alec and Tally
This sports romance follows Alec and Tally. It is a sweet friends to lovers romance that is placed at the wonderful setting at a beach resort.
Tally has to attend a wedding where her ex who cheated on her is too, with the woman he cheated on her. Which strikes a nerve too because it isn’t just a random strange woman.
So Tally takes the offer of her best friend, hockey player Alec, and brings him with her as her new boyfriend.
Faking it is one thing, but falling for him another. But with the forced proximity, the pretending and the kisses and touches they share, the lines blurry. When they were there in the first place.
With people constantly questioning their relationship and her ex in her face, Tally has a hard time to keep her attraction and emotions at bay. And then Alec suggests that they stop pretending.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Best Friends always have your back
Loved this short novel by A. Rivers. Tally, our FMC is not a stick figure and loves chocolate, so much so she made it her career. Since they were teenagers, her best friend has been Alec, who now plays in the NHL. Tally walks in on her boyfriend cheating on her with her cousin; of course she calls her best friend for support. When Alec finds out what happened, and that Tally will have to see the cheater and her cousing at an upcoming wedding in Hawaii, he knows he'll help Tally in any way he can. Alec, while a bit oblivious in understanding his feelings earlier on, is the best. He supports and uplifts Tally, getting her out of that funk that the jackwagon put her in, makes sure she gets back to feeling amazing in her own skin. If you love sweet, no 3rd act breakup, supporting and amazing book boyfriends, you're going to love this one. Definitely recommend.
Loved this short novel by A. Rivers. Tally, our FMC is not a stick figure and loves chocolate, so much so she made it her career. Since they were teenagers, her best friend has been Alec, who now plays in the NHL. Tally walks in on her boyfriend cheating on her with her cousin; of course she calls her best friend for support. When Alec finds out what happened, and that Tally will have to see the cheater and her cousing at an upcoming wedding in Hawaii, he knows he'll help Tally in any way he can. Alec, while a bit oblivious in understanding his feelings earlier on, is the best. He supports and uplifts Tally, getting her out of that funk that the jackwagon put her in, makes sure she gets back to feeling amazing in her own skin. If you love sweet, no 3rd act breakup, supporting and amazing book boyfriends, you're going to love this one. Definitely recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 stars for me.
The last thing Tally was expected is to find her boyfriend having sex with her cousin.Breaking up was hard enough,but now they will be together at her family wedding,and she needs a plan now.To the rescue comes Alec,Tally's best friend who's a hockey player and hot.They will pretend to be a couple for the wedding,just so her ex can't hurt her anymore.What they both didn't expect was a kiss that just shows them this out of charts attraction.Will they continue to fake it,or will it change to something real?
A quick fake dating best friends romance.I really liked Tally,but Alec was just a sweetheart,down to earth and really likable.A cute best friends romance,it was a short novella and it took me just few hours to read it.I liked the plot and set up,their parents were great,chemistry good ,and it left me with a happy feeling at the end.My first book by this author,and hope to read more.
Thank you author for arc,my review is honest and my own.
The last thing Tally was expected is to find her boyfriend having sex with her cousin.Breaking up was hard enough,but now they will be together at her family wedding,and she needs a plan now.To the rescue comes Alec,Tally's best friend who's a hockey player and hot.They will pretend to be a couple for the wedding,just so her ex can't hurt her anymore.What they both didn't expect was a kiss that just shows them this out of charts attraction.Will they continue to fake it,or will it change to something real?
A quick fake dating best friends romance.I really liked Tally,but Alec was just a sweetheart,down to earth and really likable.A cute best friends romance,it was a short novella and it took me just few hours to read it.I liked the plot and set up,their parents were great,chemistry good ,and it left me with a happy feeling at the end.My first book by this author,and hope to read more.
Thank you author for arc,my review is honest and my own.
April 20, 2026
This was a pretty quick read for me and was well written with a good story line. It's a friends to lovers, hot athlete best friend, cheating boyfriend trope. No complaints from me on this one!
When Tally catches her boyfriend cheating with her cousin, she turns to her best friend Alec for support. He has been with her since grade school and knows her better than anyone. When Tally finds out her ex is still attending the same destination wedding, she immediately wants to back out. But Alec has other ideas and says he'll play her fake boyfriend for the weekend. They have to make it believable though since everyone knows they've been platonic friends forever. So when the make believe gets a little to real, things heat up and feelings start to come to light. When the ex tries to sabotage them, things get even more complicated.
Overall a well written book with a decent storyline. Very cute read.
When Tally catches her boyfriend cheating with her cousin, she turns to her best friend Alec for support. He has been with her since grade school and knows her better than anyone. When Tally finds out her ex is still attending the same destination wedding, she immediately wants to back out. But Alec has other ideas and says he'll play her fake boyfriend for the weekend. They have to make it believable though since everyone knows they've been platonic friends forever. So when the make believe gets a little to real, things heat up and feelings start to come to light. When the ex tries to sabotage them, things get even more complicated.
Overall a well written book with a decent storyline. Very cute read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love how author A. Rivers wove Alec and Tally’s close friendship into their HEA. The movements, flow, and emotions came across as organic, allowing for a more intimate connection with the MCs. I wanted them to find what they really meant to each other so bad—let’s face it, Alec is rich and sexy (the model for Alec on the cover is absolutely gorgeous), who wouldn’t want to be happily tangled in his sheets 😉 and seeing the snippets of Tally’s naughty thoughts regarding Alec, she certainly wasn’t really going to put up too much of a fuss. I liked THE FIRST RULE OF FAKING IT quite a bit.
*** Recommended ***
MMC:
✨Alec
FMC:
✨Tally
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA
Tropes:
👉hockey romance
👉protective mmc
👉best friends to lovers
👉only one bed
👉fake dating
👉grumpy mmc
👉curvy fmc
Triggers:
💥18+
💥profanity
💥 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️, mf, open door sex
*** Recommended ***
MMC:
✨Alec
FMC:
✨Tally
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA
Tropes:
👉hockey romance
👉protective mmc
👉best friends to lovers
👉only one bed
👉fake dating
👉grumpy mmc
👉curvy fmc
Triggers:
💥18+
💥profanity
💥 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️, mf, open door sex
Review of advance copy
Finding out that she has been betrayed by two people Tally should have been able to trust but finding out that they are attending the same wedding as she is as a couple only makes the situation that much more difficult. When Alec, her best friends, offers to pretend that they are a couple she agrees even if she has reservations.
Alec would do anything for Tally and that includes being there for when she attends a destination wedding and will have to face the people who betrayed her. As they spend time together in a romantic setting they must decide between protecting the friendship they share or pursuing the relationship they could have together.
Alex has always been protective and possessive of Tally and shows her that what happened with her ex was the best thing that could have happened and the romance between them was both heartfelt and meant to be.
Alec would do anything for Tally and that includes being there for when she attends a destination wedding and will have to face the people who betrayed her. As they spend time together in a romantic setting they must decide between protecting the friendship they share or pursuing the relationship they could have together.
Alex has always been protective and possessive of Tally and shows her that what happened with her ex was the best thing that could have happened and the romance between them was both heartfelt and meant to be.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I thought this novel was an especially believable take on the best friends to lovers trope. Tally and Alec are besties from way back, and when her current boyfriend (Thad - his name even sounds icky!) does her wrong, Alec is the person she calls. He really does know her well, and ends up accompanying her to a destination wedding in Hawaii whose guest list includes her ex. Alec calls himself her "designated fake boyfriend bodyguard", which is perfect. I loved the contrast of the two kinds of scenes that ensue: watching Tally and Alec put Thad and Coral in their place (more than once - excellent snark!), and then seeing Alec and Tally growing closer as the wedding weekend wore on. I thought their developing relationship was especially believable. They both kept internally questioning if the way they were thinking and feeling was real or not, and that is just how I imagine a friends to lovers situation would develop. All this happens in a lovely Hawaiian setting, which adds extra charm to the story. I secretly enjoyed how creepy Thad turned out to be; sometimes it's fun to have an actual villain. This is the third novel in the Colorado Dragons series; I'm inspired to catch up on the earlier stories that I somehow missed!
I was given an ARC and volunteered to write a review.
I was given an ARC and volunteered to write a review.
April 17, 2026
A sweet and entertaining best friends to lovers sports romance that will warm your heart. The First Rule of Faking It is the third book in the captivating Colorado Dragons series.
Ms. Rivers is a new author to me and I thoroughly enjoy this book. She tells us the story of Tally, a chocolatier and business owner, and Alec, an NHL player, two best friends who are there for one another no matter what. When Tally's life was shaken, it was Alec whom she called and he dropped everything for her. When she needs to"save face," Alec is her knight in shining armor. Now they are sharing a room at a luxury Hawaiian resort and feelings come to the surface.
We get a book filled with friendship, family, as well as laughs, a chemistry that has been smoldering under the surface for a long time and a love that was meant to be.
Ms. Rivers is a new author to me and I thoroughly enjoy this book. She tells us the story of Tally, a chocolatier and business owner, and Alec, an NHL player, two best friends who are there for one another no matter what. When Tally's life was shaken, it was Alec whom she called and he dropped everything for her. When she needs to"save face," Alec is her knight in shining armor. Now they are sharing a room at a luxury Hawaiian resort and feelings come to the surface.
We get a book filled with friendship, family, as well as laughs, a chemistry that has been smoldering under the surface for a long time and a love that was meant to be.
April 18, 2026
4.5⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
Storm and Tally are best friends and have been long enough that pretty much everyone thinks they should be a couple.
Now Tally is going through a humiliating break up and Storm being the good friend he wants to protect his friend.
Tally doesn't want to accept his help but she's not sure how else she'll make it through her cousin's wedding.
This is a slippery slope though these two have never really analyzed their feelings for each other.
Loved these two characters they really did have a great friendship. It didn't just change when they decided to start faking. When things get complicated they don't just abandon each other. Although there was drama it wasn't super heavy it played well in the story and kept the pace going at a good speed.
I can't wait for more Dragons.
I have voluntarily left this review.
Storm and Tally are best friends and have been long enough that pretty much everyone thinks they should be a couple.
Now Tally is going through a humiliating break up and Storm being the good friend he wants to protect his friend.
Tally doesn't want to accept his help but she's not sure how else she'll make it through her cousin's wedding.
This is a slippery slope though these two have never really analyzed their feelings for each other.
Loved these two characters they really did have a great friendship. It didn't just change when they decided to start faking. When things get complicated they don't just abandon each other. Although there was drama it wasn't super heavy it played well in the story and kept the pace going at a good speed.
I can't wait for more Dragons.
I have voluntarily left this review.
Review of advance copy
This book was so great! Alec and Talky are besties and have been since their teens. He call calls her Coco ug, which is adorable because she’s a chocolatier. Tally leaves work early to surprise her boyfriend who says she works too much and she gets a nasty surprise. The only person she calls is Alec and comes to her rescue. After a few days she’s feeling better when she realizes her cousins wedding is coming up and she’s short her plus one. Alec volunteers and reluctantly Tally accepts. Once they arrive there is drama aplenty! Lots of snuggles and some pretty great romance. I received an ARC of this book and am happily leaving my review. This book has some great moments, some sweet moments and some amazing revenge! I loved it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars. This novella is dual POV, well written, and a sweet and steamy, friends-to-lovers, fake relationship to more, contemporary sports romance between Tally, the female chocolatier lead, and her best friend, Alec, the male professional ice hockey lead. I enjoyed the sincere depth of friendship that existed before the story commenced. I enjoyed Tally’s confidence in her career, and her consideration of those around her, even as her ex was a jerk. I enjoyed Alec’s determination to help Tally. I enjoyed the intertwining of their families. I enjoyed the justice served to Tally’s ex. I enjoyed the steamy intimate scenes. I enjoyed the happy ending and adored the cuteness of the bonus scene.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advance copy received from Author
The First Rule of Faking it by A. Rivers
Colorado Dragons
Tropes
Sports romance
Best Friends to Lovers
Fake Dating
Tally walked in on her boyfriend Thad in bed with her cousin. What makes everything even worse is she will be at a destination wedding for another cousin, while cheating cousin and Thad will also be there. She calls her best friend Alec who is a hockey player and who would do anything for her. The wedding is in Hawaii and Alec agrees to go with her as her date. Things change between them after a kiss. Alec is so good to her and gets her to see herself the way he sees her. This was so sweet and Alec is very high on the book boyfriend list.
The First Rule of Faking it by A. Rivers
Colorado Dragons
Tropes
Sports romance
Best Friends to Lovers
Fake Dating
Tally walked in on her boyfriend Thad in bed with her cousin. What makes everything even worse is she will be at a destination wedding for another cousin, while cheating cousin and Thad will also be there. She calls her best friend Alec who is a hockey player and who would do anything for her. The wedding is in Hawaii and Alec agrees to go with her as her date. Things change between them after a kiss. Alec is so good to her and gets her to see herself the way he sees her. This was so sweet and Alec is very high on the book boyfriend list.
April 17, 2026
This is the third book in this awesome series, and this is Alec and Tally’s story.
Tally walked in to catch her cheating boyfriend with her cousin, and Alec is her best friend, and an NHL player. When Tally has to attend a destination wedding for another cousin, where her ex will be, Alec is going with her and convinces her to pretend they are fake dating.
This is a well written easy to read story, with family, friendships, emotions, loyalty, challenges, fake dating, best friends / lovers, humour, forced proximity, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and sweet, addictive hockey romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Tally walked in to catch her cheating boyfriend with her cousin, and Alec is her best friend, and an NHL player. When Tally has to attend a destination wedding for another cousin, where her ex will be, Alec is going with her and convinces her to pretend they are fake dating.
This is a well written easy to read story, with family, friendships, emotions, loyalty, challenges, fake dating, best friends / lovers, humour, forced proximity, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and sweet, addictive hockey romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
April 18, 2026
This book was a really entertaining read and just a well done story. I was invested in the story and the characters from the very start. I found myself able to relate to both Tally and Alec throughout the book. I felt hard for Tally from the beginning. No one wants to have to deal with what she did. But the way Alec shows up and supports however she needs is so endearing. Their connection and chemistry were palpable, only getting more intense and deeper as the story went along. Watching them grow and develop was heartwarming. I absolutely loved how all in Alec was once the door was opened. This book had drama and tension, romance and spice. It was a great balance of it all and I truly enjoyed reading it. Plus the ending was *chef’s kiss*
April 20, 2026
Alec and Tally are best friends and have been for years, since they were younger. It is a atable, grounded relationship of faith, reliable and loyal towards each other.
When she finds her boyfriend Theo in bed with her cousin Coral, the person she contacts is Alec. A fake dating agreement for a forthcoming wedding is designed to be a means of protecting and promoting her. Everyone seems pleased they are together as a couple and it all begins to feel and act as real..loving, caring, sharing.. save for Theo. Alec is definitely Tally's knight in shining armour. It's been a long time in the making, but the result is perfect.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When she finds her boyfriend Theo in bed with her cousin Coral, the person she contacts is Alec. A fake dating agreement for a forthcoming wedding is designed to be a means of protecting and promoting her. Everyone seems pleased they are together as a couple and it all begins to feel and act as real..loving, caring, sharing.. save for Theo. Alec is definitely Tally's knight in shining armour. It's been a long time in the making, but the result is perfect.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2026
This was my first book from this author and I loved it. I didn't realize is was the third book in a series, but I had no problem keeping up. But this book was so good, I need to read the others!
What's not to love when your best friend is a hockey player and is there for you when you catch your boyfriend with your cousin in bed. Alec has been best friends with Tally for years and suggests he takes her to her cousin's wedding in Hawaii with her now knowing her boyfriend will be attending with the cousin he was caught with. He also suggests to pretend they are dating. From the minute they arrive to their room I could not get enough. This book has all the emotions and some twists which just kept me wanting more and more!!!
What's not to love when your best friend is a hockey player and is there for you when you catch your boyfriend with your cousin in bed. Alec has been best friends with Tally for years and suggests he takes her to her cousin's wedding in Hawaii with her now knowing her boyfriend will be attending with the cousin he was caught with. He also suggests to pretend they are dating. From the minute they arrive to their room I could not get enough. This book has all the emotions and some twists which just kept me wanting more and more!!!
April 26, 2026
Review by: Jennifer
(5 Stars)
The third in the Colorado Dragons series and this story hooked from the first page! Tally finds out that her boyfriend is sleeping with (shock and gasp) her cousin! Lord, I have no clue how she didn't absolutely lose her ever loving mind on her cousin... but that's just me. Alec is Tally's best friend and is her ride or die and would do anything for her, so pretending that they are in a relationship and being her fake date at the upcoming wedding they have to go to is no big deal. But what happens when lines get crossed, one "fake" kiss that turned into something more? I absolutely love the fake to real trope and this was done very nicely. I give this 5 stars.
(5 Stars)
The third in the Colorado Dragons series and this story hooked from the first page! Tally finds out that her boyfriend is sleeping with (shock and gasp) her cousin! Lord, I have no clue how she didn't absolutely lose her ever loving mind on her cousin... but that's just me. Alec is Tally's best friend and is her ride or die and would do anything for her, so pretending that they are in a relationship and being her fake date at the upcoming wedding they have to go to is no big deal. But what happens when lines get crossed, one "fake" kiss that turned into something more? I absolutely love the fake to real trope and this was done very nicely. I give this 5 stars.
May 14, 2026
I gotta say, Tully was way more calm than I would have been. When she leaves work early to get home, she gets the surprise of her life. Her boyfriend is in bed with her COUSIN. Like wth I would have lost a million times over. Whom do you call when your heart's been shattered? Your best friend, of course. Alec and Tully have been best friends for years; no one understands it but them. When she calls, he goes running, and when he finds her in tears over a douche, well, he's ready to throw pucks. When Tully realizes she still has to attend another cousin's wedding, well, it's Alec who is there for her. As these two pretend to be together, lines are getting crossed, and hearts are beating faster. Can they make it out alive and unscathed?
May 20, 2026
This is a friends to lovers romance story that brings a down on her luck girl who looks for comfort but finds love in the arms of her best friend.
Tally wants to heal her broken heart after her cheating boyfriend, so she runs into Alec - a hockey player- who has been her best friend for quite some time. WHen she needs a date to a family event, he will come as her fake boyfriend giving them the chance to explore their sentiments, attraction, and their new dynamics.
The growth of the characters in the book is great, as they struggle with the feelings of being more, passion, and fear of losing it all.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tally wants to heal her broken heart after her cheating boyfriend, so she runs into Alec - a hockey player- who has been her best friend for quite some time. WHen she needs a date to a family event, he will come as her fake boyfriend giving them the chance to explore their sentiments, attraction, and their new dynamics.
The growth of the characters in the book is great, as they struggle with the feelings of being more, passion, and fear of losing it all.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Faking a relationship with your best friend is always extremely risky, even if you think you’re helping. Actually it’s what Alec proposes to Tally after she finds her boyfriend Thad in bed with her cousin. The first rule is making sure your heart is not involved and Alec is already in trouble with his plan and so is Tally’s. Every page I read, I couldn’t stop turning the next. Their devotion as friends is real and heartfelt but their chemistry is over the charts alluring. Anyone and everyone who sees them together know that nothing about them is fake. This author writing draws you in from the very beginning.
April 22, 2026
You really can't beat best friends falling for each other and this story about Tally and Alec hit the mark. Tally deserves the world and whilst I hate what happened for Alec to get his chance but oh how I squealed with delight when they had their moments of letting their true feelings shine like the clothes shopping and all Alec's declarations about how amazing and beautiful she is (insert swoon). There are plenty of loveable characters and then a couple who deserve bad karma as well as some good laughs and a wonderful HEA!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 25, 2026
This book was such a fun read. I loved the characters and how they were best friends turned more because they both loved each other secretly. FMC walks in on her bf and cousin and breaks up right away with him. She still has to go to the wedding of the cousin's sister because it's a destination wedding and finds out the now ex will be going still with the cousin. Enter in best friend mc who says they can fake date for the wedding and make it look real. Feelings start growing even more during the wedding and after when they get home. You will not want to miss reading this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 28, 2026
Tally and Alec - a fabulous best-friends to lovers, with a little forced proximity and only one bed, fake relationship. Being gaslit by her boyfriend, then finding him in bed with her cousin sets Tally on a course she never anticipated. When her best friend, Alec steps in insisting that being her fake boyfriend is the best way to face down her cheating ex at a destination wedding, things heat up, and life becomes a journey as they discover the other side of their relationship.
Ms Rivers knows how to stir up the reader's emotions, then adding just enough spice to make the recipe perfect.
I received an advanced copy from the author
Ms Rivers knows how to stir up the reader's emotions, then adding just enough spice to make the recipe perfect.
I received an advanced copy from the author
May 6, 2026
Paradise wedding? Check. Best friends to lovers? Double Check. Douchebag getting what he deserves? Infinity check!
So good, the way you know Alec would do anything for Tally is amazing. The way his teammates know he would do anything for her. The way she finally realizes how much he would do for her.
I knew what would happen in that first chapter, douche a canoe boyfriend. But the way the author turned everything and made sure the reader was just as in love with Tally and Alec was just amazing. I couldn't put it down!
And her cousin finally getting it together is even better! I definitely need to know what THE picture was!
So good, the way you know Alec would do anything for Tally is amazing. The way his teammates know he would do anything for her. The way she finally realizes how much he would do for her.
I knew what would happen in that first chapter, douche a canoe boyfriend. But the way the author turned everything and made sure the reader was just as in love with Tally and Alec was just amazing. I couldn't put it down!
And her cousin finally getting it together is even better! I definitely need to know what THE picture was!
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